Best Wallet Alternatives
Wallets are a staple for most people, but what about those that don’t want (or can’t have) something in their back pocket all the time. For those, a wallet alternative may be a better solution.
Here are our picks, ranked by our preference. Product details come from each seller’s listing; models, prices and features change, so check the listing before you buy.
| **10th Place:**What if you combined a hat and a wallet? That’s the idea behind this. It may not always be practical, but when it is, this ball cap wallet is a great option. View Product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXIGDOS |
| **9th Place:**If you absolutely don’t want to carry around a wallet you can misplace, a shoulder bag may be for you. This one comes in many colors and is listed with anti-theft features that suit travel. View Product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GJVCPP5 |
| **8th Place:**A waist wallet is a good alternative for some people, but they’re not as popular as some options. This one earned a spot on our list. Worn under clothing, waist wallets are harder for pickpockets to reach. View Product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019SM9GPK |
| **7th Place:**A great alternative to a traditional wallet is to hold your valuables on your phone. This stick on genuine leather card and cash holder will work with any smartphone, and comes either with or without a holder ring. View Product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RMWCWR2 |
| **6th Place:**The Hide & Drink Waxed Canvas Utility Pouch is an excellent product. You can carry your valuables on your hip in rugged style, and waxed canvas holds up well to wear. View Product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YGMHZW9 |
| **5th Place:**The Rothco Canvas Utility Pouch is a simple, low-cost canvas option with an all-black, tactical look. View Product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KKMIRC |
| **4th Place:**Next up, the Firebird Handmade Genuine Leather Ammo Pouch. This stylish soft brown leather pouch places your goods on your belt. It’s easy to access and wears well. View Product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KW0ABA2 |
| **3rd Place:**While it’s still a wallet technically, we wanted to include the Slimfold Minimalist wallet because it’s truly small enough to carry in your front pocket. This one is listed as RFID blocking and waterproof. Check out our post with other minimalist wallets! Click here. View Product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JHZN6D2 |
| **2nd Place:**The Hero Neck Wallet is our runner up. It holds your essentials in separate pouches, and it’s easy to wear under a shirt, which makes it useful for travel and pickpocket-prone areas. View Product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RV1L1F1 |
| 1st Place – WINNER – The best wallet alternative that we evaluated is the Blackhawk Molded Handcuff Pouch. It’s made for law enforcement duty belts, so it’s built to be tough, and it can carry cards and cash on your belt. Check the listing for current warranty terms. View Product: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00421WFF6 |
Wallet Alternative FAQs:
Why use a wallet alternative? Wallets are fine for most people. But if you travel often, spend time in pickpocket-prone areas, or find sitting on a wallet uncomfortable, an alternative may suit you better.
What are the pros and cons of wallet alternatives? Pros: Wallets are convenient, easy to grab on your way out the door, and stylish for some. The alternatives on this list offer all those benefits with some important changes. In many cases, that includes an option to have your valuables with you but not have them in your back pocket – a location that can be problematic for many reasons. Cons: Wallet alternatives may be more prone to being forgotten, difficult to remove money from, or more bulky in some cases.
Who should consider wallet alternatives? Anyone who finds sitting on a wallet uncomfortable, people who sit for long stretches at work, and travelers who want extra security. If you have ongoing back or hip pain, talk to a doctor rather than counting on a wallet change to fix it.
If Your Wallet or Pouch Goes Missing
Report lost cards right away. The FTC explains that your liability for lost credit cards is capped at $50, while for debit and ATM cards it depends on how quickly you report the loss.
If your ID was inside, the FTC recommends reporting identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov if it’s misused, and considering a free fraud alert or credit freeze.
Sources
- Lost or Stolen Credit, ATM, and Debit Cards, Federal Trade Commission
- What To Know About Identity Theft, Federal Trade Commission
