Wallets were once considered a necessity – that’s not exactly the case today. In fact, in 2022, more than 41% of U.S. adults reported not using cash for purchases in a typical week. Generation Z – of which I am a member – have eschewed the wallet in favor of cardholders on the back of the phone, wristbands or just sticking with Apple Pay. Not only are these alternatives convenient, but they are also less bulky and much easier to grab and go than traditional wallets.
If you’re also ready to break away from your wallet, I’ve rounded up some of our staff’s favorite alternatives, as well as top-rated options that will fit in your mini bag.
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The best wallet alternatives
This list includes Editors’ Picks and top-rated options from our favorite retailers.
Ideal for anyone on the go
Nikki Brown, editor-in-chief of NBC Selected, received a courtesy sample from Bandolier and hasn’t collected a wallet or purse since. It’s made from 100 percent full-grain leather and includes a detachable shoulder strap for easy carrying, as well as drop protection up to six feet, according to the brand. Brown uses it to hold up to eight or nine cards at a time. “I love that they’re hidden, and the leather is incredibly durable considering how many cards it can hold at once,” she says.
Ideal for the warrior mini bag
A bracelet is the perfect mix of fabulous and functional, and this option from Coach is ideal for grabbing and going without the bulk or added weight. It’s crafted from the brand’s signature jacquard leather blend and features a top zip closure with metal hardware and an interior cotton lining to hold your cash, keys, lip gloss and more, according to the brand. The interior also includes two card slots and the wrist strap is removable for easy conversion to a pouch.
Ideal for the budding writer
When Moleskine initially sent me this card holder earlier in the year, as a huge fan of Issey Miyake’s work, I was excited to try it. Now, months later, I still use it as my favorite cardholder. It has a hard cover and an expandable interior, which includes a pack of accordion pages for taking notes on the go. The striped design makes it easy to close (and hold together in case you tear the pages, as I’ve found from experience). I also love the color – the bright red hue lends a bold pop of brightness to any bag I add it to.
Ideal for carrying cards only
NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin says she doesn’t even remember the last time she used cash. Instead, she opts for this phone wallet from Popsocket. It attaches to the back of her phone using strong magnets which she said only fell off when she “hardly dropped” her phone. She also loves the Popsocket grip: “It makes holding my phone much more comfortable, adds stability when I’m taking photos and videos, and allows me to prop my phone up on tables,” she says.
Ideal for a personal touch
This wallet has a sleek design that allows quick access to cards on the go. The wallet is Magsafe compatible, so you can charge your phone wirelessly while it’s still connected, and has a built-in shield to protect your cards from magnetic damage or accidental scans and presses, depending on the brand. It has a glossy finish and is water resistant. You can also personalize the case with your initials in the font and color of your choice at no extra cost.
Ideal for constant binge watchers
The Satechi Phone Wallet is not only practical, but also versatile, since it doubles as a phone stand (perfect for watching your favorite shows, movies or podcasts on the go). It’s made from scratch-resistant vegan leather and snaps securely onto your phone with a magnetic grip, according to the brand. It’s also Magsafe compatible and comes with a two-year limited warranty.
Ideal for a minimal ambiance
If you’re looking for a simple, minimalist wallet alternative, look no further. You can stick this card holder directly to the back of your phone: it uses 3M adhesive stickers for a long-lasting effect and has a non-slip design that won’t migrate or fall off, depending on the brand. It has a dual card slot that can store up to four cards and cash, and is compatible with all Apple and Android phones over four inches.
How I Chose the Best Wallet Alternatives
To find the best wallet alternatives, I asked the shopping experts on the NBC Selected team for their personal recommendations. These choices have been tested for weeks, months, or in some cases, years and have held up to our standards for durability and usefulness. Each top-rated option was selected from trusted retailers and websites and has at least a 4.0-star rating from hundreds of reviews.
Why trust NBC Selected?
I’m an associate SEO reporter for NBC Selected who regularly covers skincare, lifestyle, clothing & accessories and more, including reviewing the Air Studio Tank. For this article, I gathered alternative wallet picks from NBC Selected staff and trusted retailers across the web.
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