ARTICLE – Today I posted episode #7 of the Gadgeteer Video Podcast and to go with lucky number 7, the topic of the podcast was my 7 favorite minimalist wallets. Let’s check them out.
1. IDENTITY Card wallet
The IDENTITY Card wallet was my favorite for a very long time because it has the smallest form factor while still allowing me to very easily retrieve and reinsert cards. The cutout on each side allows you to use your thumb to slide the cards out of the slot. It fits in the front pocket of whatever pants I happen to be wearing without adding any bulk. It’s also made of carbon fiber so it’s extremely lightweight. The only small downside is that it doesn’t hold cash which caused me to switch to a different wallet. You can read my review of the IDENTITY Card wallet and unfortunately, they are no longer being made/sold, so you can’t buy one to try for yourself. It’s truly a shame.
2. Col. Littleton Front Pocket Wallet
This wallet combines two things that I love. Minimalist design and leather. I use this wallet when I need to have a little cash with me. It has a little bit larger form factor that the wallet above, but not by a lot. It’s made extremely well and just feels great in my hand. You can read my review of the Col. Littleton Front Pocket Wallet and buy one for $56 and up depending on the leather and style (they have ones with a flap and more pockets). For more info visit colonellittleton.com.
3. Waterfield Designs Finn wallet
I carried a Waterfield zippered wallet for several years when I was going to the office every day and carried it in a bag. Waterfield’s zippered wallets are made so well that they seem like they can last forever. The fact that they close with a locking zipper means that you can stuff them full of cards, cash, receipts, coins, a key, etc., and not worry about anything falling out. The Finn wallet is small enough to fit in the front pocket of women’s jeans/pants. Check out my Waterfield Designs Finn leather wallet review for more info.
4. Trayvax Summit wallet
The Trayvax Summit was my favorite before the IDENTITY wallet came along. Like the IDENTITY, The Trayvax is barely larger than the credit cards it holds. This one also has a few extra features including a lanyard or carabiner loop attachment point and RFID resistance. You can read my review of the Trayvax Summit Minimalist wallet and you can also visit trayvax.com.
5. Bellroy Flip Case wallet
The Bellroy Flip Case wallet excels in being compact and sleek while also being easy to use. The unique design features a molded leather exterior and a flip-open magnetic door on each side of the wallet. This wallet can even hold a couple of folded bills. You can read my Bellroy Flip Case wallet review for more details and watch the video below where I show how it works.
6. AKEENi XSTO wallet
The IDENTITY wallet (the first one on this list) was my first favorite minimalist wallet. The only downsides to the wallet were the lack of ability to carry cash and that sometimes I had trouble sliding out the cards. I didn’t have these problems with the AKEENi XSTO wallet. It also doesn’t hurt that it has my logo on it which is obviously cool. Read my AKEENi XSTO minimalist wallet review for more details.
7. Open Sea Leather Topsider Mini wallet
The Open Sea Leather Topsider Mini wallet has become my newest favorite minimalist wallet. I like this one because it’s made of leather and I like leather products. I even make my own leather journal covers. This wallet can hold cards and cash, so it ticks two of my must-have wallet feature boxes. The Topsider Mini is available in a variety of colors and you can also choose the stitching color. I like raw undyed leather because it changes and gets darker over time. You can read my Open Sea Leather Topsider Mini wallet review for all the details and see how the leather has darkened since I first received it.
What is your favorite minimalist wallet?
Those are my top 7 favorite minimalist wallets. At least as of right now! Now it’s your turn. What are your favorite wallets? Let me know in the comments below or go check out my podcast and leave a comment there!
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I’m always somewhat surprised to see how many cards people have to carry with them. For me, it’s just my EU bank card (credit cards are not that big in Europe) and my drivers license. That’s it. And I always carry some cash in case the payment systems are down (just a few hours, once or twice a year). I don’t do reward cards, coupons etc., they don’t really add up to significant amounts, at least not in the Netherlands. On a normal day, I just carry my phone with those two cards and EUR 50 bill in my phone case. No separate wallet needed 😉
Robert, that’s interesting. For me, I carry a driver’s license, credit card, SAM’s Club card, health insurance card, and a health insurance savings credit card.
I used to go through a lot of wallets looking from something slim and able to carry driver’s license, credit cards, medical cards, identification cards, and money. For the last several years it has been the Secrid Slim leather wallet. I like the ease in accessing the credit cards compartmentation for all my other cards.
John, that’s the one with the little lever at the bottom right? How are you holding cash?
Yes. The model I have is a try fold. It has a slot inside for the bills. I use the pop up for the driver’s license and credit cards. It also has two slots in the inside for my other cards.
https://www.amazon.com/Secrid-Wallet-Leather-Vintage-Black/dp/B00IUNN3OY/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2KMYMGJVQMX0P&keywords=secrid+wallet&qid=1667917266&sprefix=secid+wallet%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-6
I have a Vertical Thread Wallet for my front pocket and I’m very happy with it. Well made, functional and lots of colorful options.
Jay, Wow, lots of choices there!
I fully agree with you that it’s a shame that you can’t buy the Identity card wallet anymore. Luckily mine seems to last for ever!
Definitely the Waterfield Finn. Bought one after I read your review and…wore it out. Well, the zipper tab broke. Bought another one and still using it. Get the fabric as it’s more supple and flexes easier in a front pocket.
Just looked at the Waterfield website and they’ve upgraded the basic Finn and added a few more sizes.
My EDC wallet, for years now, is the Popov Leather 5-Card wallet. Holds up well, is small, and most importantly, it has an outside slot for a credit card. With my CC in this slot I can just lay my wallet card side down, and the retail credit card machine will read my RFID chip. I almost never have to remove my card (or mess with my Apple Pay). For me the wallet is 10/10.
Alan, is it crazy that I’ve never tried to use my CC with an RFID chip without swiping or inserting it? I didn’t even know I could do that 😉 Not sure that works anywhere that I shop though (SAMs Club, Walmart…).
I’m not able to paste the CC contact symbol but below is from the Visa website. Also, with a quick search, it appears the Walmart ecosystem only accepts their in-house version of contactless pay.
When prompted, bring your card or mobile/wearable device within a few inches of the Contactless Symbol on the checkout terminal. Depending on the terminal, you may tap on, above, or below the screen.
I’ll keep an eye out for places where I shop to try it.
I’ve been using the Saddleback Leather Front Pocket Leather ID Wallet. It’s developed a very nice patina after 10yrs use. Over the years, I’ve carried less and less items (especially since I can Apple Pay most places).
https://saddlebackleather.com/leather-wallet-mens-front
Michael, Saddleback’s stuff will last forever!
I’ve been using the Eckster Parliament for several years now. Real leather that comes in 12 colors. Holds up to 12 cards and cash. You access the cards with a click of a button. Also blocks RFID. Small form factor to easily keep in a front pants pocket.
https://ekster.com/products/parliament
Bob, I think those wallets are pretty nice too. I like the pop-up button!