Best Metal Wallets for 2023, Compared & Reviewed

The traditional wallet is a bulky thing. Take bifold wallets as an example. A filled bifold wallet can be a nuisance to stuff into a pants pocket. Couple that with the unsightly bulge they create, and you have a recipe for ruining a stylish ensemble.

Enter metal minimalist wallets.

These stylish wallets have gained a lot of traction in recent years thanks to their sleek designs. They create easy access to your money, credit, and debit cards while offering the durability you need from a men’s wallet.

Your challenge lies in finding a metal wallet that offers a good mix of minimalist design, slim profile, and the carry capacity you need from a traditional wallet. In this guide, the Everyday Carry team examines a selection of metal wallets to help you make the best possible choice.

The Best Metal Wallets on the Market

Every wallet on this list is a high-quality choice. They all offer protection for your credit cards, business cards, and cash, along with a host of additional features.

Trayvax Contour Minimalist Wallet Tactical Armor Steel Front Pocket RFID

• Rating - 9.5/10

This American-made wallet combines the best protective features of stainless steel and top-grain leather to create an elegant design. Its slim profile ensures it fits perfectly in your pocket, with the four choices in leather color giving it an attractive matte finish.

The hook-and-loop closure makes it easy to access your cash and cards. It also has an integrated bottle opener, which is perfect for the man on the go. The radio frequency identification (RFID) blocking technology built into the wallet also ensures that hackers can’t use RFID devices to read your card details.

The Ridge Aluminum Minimalist Slim Wallet For Men - RFID Blocking Front Pocket Credit Card Holder

This tough and slimline aluminum wallet offers RFID protection and a scratch-resistant finish. It’s capable of holding up to 12 cards without stretching out. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you never have to worry about replacing it should the wallet break.

The Ridge’s clever design allows you to replace the wallet’s screws and elastic band, allowing for on-the-fly repairs should something go wrong. It can also function as a money clip wallet thanks to an attachable clever steel clip that securely carries a few folded bills. You can also use a cash strap for added convenience, or purchase both accessories if you want to swap them out based on need.

This may be the slimmest metal wallet on the market. The Ridge has worked hard to ensure it offers all of the protection you’ll need while keeping a thin profile.

Dango D03 Dapper Bifold EDC Wallet - Made in USA - Water-Resistant, Slim, Minimalist, Metal, RFID Blocking

• Rating - 9.3/10

Machined using 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, The Dango D03 also uses proprietary waterproof DTEX material to protect your cards. The wallet is fastened together using military-grade bolts, ensuring a rugged look that’s perfect for outdoorsmen.

The three-pocket design features a total of 14 card slots, with an integrated elastic strap serving as a cash strap. The wallet comes with a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Plus, it features RFID-blocking technology and a nice little ID window if you need to be able to flash an access card when entering a building.

Ekster: Parliament - Slim Leather Wallet - RFID Blocking - Quick Card Access

• Rating - 9.6/10

Though it’s one of the thicker wallets on this list, The Ekster makes up for it with an elegant design. The wallet offers easy access to your cards thanks to a one-button system, with the aluminum cardholder capable of holding up to six cards. An additional four cards are storable in the wallet’s leather compartments.

The aluminum’s anodized finish makes it corrosion-proof, while the clever RFID technology stops electronic hackers in their tracks. Ecker also offers a clever tracking card, which you can use to locate the wallet via your phone if you ever misplace it. Unfortunately, this wallet’s cash strap doesn’t offer a lot of room, making it a poor choice for people who like to carry cash.

Aviator: Brushed Silver Slim Wallet

• Rating - 9.2/10

Efficiency is the name of the game with Aviator’s Brushed Silver Slim Wallet. It features a clever pull strap that allows you to access your cards in an instant while still letting you remove each individually.

Aviator also offers a ton of customizability. In addition to the choice between acrylic, aluminum, and carbon fiber wallets, they let you pick how many cardholders you want. If you prefer the ultra-slim look, the three-card option is your best choice. But if you have a lot of cards you need access to, a version of the wallet that can carry up to 20 cards exists. You can also choose whether you want a cash strap and if you want a coin holder capable of holding six coins.

Secrid Cardslide Wallet, Cardprotector with Slide, And Money Band, Multi-Use RFID Case (Blue)

• Rating - 9/10

Advertised as the “Modular Wallet”, the Secrid Cardslide holds up to six cards, each of which benefits from RFID protection. Instead of a metal money clip, Secrid built a sliding draw into the wallet that’s ideal for holding cash, coins, or even small documents.

The wallet is designed in the Netherlands and is tested to withstand up to 100,000 uses over its lifetime. It’s also easy to clean, though saltwater can negatively affect the metallic mechanisms.

The Ridge Titanium Minimalist Slim Wallet For Men - RFID Blocking Front Pocket Credit Card Holder

• Rating - 10/10

If you want something a little tougher than the standard steel wallet while still offering the minimalism you desire, Ridge’s Titanium wallet is the ideal choice. Its RFID-proof design prevents wireless theft, with the wallet also offering the choice between a spring steel money clip or cash strap for holding bills. If you want to push the boat out, you can get both the clip and strap on the same wallet.

The main cardholder wallet can hold up to 12 cards, with the clever dual-track design expanding or contracting based on how many cards you have. The powder-coated surface resists corrosion and scratches, in addition to giving the wallet an attractive and sleek style.

MURADIN Men’s Wallet Tactical Bifold Wallets for Men Metal RFID Blocking Aluminum Money Cards Holder Gifts for Men (Grey)

• Rating - 8.6/10

If price is a concern, MURADIN’s tactical wallet offers a budget option that’s ideal for your bank balance. The faux leather is almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Plus, the aluminum backplate protects against electronic hacking to ensure card security. It also has a built-in compartment for cash with a cash strap.

This wallet can hold up to 12 cards and five banknotes. Its push design makes it easy to access your cards when you need them. The only downside is that it’s among the heavier wallets on this list.

GRIIID Smart Air Tag Wallet - Money Clip, Credit Card Holder, & AirTag Wallet with RFID Blocking Technology - Aluminum Slim Wallet for Men - Compact

• Rating - 9.4/10

GRIID’s metal wallet is another great choice for the budget-conscious, as well as for those who want to use Apple’s AirTag technology to track the wallet’s location. It features RFID-blocking technology and enough space to hold 12 cards, though it’s worth mentioning that it’s a touch bulkier than many alternatives.

The wallet is made using aerospace-grade aluminum, and it has a money clip on the rear for storing cash. Its integrated AirTag holder ensures your AirTag slots in nicely.

ROSSM Slim RFID Blocking Minimalist Wallet for Men - Thin Front Pocket Wallet with Metal Cash Strap and Money Clip - Forged Carbon Fiber Ember/Pacific AirTag

• Rating - 9.2/10

ROSSM’s carbon fiber wallet is a tough cookie that can really take a beating. Beyond guarding your cards against physical threats, it features RFID technology that stops hackers in their tracks. ROSSM has also done a great job of slimming the wallet down, making it one of the smaller metal wallets you’ll find in its price range.

The wallet holds up to 12 cards, with the included money clip and cash strap combined to hold 20 bills. It’s simple, rugged, and comes at an exceptionally budget-friendly price point.

Hayvenhurst Slim Wallet For Men - Front Pocket RFID Blocking Minimalist Wallet For Men - Metal Wallet With Money Clip For Men

• Rating - 8.8/10

The Hayvenhurst card wallet allows you to access your cards with the simple push of a finger. In fact, simplicity is the keyword with this wallet, as it has a no-frills design without any complicated bells and whistles.

RFID-blocking technology protects the 12 cards this wallet can store. An integrated metal money clip is ideal for people who like carrying cash.

Fidelo Rustic Brown Minimalist Wallet for Men - Slim Credit Card Holder with RFID Blocking Technology, Thin Money Clip, Fits Any Pocket, Full Grain Genuine Leather Case

• Rating - 9.8/10

We like the Fidelo wallet because it offers choices. The wallet comes with a detachable leather carry case, which you can use to give it a more elegant look while offering protection to the aluminum wallet and boosting the carrying capacity. This versatility makes Fidelo’s metal wallet a great choice for almost any occasion.

The wallet also comes with a cash band for those who carry notes. As for cards, the wallet can hold up to seven, with the number increasing to nine if you include the leather case.

Flipside Wallets Flipside 4 RFID Blocking Wallet for Men with Removable Money Clip - Slim, Secure and Crush Resistant

• Rating - 9.2/10

When Flipside calls its wallet crush-resistant, it’s not lying. The wallet eschews the sleek style of many other metal wallets, instead giving you what amounts to a tough carrying case for your cards. The case encloses the cards completely, only releasing when you press a button.

With its bright coloring and a boxy design, the Flipside wallet may look a little garish when compared to other wallets. However, it offers complete protection against crushing, bending, and RFID signals. A rear rubber strap is useful for securing bills. Plus, the wallet locks automatically when you close it, meaning you don’t have to worry about messing with any complicated mechanisms.

How to Choose the Best Metal Card Wallet

Now that we’ve explored the options, it’s up to you to choose the best metal wallet for your needs. However, that can get tough when you have so many options to choose from. The following are three considerations to keep in mind when making your choice.

Best Style

Most metal wallets have a sleek style that almost makes them look like thick credit cards themselves. However, there are some variations in style to keep in mind.

Some wallets have metal money clips attached, which secure your notes but add some bulk to the design. Others may use an elastic or rubber strap, though this doesn’t look as elegant as a metal clip.

A few metal wallets have case-like designs, allowing them to snap shut or incorporate drawers for your belongings. Ultimately, your choice comes down to balancing style with practicality.

Best Size

A good slim metal wallet shouldn’t be more than an inch thick, otherwise you’re starting to get close to the thickness of the bifold wallets you’re likely trying to avoid.

Generally speaking, metal wallets are a touch wider and longer than a credit card, offering enough space for storage while still being slim enough to fit easily into your pocket without creating bulges. However, those that have case designs tend to be a touch thicker and larger than metal wallets that allow you to slide your cards out.

Storage Capacity

There’s a simple question to ask yourself when looking at storage capacity:

How many cards do I need to carry?

Metal wallets tend to carry between six and 12 cards, with additional storage options for notes. Some can carry more, though this adds to the wallet’s thickness.

Material

When it comes to metal wallets, there are four common materials:

• Aluminum

• Steel

• Carbon Fiber

• Titanium

Each has pros and cons. Aluminum is more flexible and affordable than other materials, though it may not withstand crushing weights. Steel is inflexible but tougher, making it ideal for crush-resistant metal wallets. Carbon fiber and titanium offer the best of both worlds, though they tend to cost more.

You also have to consider any additional materials used. Many metal wallets have leather casings or features, which give them a classic look while adding scratch resistance to the wallet. Some may use silicone, which is less attractive but guards against impacts.

Keep Your Cards Safe With Our Wallets

No matter which wallet you choose from this list, you’ll get a wallet that offers stellar protection and an attractive style. However, the two Ridge wallet selections are our top choices because they combine an array of security features with sleek and elegant styles.

Ridge also offers a range of complementary accessories for the everyday carry lifestyle. These accessories include money clips, cash straps, multi-tools, bottle openers, AirTag slots, key cases, and a host of other tools you can use to turn your wallet into the perfect outdoor accessory.

If you’d like to learn more about The Ridge and its excellent selection, visit the company’s website to explore a range of titanium, carbon fiber, and aluminum wallets.

FAQs

Do minimalist wallets damage credit cards?

No.

Minimalist wallets are specifically designed not to damage your credit cards. They often have rigid designs and a selection of card slots, allowing them to guard your cards against bending and crushing.

What is the best material for a slim wallet?

The best material for a slim wallet is the material that best suits your style. If you’re looking for protection, metal is usually the best choice. Leather is a good choice for protection and a classic look. Some manufacturers even use silicon, which offers impact protection if you drop the wallet.

What wallet material lasts the longest?

Metal lasts the longest out of any material used to make slim wallets. While tough, leather has a habit of cracking over time, especially when it’s repeatedly folded and unfolded. Metal doesn’t have such durability concerns. Plus, it’s strong enough to withstand crushing and similarly strong forces.

What is the best way to clean a metal wallet?

The best way to clean a metal wallet is by using metal polish along with a soft and clean cloth. You can use water, though this may compromise metal that isn’t waterproofed.