Our Experts Written by James Bricknell Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. What to consider Number of cards The number of cards you need will determine the size and shape of your minimalist wallet. RFID blocking Are you worried about someone scanning your chip? RFID blocking wallets are the answer. Is cash needed? Having a sturdy money clip or elastic band is important if you need cash. Wallet material If you want specific materials then some wallets may not be suitable for you. Table of Contents Our Picks Best overall minimalist wallet Ridge Wallet View details $95 at Amazon View details Best mechanical minimalist wallet Ekster Cardholder View details $89 at Ekster View details Best minimalist wallet with Apple Find My built in Groove Life Trace View details $125 at Groove Life View details Best luxury minimalist wallet Bosca real leather bi fold View details $110 at Amazon View details Best minimalist wallet for under $15 Hammer Anvil Minimalist View details $10 at Amazon View details Best American-made minimalist wallet Groove Life View details $90 at Amazon View details Best magsafe minimalist wallet Bluebonnet Magsafe View details $60 at Bluebonnet View details Best branded minimalist wallet Ridge NFL wallet View details $125 at Amazon View details Discommon Wallet 3.0 View details $110 at Discommon Goods View details Vaultskin Notting Hill View details $50 at Amazon View details Trayvax's Armored Summit Wallet View details $37 at Amazon View details Thread Wallets Elastic View details $16 at Amazon View details Table of Contents Over the years, wallets have gradually evolved. Back in the '90s, it was all about velcro and chains. In the 2000s, I carried a huge wallet to hold all the receipts I thought I might need just in case. But now, with everything going digital, theres no need for a wallet that fits everything -- most of us rarely carry cash, let alone paper receipts. That means bulky, bigger wallets don't make sense anymore. The trend has also shifted towards simplicity and minimalism. All you need is enough room for an ID, a couple of cash cards and a medical card. There are some exceptions, of course, but for the most part, the modern wallet is ultra-thin and fairly minimalist, fitting into our pockets with ease.Ive spent hours testing a variety of wallets to evaluate their feel, fit and functionality. Based on that experience, I can confidently say the options below are the best minimalist wallets available. Whether youre seeking a robust metal design or a luxurious full-grain leather wallet that feels amazing, youll find the perfect choice below. Massive wallets like the one George Costanza carried around are a thing of the past. Sony Pictures Home EntertainmentWhat's the best minimalist wallet?For our money, the Ridge wallets are the best minimalist wallets you can buy. Sure, they aren't the cheapest, but they are sturdy, good-looking and can be customized to fit your needs well. Although there are plenty of bifold and trifold thin wallet options, we're mostly focused on one-panel design wallets here. These usually hold between four and 10 credit and debit cards, although some do it more artfully than others, and there is a variety of fabrics and colors to choose from. Some are hybrids, which combine a wallet and money clip or elastic band. Most offer some RFID blocking technology, which is advertised as a protective measure against electronic pickpocketing, like scammers skimming data stored on your contactless credit cards. (That may bean overblown concern.)Tactical wallets also have built-in multitools, should you be the type to be randomly kidnapped and ditched in a forest somewhere. Just remember that you'll need to take any bladed multitools out before you fly, because TSA confiscating your wallet isn't fun. At all.Best minimalist wallet of 2025