The 13 Best Card Holder Wallets in 2023, Tested by Gear Experts

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Trade your bulky bifold for a streamlined, slim-profile card holder wallet.

THERE WAS a strange time way back in the 20th century when carrying a thick, well-worn leather wallet was a point of pride for many men. It was part of our father’s and grandfather’s everyday carry (EDC), and many of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s blindly adopted the tradition. But, if Seinfeld taught us anything, it’s that old-school wallets are bulky, inconvenient, and really … unnecessary. That’s doubly true nowadays when most people carry little (if any) cash, and things like Apple Pay allow us to stop carrying credit cards altogether.

So, if you’re looking to ditch the traditional bifold to trim down your EDC, the question is what to do with the cards and emergency bills you do still carry every day? The answer: A card holder wallet. These ultra-slim wallets are designed to carry only the IDs, cards, and cash you need and nothing else. Their streamlined designs are pared-down enough to be front-pocket-friendly. So you can finally sit down comfortably without feeling like you’re toting around a paperback copy of The Hobbit in your back pocket.

As with traditional bifold and trifold wallets, there are plenty of card holder wallets on the market, too. For most of us, a wallet is another subtle expression of our personal style. So, finding the right one is important. While we can’t tell you exactly which is right for you, we have researched and personally tested dozens of the most popular models from many of the best-known brands. Here, for 2023, are our top picks for the best card holder wallets worth shopping for this year.

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Bellroy’s latest Flip Case (Second Edition) is the next iteration of its handsome, best-selling original. It’s a swanky, double-sided card case with a sleek, magnetic trap door closure that’s unlike almost anything we’ve seen. Inside, there’s room for 8 cards (or 6 cards plus a few folded bills), split between two separate storage sections. It’s all wrapped in a premium eco-tanned leather with a durable, long-lasting polymer to protect your investment (and your EDC inside). It’s available in one of eight handsome colors, too, including mainstays like black and tan, plus more modern options like Cobalt and Evergreen. Bonus: Unlike most low-profile and card holder wallets, the Flip Case is built with RFID-blocking tech, too.

At roughly $90, it’s pricey if you’re looking for “just” a card holder case. There are certainly cheaper options. But we’d argue this wallet isn’t just a card holder. It’s arguably the most unique card holder wallet case on the market. Given the premium design of all of Bellroy’s products that we’ve personally tested (from Macbook accessories to travel backpacks), and the fact that it’s backed with a three-year warranty, this one is likely to be the last wallet you buy for a good long time.

What do buyers say? “Not just super slim—the design allows it to more easily go into and out of pockets. This is what I have been looking for for years,” said one Amazon reviewer.

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In a few short years, the Ridge Minimalist Slim Wallet has become the go-to wallet for EDC-obsessed gentlemen. The modern industrial aesthetic feels like something plucked from a near-future sci-fi movie. Unlike traditional leather wallets, the Minimalist Slim Wallet features an all-metal exterior forged from titanium in a handful of handsome colors. It’s extremely durable and scratch-resistant, enough so that The Ridge offers a lifetime warranty on all of its wallets. On the inside, there’s space for up to twelve cards without stretching out. Two cash attachment options—either a cash strap or a money clip—add even more functionality, so it’s not just a card holder wallet. You can also opt for both if you can’t decide. Bonus: The entire wallet is RFID-blocking, too.

Sure, it’s $125, but it’s probably the last wallet you’ll need to buy for a very long time. The serviceable design (meaning the screws and elastics are individually replaceable) means that if anything breaks, you only need to fix what’s broken rather than buy a whole new wallet.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 20,000 Amazon reviews, 90% recommend The Ridge Minimalist Slim Cardholder Wallet with at least a 4-star rating.

If you’re looking for a gift-worthy card holder wallet or you’re the type who likes his pocketable accessories to match, Leatherology’s Card Wallet + Key Gift Set is your man. The two-piece combo includes a full-grain leather slim card case with four card slots (two on either side) and a center compartment for folded bills or more cards—your call. It’s complemented by a rectangular keychain made of the same matching leather with a clip and metal keyring. It’s all accented with handsome nickel hardware that feels modern yet timeless. Plus, this set comes gift boxed and can be personalized, making it truly the most gift-worthy card holder wallet in our roundup. Each of the four standard colors (Black Onyx, Brown, Navy Blue, and Cognac) is stylish yet muted to work with just about any personal fashion sense.

At just $65, this set is surprisingly affordable, especially given Leatherology’s premium leather accessories. We’re hard-pressed to find much to complain about here. Our only minor gripe is the lack of free shipping under $100, although flat-rate shipping is just $5. So there’s that.

What do buyers say? "I was pleasantly surprised how well the wallet is made and the quality of the leather. The wallet has slots on both sides and on top, amply room to hold cards and money. It makes a very nice gift." said one Leatherology reviewer.

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Straight up: Ekster's Parliament Wallet is a genius piece. Completely one-hand-operable, it will push out all your cards neatly in a fanned, organized row at the click of a button, providing the most seamless, quickest card access possible. No more struggling to free your AMEX or ID from too-tight leather card slots or flipping through the depths of your bifold wallet to find your Equinox membership card. The compact design is surprisingly roomy, too, with enough space for up to a dozen cards, plus some folded-up emergency cash.

This wallet is unlike any other on this list. So, if you're looking for one of, if not the, most unique men's wallets of 2023, you've found it. It's available in about a dozen handsome colors, so you can perfectly complement your personal aesthetic. Plus, Ekster offers a Tracker Card add-on that ensures you'll never lose your wallet.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 10,000 buyer reviews, 98% recommend the Ekster Parliament Wallet with at least a 4-star rating.

We've tested a lot of AirTag wallets, and all-aluminum one has stood out to us as one of the very best money can buy. For starters, the wallet is hard as a rock, and it resembles the type of construction the best-rugged card holders. It's also incredibly compact, just three by two inches; and slim as slim can be when accommodating an Apple AirTag. I mean, you can barely notice the device once it's in place. As for the card capacity, you can fit about six cards down vertically into the holder.

Where this wallet shines the brightest is on its strong and slim design. The AirTag on the front is connected via a screwed-in plate; the plate is legit metal too so you don't have to worry about it popping off or cracking.

Along with the wallet comes its own mini screwdriver and a backup set of screws, so you are provided the tools to take off the plate and put it back on. The screws are quite small, so you might need to squint your eyes to position them on the magnetic end of the screwdriver. Once you have the plate secured on you won't have to pop it off for at least a year (Apple notes that AirTags are designed to last for more than a year). This is an awesome rugged and minimalist wallet that makes a fun gift for men.

What do other buyers say? "I was REALLY surprised by how much I value this super compact highly durable and easy-to-find wallet. Didn’t expect to find that it holds my cards SO MUCH more securely and I LOVE THAT!" said one amazon.com reviewer.

Most card holder wallets—even some of the very best card holder wallets—don’t differentiate themselves much from one another. Tanner Goods takes a slightly different tact that subtly sets their Journeyman Slim Card Holder Wallet apart. It features the same four-slot design (two on each side) as most front-pocket-friendly slim wallets. But, a slightly asymmetrical cut in the card slots and thick offset stitching around the edges gives it a unique, rough-hewn look that we dig. It’s all made from premium English bridle leather that not only looks great (in one of four handsome colors), but feels great in hand too.

With an $85 price tag, this card holder wallet is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive in our roundup. But you really do get what you pay for here. If you’re looking to upgrade your typical everyday carry with a streamlined wallet that stands apart from the rest, we think this is easily the best premium leather card holder wallet of 2023.

What do buyers say? “My last Tanner wallet lasted a good decade plus and it still had plenty of years left. User error (yeah, I lost it) is the only reason I’m replacing it. Beautifully made and I’m sure I’ll get another 10+ years out of this one. Can’t wait to see how the natural leather ages,” said one Amazon reviewer.

We’re fans of just about anything Fossil-branded, from its smartwatches to its wallets. This Bifold Sliding 2-in-1 Wallet is no exception. The unique design combines a traditional bifold leather wallet with a slideout card case. Either can be used individually, or they can be combined into a single (albeit bulky) OG-style wallet designed to hold everything you need and then some. The card case is ultra-streamlined with only enough room for three cards—perfect for anyone who often goes cashless (lucky you).

Like many of Fossil’s accessories, this card holder wallet set is well-priced at under $60. It strikes a good balance of high-quality leather, classic good looks, and plenty of versatility depending on how much or how little you want to carry on a given day. Plus, it boasts more than 450 five-star ratings on Amazon alone, so it’s clearly a buyer favorite, too. Our only minor gripes are the lack of RIFD-blocking and a see-through ID card window—both of which could make this versatile card holder wallet even better.

What do buyers say? “My husband loved this wallet. It’s not super thin but it really depends how many cards you are holding. The part that slides out is so handy,” said one Amazon reviewer.

Slide action wallets are seen more and more these days, and it's no wonder why; they're freakin' cool to use. Most slide-action wallets work by pressing a button, which then pulls a lever and pops out your most used cards. But the Groove Wallet works but simply pushes upward on its sliding metal plate, prompting your array of cards to pop right out for easy access—no buttons needed.

What else is great about the Groove Wallet is its aluminum construction, so you don't have to worry about any plastic pieces breaking off or wearing down. In fact, we have members in our office who have been using their Groove Wallet for well over a year now. And with the Groove Wallet you also get a money clip on the back with an extra card holder slot. We found you get about five cards into the slide action holder and about two cards on the back, along with a few bills.

This is a wallet both minimalist guys and gadgets guys will love. The Groove Wallet is tough, convenient, and fun to use. Just try to limit clicking the sliding plate back and forth too much when you're bored, or else your friends will start getting annoyed (speaking from experience).

What do buyers say? "This is one of those products that I wish there were something better than five stars. I’ve owned dozens and dozens of wallets in my life, this is far in the way the best. Especially if you’re doing minimalistic," said one Amazon reviewer.

Of course, you don’t have to spend north of $100 on a decent wallet, even a card holder wallet. Herschel Supply Co. is a solid go-to for reasonably priced, yet stylish accessories. Its Charlie RFID Card Case is a pared-down slim wallet that looks good, and carries exactly what you need for your EDC. The polyester construction is ultra-durable, and four card slots provide enough room for your ID and most important plastic (assuming you still carry credit cards, that is). We also like that this is one of the best RFID-blocking wallets, too, so you can keep all those cards protected from tech-savvy pick pockets.

Like almost everything in Herschel’s catalog, this wallet is well-priced at just $25. It’s not the flashiest or most premium card holder in our roundup, but it’s certainly among the most affordable. If you’re looking for a slim wallet card holder that gets the job done without splashing out on, say, a premium leather option, this might be the right one for you.

What do buyers say? “Love this wallet. Great colors, bright and vibrant. Holds everything I need it to hold,” said one HerschelSupply.com reviewer.

Distil Union’s Wally Micro Wallet is a step apart from typical slim-profile card holder wallets. The unique design is roomy enough for up to 10 cards on the inside, and a pull-tab makes for quick, easy access to them all. The design is also versatile enough to stash folded up bills, too, in case you like to carry emergency cash as part of your everyday carry. But what truly sets this card holder wallet aside is the clever reversible design. Just open the bifold all the way to switch the outside to the inside. It’s like buying two wallets in one, so you can mix and match with your daily style.

This is another well-reviewed card holder wallet with hundreds of glowing five-star Amazon reviews. The only real minor complaint we noted is that the cash strap could be a little stronger. But given its generous 10-card capacity, cool reversible design, and super affordable (just $40!) price tag, we think it’s hard to complain.

What do buyers say? “Love it. I sort of collect these minimalist wallets and this is up there with best. Good price too,” said one Amazon reviewer.

For the ultimate in streamlined, no-nonsense card holder wallets, we love Magpul’s DAKA Everyday Wallet. The reinforced polymer design works for any minimalist EDC and is available in four solid, muted colorways. Subtly rounded corners mirror standard credit cards, so this one takes up only as much room as it needs to in your pocket. Welded construction helps keep out water, while the exterior is even durable enough to stave off chemical spills, too. Inside, there’s room for up to seven cards, plus a few folded bills to boot.

The best part, though, might be the price. At just under $25 (with free shipping through Amazon Prime), it’s one of the most affordable card holder wallets of 2023. If you’re looking for the utmost in sleek, no-frills pocket storage for your ID and credit cards, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better alternative.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 2,000 Amazon reviews, 89% recommend the Magpul DAKA Everyday Wallet with at least a 4-star rating.

Card holders allow you to save on pocket space and keep your belongings to a minimum. Card holders help you avoid carrying those gift cards and memberships you rarely use—what's great are most of these odds-and-ends cards can now be added to your phone anyways. A card holder also ensures you aren't carrying wads of cash around; we say carrying a couple of 20s is just enough these days, but if you think you'll be paying for a dinner in cash soon then throw a 100 bill in your card holder and call it good. The bottom line is a card holder forces you to carry only what you will actually be using on an everyday basis.

Bifold wallets are fine, but really they take up a lot of space and they can encourage clutter as you add in random cards and multiple bills. For us, a leaner everyday carry is better, which is why a card holder is better than a bifold wallet.

Wallets—traditional or otherwise—are very personal accessories. They, of course, need to be functional for you, but most of us want them to look great too. Here’s what to look for when shopping for the best card holder wallet for you.

Sizing

Most of us buy traditional bifold wallets that are roomy enough to stash everything we typically carry, plus a little extra space “just in case.” But most people shop slim wallets and card holder wallets that are only as big as they need to be and no larger. The goal is to pare down your far-too-bulky wallet size for a more comfortable carry. To find the best option for you, consider your most essential wallet-friendly EDC items. If, for example, you typically carry a driver’s license, 2-3 credit cards, and a folded-up $20 for emergency purposes, consider getting a four-slot card holder wallet. That way you’re not tempted to stuff a bunch of other non-essential cards in your new wallet.

Material

Leather isn’t the only wallet material these days. There are titanium wallets and Tyvek wallets and polyester wallets and—the list goes on. Your choice of material is entirely up to you. If you’re looking for an everyday alternative, a handsome leather or fabric wallet might be perfect. But if you’re into more adventurous pursuits (hiking, skydiving, kayaking, etc.), consider card holder wallets with a more durable construction.

RFID Protection

Believe it or not, tech-savvy thieves can use cheap, readily available electronics to “sniff out” your sensitive credit card information. While this sort of crime still isn’t quite common, it does happen. To protect yourself, you may want to consider wallets with built-in RFID blocking. The technology is simple and affordable. Most RFID-blocking wallets aren’t much more expensive than their non-RFID-blocking alternatives.

Our style-savvy editors and writers regularly test a ton of men’s fashion accessories, from belts to watches to wallets. For more than a year, we researched and personally tested dozens of slim card holder wallets, including many from the most recognizable brands. We carefully compared every feature, including card capacity, overall design, durability, price, and other nice-to-haves, like RFID-blocking capabilities. The list above represents our honest picks of the best card holder wallets worth buying in 2023.

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.

John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include attending concerts, spending time outside, and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.

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