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The 13 Best Travel Wallets for Men in 2024, Tested by Gear Editors

Here's the easiest way to keep tabs on your papers and cash, no matter the adventure.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

We've pulled together a guide to the best travel wallets as we embark on peak travel season. Our editors and writers are constantly traveling all over for assignments and vacations, allowing us to test wallets suited for all kinds of environments. And while there are a number of travel wallets we highly recommend, the very best travel wallet we keep turning to is the Pioneer Passport Wallet . You'll learn more on why we believe that is below, but what it comes down to is the Pioneer Passport Wallet has great style, an excellent use of space, and a rugged build that's ready for any adventure.

Best Travel Wallet Overall

Pioneer passport wallet.

Best Bifold Travel Wallet

Bellroy travel wallet.

Best Zippered Travel Wallet

Fjallraven passport wallet.

Best AirTag Travel Wallet

Lumberjack plaid genuine leather airtag passport holder and wallet.

Most Stylish Travel Wallet

Alpha passport case.

Best Value Travel Wallet

Polare original rfid blocking leather passport holder travel wallet for men and women (dark brown).

Most Secure Travel Wallet

Alpha keeper money belt for travel passport holder.

Smartest Design

Bellroy apex passport cover.

Best All-Leather Travel Wallet

Shinola utility passport wallet.

Most Unique Travel Wallet

Tecovas alligator passport case.

Read more: How Men's Health Tests Products

We found travel wallets that are great for navigating old cities around the clock, and travel wallets that can handle all sorts of rugged adventures. We curated all our travel wallets with durability and design in mind, but we also considered features that make each wallet unique in and of its own. The one quality you'll find in each travel wallet? They all are sized to hold an American passport nice and snug. After all, it wouldn't be a travel wallet if it didn't hold your most important papers.

Best AirTag Wallets | Best Card Holder Wallets | Best Slim Wallets | Best Magsafe Wallets | Best Travel Gadgets

Pioneer's Passport Wallet is wonderfully simple in design and tough as nails thanks to its waterproof ripstop fabric construction. In fact, we found the waterproof ripstop fabric is great for handling humid environments, staying dry and and stiff, as opposed to getting all slimy and flimsy as other travel wallets can become in these climates. As far as stroage goes, it comes with a full length cash pocket, pockets to store up to 8 cards, and a 3D molded passport pocket designed to fit an American passport perfectly snug.

Due to this wallet's construction. look, and function, we found it to be our favorite pick when taking to warm weather vacation and cold weather trips. The material is simply just too good, and you never have to worry about any of the contents sliding out. Simply put, the Pioneer Passport Wallet is capable of all kinds of trips and adventures. This is a quality investment we'd recommend over and over again.

Read more: Best Travel Pillows

Bellroy makes several great travel wallets, but the wallet we found most like the wallet you probably already carry is the bifold Travel Wallet. It's got a fine all leather make and will hold a passport, cash, train tickets, and up to 10 cards. What's cool is the wallet comes with a micro pen that hangs inside the wallet's spine, which we found to be useful when wanting to write down recommendations of places to visit from friends and other travelers.

Looks can be deceiving due to the wallet's traditional bifold design. It measures 3.8-inches tall by 6-inches wide, so it is big. Overall we find it to be a great minimalist travel wallet with a classic style that blends in nicely in all environments.

Read more: Best Travel Backpacks

This reasonably priced wallet from Fjallraven is made with a durable waxed waterproof canvas and a YKK zippered closure to protect all your documents and cards from the elements. Inside are 5 card pockets, 2 cash pockets, and 1 zippered coin pouch. Looking for the passport pocket? That would be behind the coin pouch—it's a nice and discrete design note, we know.

If you're looking for a rugged wallet with waterproofing and protection but don't want to pay over $100, this is a solid option. Fjallraven fans will see this wallet has the same quality construction like the brand's other gear, which is a great sign because the maker is one of the best valued outdoor brands out there.

Read more: Best Travel Pants

The design of a good AirTag wallet is still being perfected, but that doesn't mean we don't like what's already on the market. If you're looking for a travel wallet you can store your AirTag in, this one from Lumberjack Plaid is our latest favorite.

It comes in a sleek and stylish leather (3 colors available) and features a passport pocket, a long pocket for tickets and cash, and 3 card slots. You get all this for $40, which is an excellent value for such a quality wallet. Just be aware the leather can show scratches pretty easily; most notably on the dark leather.

Read more: Best Travel Gadgets

Made to fall in line with all your other Tumi luggage, the Passport Case comes in a sleek, all-black look with more interior space than one might think. We're talking a passport pocket, a billfold compartment, an ID window, 2 slip pockets, and 8 card pockets. You get the best of both worlds with this wallet: great style and high functionality. Well done Tumi, well done.

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We get it, many of us aren't jet-setting out of the U.S. several times in a year. Nonetheless it's important to have a passport wallet even if you're only getting out of the country once in a blue moon. For overseas trips that are few and far between, this RFID-blocking leather travel passport case for under $30 on Amazon will do the job. It will also give off style points, as the leather has a nice rich look to it that holds up well when used sparingly.

Due to the stitching and overall quality of the materials we'd say this wallet might not be suitable for high levels of use. But because it carries a high durability and functionality for the price, we recommend it as a great travel wallet for those who might need to take a passport with them only once or twice in a year.

If you want to go with a more secure wallet, this thin travel pouch can be strapped around the waist and hold your passport, cash, cards, and more. The pouch itself has RFID tech built-in so you get another level of safety. Plus the pouch is made from water-resistant ripstop, so you won't have to worry about any of your items getting soaked from rain.

One note to point out is even though the price point of this belt is incredibly good, we believe the thin fabric could wear down faster over time than some of the other wallets on this list.

Read more: Best Travel Shoes

The Apex wallet is made with fine leather that's heat bonded instead of being stitched. The result is a unique design that, when closed, fully encases the inner contents of the wallet from the outside elements. The Apex will hold a passport, cash, and 2-4 cards. And just like the Travel Wallet, you get a small micro pen that can be stored inside on the wallet's spine.

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Handcrafted from USA heritage leather, Shinola's Utility Passport Wallet is truly made to age like fine wine. When opening up the wallet, one side contains a passport pocket while the other has 5 faille-lined pockets for your cards. It's not the most feature-loaded travel wallet on this list, and it's certainly not the cheapest, but if you're looking for something simple and timeless then this is the one.

You're not going to find another travel wallet like this one, and that's the point. Texas boot-maker Tecovas went and took the same authentic American alligator leather it uses for its boots and crafted the material into a passport case. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece with a passport pocket and 4 exterior card pockets. What's cool is you can even monogram it.

Of course the price point on this wallet is almost like buying a luxury good, but really the only qualm we have with the wallet is its availability. Sometimes it's popularity gets the best of it, and so you might have to turn to the Ostrich Passport Case or the original Passport Case —two excellent alternatives, no less.

Malbon Golf Yacht Club Passport Holder

The streetwear-inspired golf brand Malbon Golf has been turning out tons of cool pieces this year. One of its products that has flown under-the-radar is this pebbled leather passport holder. We were surprised to open it up and see tons of card space to go with the passport pocket. And as far as style goes, it comes with cool embossments on the front and inner pocket and is available in three colors.

Read more: Best Golf Clothing Brands

Tanner Goods Leather Passport Travel Wallet

If you liked the full leather of the Shinola travel wallet but wished it had a different interior configuration, then this travel wallet from Tanner Goods is a great alternative. Inside is a passport pocket with a small card pocket on top of the passport flap, plus two additional card slots on the other side.

The wallet might not hold a lot, but if you want a minimalist leather wallet with great style and a thin silhouette, then you'll be happy with this choice.

Zero Grid Travel Wallet Passport Holder

Similar to the belted travel wallet we featured earlier, this passport holder can be used as a sling bag and is made with waterproof ripstop and covered with RFID blocking material. What's cool is it zips shut, closing in the passport and up to 10 cards that can fit on the inside. You also get a small stylus that you can hang on the wallet's spine.

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Buying a quality travel wallet is going to look a lot like buying your everyday wallet, but the two are not the same. Here's what you need to know.

• Durability: Making sure your travel wallet is tough and made of good materials is of utmost importance. After all, this is your last line of defense to your passport—the most important document you need when traveling overseas. This prior notion is why we loved reviewing travel wallets made from tear-resistant and water-resistant materials (like the Pioneer Travel Wallet). Premium leather is also a good material to protect your passport, as the leather provides a thick layer to keep moisture and dust from getting to your papers.
• Security Features: Some travel wallets comes with RFID (radio-frequency identification) lining to help prevent RFID theft. It's true this type of crime doesn't happen a lot, but it is possible, and so buying a travel wallet with RFID lining does add a level of security to your essentials. Another security feature to look for are zippered or snap closures that help keep your passport and cards sealed off. We like these closures because it helps limit the chances of any items accidentally falling out when traveling—which happens more than one might think.
• AirTag Tracking: Although we only have one AirTag travel wallet we like right now, we anticipate more of these types of wallets to hit the market in the coming year. AirTag wallets have become a huge hit thanks to their tracking abilities, and so any travel wallet that can incorporate an AirTag in a slimming and discrete way should be considered on your shortlist of what travel wallets to buy.

Can You Use a Passport Covers as A Wallet?

Travel wallets, also sometimes referred to as passport wallets, are the best possible choice for carrying your passport and your cash and cards. Travel wallets are not to be confused with passport covers, which are simply covers you can slide over your passport to add a level of protection.

Passport covers do theoretically have space where you could slide some cash plus 1-2 cards inside, but those spaces oftentimes make your valuables prone to falling out. A passport cover is not designed to hold anything more than a passport, and so whatever else you put in there is going to be like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Stick to a travel wallets for cash, card, and passport carry.

Why Trust Us

In order to keep up with new new designs and releases, the MH tech and gear team is continually testing all of the latest everyday carry accessories to make sure our recommendations reflect the top products within each space.

When it comes to travel wallets, we acquire and call in the latest releases to test, and then we take them out into the real world. At any given point, writers and editors in our office are traveling, and so we plan accordingly whenever we are going to be up in the air to take one or two travel wallets with us to see how they perform. Lastly, we take a hands-on look at the travel wallets up close. We inspect everything from the material to the build of the wallet to determine it's durability and whether or not the price point reflects the overall quality.

How We Selected

Our MH commerce team thoroughly researched and tested dozens of the best travel wallets, from budget to designer to premium, gift-worthy models. We noted everything from how snug the wallet fit an American passport to how the interior card slots were organized. We also considered fabric quality (especially when it came to leather) and price. The list above represents our honest picks for the best travel wallets of 2023.

Christian Gollayan oversees e-commerce content for Men's Health and Women's Health. Previously, he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in Food & Wine, InStyle, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.

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Home » Gear » best travel wallets

Best Travel Wallets to Match Your Style in 2024

You might well be thinking ‘do I really need a travel wallet?’ Isn’t my everyday wallet good enough? And here’s our answer: yes, and, no, in that order. How’s that then? Why should you get a dedicated travel wallet? And why isn’t what you use every day good enough when you’re traveling?

For one thing, being on the road requires supreme organization – there are different currencies, passports, insurance details, and a whole lot more than normal to keep hold of.

But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered, with the best travel wallets on offer reviewed and examined in the greatest of detail.

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Wallets

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• Overall Best Travel Wallet – Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet
• Best Minimal Travel Wallet – Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet
• Best Thin Travel Wallet – Big Skinny Slimline bifold wallet
• Best Leather Travel Wallet – Harber London RFID Travel Wallet
• Best RFID-Blocking Security Travel Wallet – Pacsafe RFIDsafe Bi-Fold Wallet
• Best Travel Wallet for Europe – Zoppen Multi-purpose RFID blocking travel wallet
• Best Travel Wallet for Women – Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet
• Best Travel Wallet with a Passport Holder – VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet
• Best Travel Wallet for Men – Visconti Leather Travel Organiser Wallet

Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet

• > RFIDsafe blocking material
• > Not too bulky

Big Skinny Tri Fold Wallet

• > Full-length banknote section
• > RDIF-blocking tech

Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet

• > As minimal as they come!
• > Great price point

Harber London RFID Travel Wallet

• > Several organisation pockets
• > Main zip closure for security

Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet

• > Full RFID-protection
• > Water resistant

VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet

• > Fun designs
• > Big enough for a passport and smart phone

Zoppen Multi-purpose RFID blocking travel wallet

• > Eco and ethical
• > RFID-blocking

Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet

• > High capacity
• > Detachable hand strap

Visconti Leather Travel Organiser Wallet

• > Good number of pockets

Security Belt

• > Combined belt and money pouch
• > Very discreet

When it comes to organizing the most important personal items, you need a wallet that is practical, functional and keeps your s*** safe. The Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is just the unit to do that. Along with using a portable travel safe , its a great way to keep your stuff safe.

The Pacsafe V50 is tough , and provides enough in the way of of security and organizational features to keep your money and cards easily accessible to you and away from the hands of potential thieves. A wallet is one of those things you don’t think about too much – but for backpackers a fine balance of practical and secure is what we are after – and I think Pacsafe achieved both of those things here.

Need more ideas? Check out the best travel organisers out there.

• RFIDsafe blocking material
• Well priced
• Wrist strap included
• Not too bulky
• No space for a passport
• Coin pocket is a bit small
• Doesn’t automatically refill with money after a night at the bar

Is the Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet for me?

If you’re looking for a slimlined minimalist wallet that’s going to provide a place for your cards (5), cash, and ID while traveling without being over bulky and immediately obvious to those pickpockets out there, then the Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is undoubtedly the overall best travel wallet for you, with card and cash space without the drama!

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Big Skinny Trifold Wallet

This traditionally styled slimline tri-ifold wallet by Big Skinny is equally balanced and incredibly lightweight for what it is, meaning no awkward moments with one side flapping about as you try and retrieve something from the second. There’s a full-length section for bank notes, pockets for up to 4 credit cards (do you need more when traveling? It’s unlikely!), a clear fronted pocket for an ID card or driving license, and an additional two hidden pockets. What’s more, its pockets are lined with RFID-blocking technology, so you have no need to worry about your electronic data getting scanned and stolen!

• Equally balanced sides
• Full-length banknote section
• RDIF-blocking tech
• Hidden pockets
• Just 4 credit card pockets
• Imported for UK customers
• Designed for US banknotes
• Not fully waterproof

Is the Big Skinny Tri Fold Wallet for me?

Like an everyday wallet in slimline form, the Big Skinny Slimline Bifold Wallet manages to provide a full-length banknote section and place for credit cards, so if you’re looking for a travel-friendly version of your main wallet, we say go for the Big Skinny!

Update : We no longer recommend this product. As of November 2020, many Nomatic customers have experienced problems with their orders and zero customer support – therefore we do NOT recommend you buy products with Nomatic. Instead, go with one of our other top picks above.

Has someone made a mistake here? Haven’t we already reviewed the Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet as our overall best travel wallet? Well, yes we have! But this wallet is so perfect we just had to bring it up again! There’s simply no arguing with its minimalist tendencies, its lovingly small overall size, or its weight of just a few grams. Then there’s the fact it can hold a whopping 15 cards should you be traveling like Jeff Bezos, with a tab that makes it super easy to grab the top four you use most often. And there’s still that little pocket for cash or keys too!

Looking for more info? We wrote a more detailed post on the Nomatic Wallet for your reading pleasure!

• As minimal as they come!
• Great price point
• Easy access tab for most used cards
• Small change/key pocket
• Not large enough to hold a passport
• Just four color choices
• No RFID-blocking pocket
• Too small for some users?

Is the Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet for me?

We can’t quite believe how much can be stored in such a small size with the Nomatic Slim Minimalist Wallet! So for anyone looking for a travel wallet that’s going to keep their valuables safe and in one place without the need for a daypack for oversized pocket, we’ll just shift the Nomatic in your direction!

Best Leather Travel Wallet

Harber london rfid travel walle t.

For those of you who want a high end, stylish, cool as f**k leather wallet then come and meet Harber London. This lush leather RFID protected wallet is exactly what James Bond would carry if he ever bothered to pay for anything. So, there are enough credit card slots for more cards then it’s likely you’ll need when traveling, sections for keeping those freshly-minted banknotes crisp, and a further zipped pocket which you can either use for coins, keys, or other small valuable items.

Minimal yet spacious, this wallet will last you for many a year.

• Several organization pockets
• Internal zip close pocket
• RFID Protected
• Leather is not an ethical choice for some people

Is the Wildman Travel Document Wallet for me?

Add a touch of class to your business trips or family vacations with the Wildman Travel Document Wallet! Not only does it have a classically styled look about it, but an unbelievable amount of space for all those items you need when traveling – including space for your passport!

Unzip the Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet and it falls open like a book, which is great for being able to rapidly spot what you’re looking for. It is fully RFID-protected, meaning data thieves are unable to scan your credit card of ID details without your knowledge, but also means you don’t have to worry about the exact placement of your most at-danger valuables. Just slip them anywhere inside the wallet! Also included are card pockets, one with a clear window for your ID, banknote sleeves, and an additional two stash pockets. To round things off, this wallet-cum-lifesaving organiser also comes with a slash-proof wrist strap.

• Full RFID-protection
• Banknote sleeves
• Change pockets
• Slash resistant
• Larger style travel wallet
• Four credit card slots
• Just one colour available

Is the Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet for me?

For anyone who wants a larger travel wallet to keep everything organised and in one place the Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is the answer. With full RFID protection, there’s space for cards, banknotes, change, and passports and documentation too!

The VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet is certainly worthy of the name, with enough space to include all the valuables and items you need when traveling. Not only are there pockets for banknotes, coins, and credit/debit cards, there is also a dedicated passport pocket, all securely enclosed within a zip-close book-style opening. On the outside surface, you’ll also find a smartphone-friendly pocket suitable for phones the size of the iPhone 7, meaning users are able to keep all their valuables together in one place! The Tuscall Travel Wallet is also lightweight when empty and weatherproof, and comes in a number of fun, attractive patterns.

• Cool designs
• built RFID-protection
• Weatherproof
• Big enough for a passport and smartphone
• Too large for most pockets
• Too small for a whole family

Is the VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet for me?

Keep everything from your passport to your smartphone safe and in one place with the TVULKIT Passport Holder Wallet. Pretty much the perfect size – large enough for a passport but not so large you don’t know what to do with it – this travel wallet also offers some protection from the weather, and looks great too!

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The Zoppen travel wallet has a tri-fold design for a slimmer overall design while still being large enough to hold a passport, banknotes, and even an airline boarding card – without the need to fold it up! Made from eco and ethical PU faux leather, its classic style comes in a huge range of colors. The banknote sleeve is suitably-sized to fit US dollars – longer than many other currencies, all the while protecting your data from theft due to its in-built RFID blocking materials. On top of that, there are credit and ID card slots as you might expect, and the possibility to slip your smartphone inside too!

• Can hold a passport
• Eco and ethical
• Range of colors
• RFID-blocking
• Faux leather
• Slightly heavier than other travel wallets
• Not the trendiest look
• Not for the great outdoors

Is the Zoppen Multi-purpose RFID blocking travel wallet for me?

Buy the Zoppen Multi-purpose RFID blocking travel wallet and you’re pretty much guaranteed to have space for all the valuable items you need to travel with, from passport to boarding card and credit cards. The RFID-blocking technology also means you’re safe from data theft wherever you are in the world!

The Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet is another of the higher capacity travel wallets we’re bringing to your attention in this review. This nature makes it incredibly easy to keep everything not only in one handy place but organized throughout too. The book-like form provides an almost unending series of pockets, some zipped, for passports, documentation, and money. There’s a detachable hand strap that can be slipped over the wrist to make this travel wallet even more secure when being used.

• High capacity
• Great organization
• Detachable hand strap
• Intended for women only
• 250 grams delivery weight

Is the Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet for me?

Are you the one responsible for the family’s documents? Or maybe you’re just a woman who likes to be organized and have everything in one place? If either is you, then the Lilly Pulitzer Travel Wallet is going to make your life a hell of a lot easier, thanks to its huge array of pockets!

This delightful travel wallet is constructed from soft leather for a luxurious feel and has a simple but stylish look. There’s a zip close pocket the size of the whole wallet on the outer rear side, which has a multitude of users. Inside, the travel wallet opens out to reveal a variety of pouches and a further zip close pocket, as well as a good number of credit card slots on the flap opening. For supreme organization, sections are labeled ‘tickets’, ‘passports’, ‘documents’, and ‘cheques’. What’s more, there’s an additional slip sleeve hidden beneath the credit card slots that’s perfect for banknotes.

• Stylish look
• Good number of pockets
• Organisational sleeves
• ‘Cheques’?, who uses cheques?
• No RFID-blocking pockets
• Wallet closes with studs rather than zip
• Large for the average male pocket

Is the Visconti Leather Travel Organiser Wallet for me?

This stylish travel wallet will leave many a person asking where you’ve got it from! Not only does it look and feel great, but its highly usable too. There are zip close pockets inside and out, as well as helpfully-labeled sleeves to keep you on the straight and narrow when it comes to organization while away from home.

If you’re worried about the need to carry high-denomination banknotes on you when you’re traveling, the a Security Belt could be the answer. Combining the belt you’ll probably be taking in any case with a wallet, the basic premise is a belt that incorporates a hidden zipped pocket on its inner side. Made from sturdy black nylon, the belt weighs just four ounces and fits men’s and women’s waists of 26 to 42 inches. The downside to a security belt is that it cannot be used as an everyday wallet since the money is nicely tucked away, and banknotes need to be folded lengthways to fit.

• Combined belt and money pouch
• Zip close pocket
• Sturdy nylon construction
• Very discreet
• Cannot be used as an everyday wallet
• Banknotes must be folded
• Cannot take credit card/passport
• Plastic buckle

Is a Security Belt for me?

A further feather in the cap for security when traveling, this Security Belt is a nice way of separating out some emergency cash from your other valuables. Alternatively, it’s a way of minimizing spending and the risk of pickpockets.

Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet

Using environmentally certified leather, the Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet is another of the slimline travel wallets in this review. However, that doesn’t mean this travel wallet doesn’t have the capacity to hold everything you need for a successful time away. In fact, the Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet has a dedicated passport pocket, as well as another two for banknotes of different currencies, documents, and up to 10 credit cards too! Flipping open like a police notebook rather than a paperback book, there’s a narrow pen has been cleverly added into the center fold. In addition, the Bellroy also includes protection from electronic snooping, with RFID-blocking incorporated!

• Environmentally certified leather
• Passport pocket

RFID-protection

• High delivery price for UK customers
• Won’t take a family’s passports
• No outer zip

Is the Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet for me?

A crisp, clean look is just the start of the benefits of owning this leather travel wallet from Bellroy. Designed with travel in mind, there’s a dedicated passport pouch, pockets for multiple currencies, and place for a good number of credit cards too! And then there’s the RFID-blocking technology we should also mention again….

Valante Travel Wallet

The Valante Travel Wallet opens out in the same way a book does, giving easy access and even easier sighting of all the items you’re storing within. The rear exterior side has a large pocket in which you could slip in your smartphone, while inside there are a further three large pockets big enough to take a passport. There are two sleeves for holding banknotes of various currencies, an identity card or driving license pouch, and slots for an additional seven credit cards. Its lightweight, but is still made from water-resistant nylon. Finally, the Valante travel wallet also includes RFID-blocking technology too!

• Book opening
• Smartphone and passport pockets
• RFID-blocking tech
• Polyester material
• Weight of 9.1 oz.
• Just one color available

Is the Valante Travel Wallet for me?

If you need a travel wallet capable of holding all of your travel documents, the Valante is a good way to go. There are pockets large enough for a smartphone and passports, as well as those for banknotes and slots for credit cards. There’s also the fact it has RFID-protection, and resistance against the rain too!

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

The best travel wallet for one person isn’t necessarily the best travel wallet for the next person in the queue. So which is the best travel wallet for you? Here are a few points to take note of when working out which of our top picks might be the best for you.

Most of the travel wallets in our review list are made from water-resistant synthetic materials, which are ideal for anyone worried about getting caught in the rain (or even ruined by a splash of spilt coffee). But we’ve also covered a few travel wallets made in faux or real leather, for that extra look of sophistication!

Do you want your travel wallet to contain RFID-protection ? Firstly, let’s explain exactly what RFID stands for: Radio-Frequency Identification Devices. Basically, the wallets that promise RFID-protection stop electronic pickpockets from stealing your data by scanning the data stored on credit cards, identity cards, and even in passports, which could then be used to spend, spend, spend, or even duplicate your identity. You have been warned!

Frequency of use

If you’re only going to use your travel wallet once or twice a year, you’re probably going to be looking for a travel wallet at the lower end of the price bracket. However, if you’re a regular traveler, you definitely do get what you pay for, so keep this in mind when working out how to choose the best travel wallet for you!

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What makes a travel wallet so different?

Travel wallets need to be more durable and offer more organisation than normal wallets. In the best case, they’re also made from cut-proof material.

Are there wallets that fit passports?

Yes, the VULKIT Passport Holder Wallet fits all of your cards, money and even your passport. It’s obviously not the size that you can put into your pocket, but to keep all of your valuables together, it’s perfect.

What is the safest travel wallet?

The Pacsafe RFIDsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is a great anti-theft wallet. It is fully RFID-protected, meaning data thieves are unable to scan your credit card or ID details.

What is the overall best travel wallet?

Our favorite is the Pacsafe V50 RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet . It offers plenty of compartments which makes organisation a breeze.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

One of the best ways to ensure a stress-free and happy vacation period is by buying the best travel wallet you can afford. Then all your most valuable travel items will be safe and secure, leaving you to relax and have fun!

These travel wallets not quite cutting it for you? How about checking out the best travel purses instead!?

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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The best travel wallets for use in the airport and beyond

By Charley Ward

Much like a quality neck pillow or set of packing cubes , once you invest in a travel wallet, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. The best options are far more than a glorified passport case. Many come with additional pockets for currency, keys, your phone, SIM cards and the odd pen, making them a one-stop solution for keeping all travel essentials away from the mess at the bottom of your rucksack . Some even have RFID-blocking technology to help reduce the risk of credit card fraud while away, while others come with built-in luggage tracker slots for extra peace of mind.

They also make thoughtful gifts for globetrotting loved ones, and many on this list also match our favourite passport holders and luggage tags . Here are our picks of the best travel wallets to shop now.

Stackers’ travel wallet is chic enough to use as a day-to-day purse as well as times you’re headed for the airport. There are multiple compartments for cards, your phone and cash, along with dedicated spots for a passport and boarding pass. We also like the included cosmetics mirror for quick teeth checks. Finally, a wrist strap keeps it safe to hand if you’re using it as a clutch.

Australian luggage brand July has won us over with its sleek selection of well-priced, quality cases (I use the brand’s Volume Plus backpack every day ), and its selection of accessories holds equal appeal. This large nappa leather passport wallet is a perfect buy for anxious travellers. With a built-in AirTag holder and RFID protection, it helps reduce the risk of identity theft and losing your important documents to pickpockets. Of course, there are also three credit card slots, a slip large enough for two passports and additional space for your boarding pass.

This has handy tabs inside for maximum zippiness when fumbling for your boarding pass at the gate. There’s also a secure zip pocket for your currency. As with all Aspinal pieces, it’s made from premium leather, is personalisable and comes available in a selection of refined colours. If you choose this sky blue option, you can save £80, too.

Bellroy’s travel document wallet is one of the pricier options we’ve found, but cleverly designed details make it worth the investment. A rear slip pocket ensures easy access to essentials even while the folio is zipped, there are two passport pockets and a hidden compartment for currency. RFID protection provides peace of mind, there’s a handy mini pen and even a dedicated slot to keep your SIM card and ejector pin safe for times you need to switch yours out while away. It’s made from full-grain leather and comes in two classic shades.

Leave it to Monos to create something both minimalist and extra versatile. The Vancouver-based brand’s PU leather folio is designed to clip onto both the brand’s travel backpack and duffle, making time spent in the airport as seamless as can be. It’s also packed with features, squeezing in pockets for your passport, travel documents, kindle, SD card, and credit cards. There are also elastic pen holder loops, a removable key ring, and an additional zippered pocket for valuables. All that, and it’s available in nine shades. A great choice for family travel.

This nylon organiser is a little light on features in comparison to some of the other wallets on this list, but it’s lightweight, has several compartments for essentials and offers Tumi’s signature high-quality nylon finish. If you have a Tumi backpack, you can clip this inside using the G-hooks, for extra ease of access to your essentials.

Gold leather touches and a smart mock croc faux leather finish make John Lewis’s bifold travel wallet a sophisticated option that belies its £45 price tag. Inside, there are several cardholders, two passport holders, and a zippered currency pocket.

Away’s offering is less of a wallet and more of a pouch. Nonetheless, inside there are multiple handy pockets for your bits and pieces, along with a snap closure to attach it to your Away bag or suitcase. Choose from two sizes.

Beis has made a name for itself as the influencer’s luggage brand of choice thanks to its sleek, stylish approach that doesn’t scrimp on utility (see its popular weekender with a concealed shoe compartment to see what we mean). Its travel wallet is the only one on our list with a crossbody strap. So you can glide from security to the gate with your hands-free for your coffee.

Everyone loves Fjallraven’s Kanken line of bags – you’d be hard-pushed to walk down any high street without spotting at least one of the colourful canvas rucksacks on show. In fact, the brand’s Kanken weekender is my personal bag of choice for short trips – deceptively roomy, with a separate shoe compartment and straps that can be utilised in three ways. This water-resistant travel wallet, with space for your phone, cards, passport and travel documents, will complete your set.

For a lux option that doubles as a keep-forever gift, British brand Cox & Milner creates elegant yet functional leather travel accessories handmade in England. Their travel case is a delight to use, lined in soft suede and with a storage place for everything, from charging cables to earphones, a pen, cards and, of course, your passport. The case comes in three different colour options, including this deliciously rich shade of fig.

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Here are the best travel wallets:

The best overall, the best minimalist travel wallet, the best with a zipper, the best for family trips, the best for holding boarding passes, check out our other travel gear guides, the best travel wallets of 2021.

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

• Travel wallets are useful for organizing passports, boarding passes, money, and other key documents when making trips.
• The  Bellroy Travel Wallet is our top pick thanks to a sleek, smart design that holds everything without adding bulk.
• Check our other travel guide on the best carry-on bags .

Passports can be easily battered: Thin and light, they get worn down if you're a frequent traveler who shoves them into jeans pockets or carry-on backpacks that are filled to the brim.

I was never a fan of passport holders and cases until I found myself in situations when I needed one. I took a few international flights where I couldn't use mobile boarding passes and had to carry paper ones. I remembered what a pain it can be to keep track of your passport, boarding pass, and landing cards, plus other notes and documents you might need when you're throwing everything loose into a backpack pocket.

I decided to look into travel wallets and passport covers, thinking I can streamline everything if I could keep all the travel documents for a given flight in one holder; I'd also be able to protect my passport. I knew that money belts and travel wallets that go around the neck are popular, but I had no interest in one of those. I wanted a sleek, clean-looking wallet.

After researching different options and testing a handful, the Bellroy Travel Wallet was my consistent go-to. I've also included other great travel wallet options if Bellroy's wares aren't for you. Read on to see which of our picks is the best for your travel wallet needs.

• The best overall: Bellroy Travel Wallet
• The best minimalist travel wallet: Mr. Lentz Slim Passport Wallet
• The best with a zipper: Fjällräven Passport Wallet
• The best for family trips: Lewis N. Clark Travel Wallet
• The best for holding boarding passes: Cuyana Classic Passport Case

The Bellroy Travel Wallet keeps your passport, boarding passes, landing cards, and more in a compact, organized package.

Pros : Keeps everything you need handy while traveling, easy to navigate, great organization, includes a pen, small enough to carry in a pocket in the airport, has RFID-blocking capabilities

Cons : Too big to use as a daily wallet during trips

If you're a regular reader of Insider Reviews, chances are you're already familiar with Bellroy — after all, the company makes our favorite wallets. The Australian brand has a smart, minimalist, and functional design philosophy. It also uses ethically-sourced materials and has a great manufacturing process to produce high-quality gear.

What I love about Bellroy's travel wallet is that it holds everything. It has room for all of the travel documents you might need over the course of a multi-stop international trip, plus cash, credit cards, a SIM card, and even a pen.

At first glance, the wallet looks like an oversized bifold, opening just like an everyday wallet. One side has room for your passport, with a dedicated pocket that takes up that whole side. The other side has credit card slots — either two or four, depending on which edition of the wallet you choose — positioned vertically so you just drop the cards in. The wallet also has an open-top pocket like a traditional bill compartment, but it's divided into two sections.

There are a few more "hidden" card slots and a sim-card holder within the inner cash compartment, as well as my favorite feature of this wallet: a tiny pen, which is kept tucked away right in the middle so that you can fill out landing cards and jot any quick notes you need.

Available in a few colors, the wallet is big enough to hold just about any currency, and I like to keep a little bit in one of the sections of the large cash/document pocket. The other section is great for holding boarding passes, custom cards, and any other travel documents you might need to have handy. I prefer putting these in the outermost section so that they don't crease when folded. I use the inside part for cash — You can put cash in both sections, using the divider to keep different currencies separate.

In theory, Bellroy intends the travel wallet to be your everyday wallet on the road, something you can carry with your cards, cash, passport, and everything else you need for a day of exploring. I think it's a little big for that. I can certainly fit in in a back pocket or jacket when I'm in the airport, but it's big enough that I would be worried about theft walking around a city with it. 

The handmade Mr. Lentz Slim Passport Wallet is timeless and built to last.

Pros : Slim, rugged, handmade, holds the essentials

Cons : Needs to be broken in, brass rivets may not appeal to everyone

The Mr. Lentz brand is run by one person — Evan Lentz — who makes all of his products by hand in his own workshop. Lentz built the brand with a "modern cowboy" feel, designed to evoke days of hard work on the windswept plains, and his online shops reflect that with old-west images and icons.

Mr. Lentz makes wallets, bags, and other accessories using durable, rugged, and time-proven materials like full-grain leather, brass, and wood. Lentz's passport wallet is a typical example of this style.

The wallet is much more scaled-down than the Bellroy Travel Wallet making it great for those who just want to ensure some protection for their passport without adding a ton of bulk. A solid piece of leather makes a bifold that opens like a book. The right-side has a pocket for your passport, which is a little tight and only meant to fit the back cover of the passport. That way, the passport can be read without removing it from the wallet. You can just hand the whole package to the customs agent. Once the wallet breaks in a bit, you can fit the whole closed passport in that pocket.

The other side of the wallet has two card slots that can hold four to six cards. There's a larger pocket right behind the card slots that is perfect for holding a bit of spare cash. You can also fit travel documents, like boarding passes, in this sleeve.

Aesthetically, the Mr. Lentz Passport Wallet looks rugged and hardy. The thick full-grain leather holds up well and develops a nice patina as you use it and break it in. Solid brass rivets line the outsides of the wallet, holding it together. The wallet also ships with a free tin of proprietary leather conditioner to help keep it soft as it ages and breaks in.

Thin enough to fit in a front pocket, this wallet is a perfect option for those looking for something that will last a long time and hold just the essentials. You can also choose to engrave the wallet, using any of a few different methods.

The Fjällräven Passport Wallet closes securely with a zipper and will hang on to your documents no matter where you go.

Pros : Water-resistant, protects your travel documents from the elements, keeps things from falling out and getting lost

Cons : Both sizes are bigger and bulkier than other travel wallets because of the zipper and material

If you're backpacking and carrying a lot, or want to just throw your travel documents in a bag's main compartment, a bifold travel wallet might not be your best option.

A more secure passport wallet with a zipper, like the Fjällräven Passport Wallet, lets you toss it in a bag with everything else, and you don't have to worry about anything falling out or getting lost.

The Fjällräven Passport Wallet is made of a water-resistant waxed canvas. Like most of the other passport wallets you'll find out there, the Fjallraven option is structured like a bifold, but this one has a zipper running along the entire outside.

When opened, the wallet has space to tuck your passport and folded boarding pass on the right side. There's also an interior zippered pocket, perfect for coins, ticket stubs, or other odd bits and ends. The left side of the wallet has six card slots, and there's an open pocket at the top for cash.

Fjallraven also makes a larger version of this wallet called the Travel Wallet , rather than the "Passport Wallet." They're basically the same thing; the main difference is that the Travel Wallet has a few more card slots and a loop to hold a pen, and is designed to fit unfolded boarding passes. It's almost more like a small purse or clutch. The smaller Passport Wallet can also hold a small pen and boarding passes, but there's no loop to keep it in place and boarding passes must be folded.

Personally, I prefer the smaller Passport Wallet — even though you have to fold your boarding passes to fit them, it's just a nicer hand-held size. However, both are great options, especially if you're storing the wallet in a bag.

The Lewis N. Clark Travel Wallet keeps the whole family organized as you head on your next adventure.

Pros : Keeps a family's travel documents organized, well-positioned pockets and compartments, includes a pen

Cons : Large, won't fit in a pocket, zipper issues

Even though I love traveling, there's no doubt that it can be stressful. The stress is even worse when you're managing logistics for a group, even your own family.

While there's not much to do about it, you can at least make your group's time at the airports a little bit easier with the Lewis N. Clark Travel Wallet . With room for about four passports, plus cash, cards, boarding passes, customs forms, a pen, and even a phone, this is more than a travel wallet. It's more like a family travel organizer.

While the Lewis N. Clark is naturally bigger than a one-person travel wallet, it's smaller than you might expect considering how much it holds. That said, this isn't going in anyone's front pocket — think of it more as a folio.

The wallet folds closed like a clamshell and zips shut all the way around. When it's closed, there's still access to a small zip pocket on the front. 

When open, there are three pockets on the right side that are for passports. You can fit a few passports in each pocket, according to Amazon reviewers. It has six credit card slots, a zipper compartment for change and cash, and a larger zippered compartment for boarding passes or cash on the left side. In the middle, there's a loop for a pen so you can fill out forms on the plane.

The Travel Wallet is made from nylon that's durable and protective. It also has RFID-blocking material built in to add an extra layer of protection to your cards and passports. As for downsides, some buyers mention problems with the zipper.

Cuyana's Classic Passport Case  holds a full-size boarding pass and several cards in a chic leather wallet.

Pros:  Holds a full boarding pass, six card slots, multiple slide pockets for passports and more, stylish, fun colors, real leather

Cons:  Won't fit in your pocket

Cuyana is known for making quality leather goods for very affordable prices. The Insider Reviews team recently tested a number of the company's wallets, including the Classic Passport Holder. We loved the wallet so much that we wrote a full review about it.

The simple leather wallet was designed in San Francisco and handmade in Argentina. Measuring 9-inches long, it's longer than most other passport holders, so it can hold a full boarding pass without wrinkling or folding. Cuyana also added a dedicated pocket for your passport, six card slots, and two large slide pockets for travel documents and anything else you need.

The pebbled leather is soft and smooth, and the card slots keep your cards in place securely without being too tight. You can get the passport holder in navy blue, stone gray, red, black, or a crocodile-embossed black. If you so choose, Cuyana will even monogram your wallet.

Based on our experience, it's the perfect stylish travel wallet, but it won't fit in your pocket, unless you happen to be wearing some intense cargo pants. It's a great pick if you have space in your bag and need to manage documents that you simply don't want to fold. — Malarie Gokey

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Guide to the Best Travel Wallets for Men & Women

Published December 31, 2019

Written by:

Shawn Forno

If you want to learn about budget travel, minimalist carry on packing, or how to travel (and even live and...

Jenn Sutherland-Miller

Jenn raised 4 children while traveling full-time for more than a decade– it’s called worldschooling and it’s awesome. Jenn has...

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

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At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

Travel wallets are all about getting rid of clutter, keeping your valuables safe and organized, and making sure you enjoy your trip. Less is more when it comes to carry on packing. Nowhere is that more true than your bulky, unsafe, outdated wallet.

Keys, wallet, phone.  When you head out the door, besides your  travel backpack , that’s all you really need. Heck, sometimes when you travel, you don’t even have a set of keys or your phone. Truly  minimalist travel  and  carry on packing  is all about getting rid of the gear you don’t need and slimming down the stuff you can’t live without. And, like it or not, every traveler needs a wallet.

Stop lugging around a subway sandwich loyalty card-filled monstrosity. Streamline your travel wallet, and who knows‚ it might streamline the rest of your life.

Below is our guide to finding the best travel wallet for your travel style and needs — whether you want RFID blocking or a wallet that doubles as a passport holder . Then, find recommendations for 28 travel wallets for men and women .

Are Travel Wallets a Good Idea?

Yes, a travel wallet can help savvy travelers keep their cash, cards, and identity safe. With identity protecting features like RFID blocking and security features like hidden stash pockets, a good travel wallet is more functional than an everyday wallet.

The kind of travel wallet you need varies by destination. Europe and Australia use a lot of coins, so unless you want $20 rolling out of your pocket every time you sit on the train, get a travel wallet with a dedicated zipper pocket. In South America, cash is king, and  ATM fees add up , so carry a travel wallet slim enough to fit in your front pocket (aka theft proof ), yet big enough for your cash.

Besides size and zipper pockets, here’s what to look for in a travel wallet:

• RFID blocking: These wallets have metal fiber mesh that prevents people from stealing your identity with an radio frequency identity detection (RFID) device.
• Minimalist and streamlined : These wallets have just the basics, a pocket for your credit cards and a pocket for cash (if that).
• Passport holder : These are larger wallets with room for your passport.
• Zippered pockets : If you think you’ll have a lot of change or small items you want to keep close (like a SD card), a zippered pocket is a must. Some also have hidden stash pockets.
• Fabric : Travel wallets come in a number of different fabrics—leather, carbon fiber, aluminum, canvas, and even a waterproof paper called Tyvek .
• Water resistance : For outdoor adventures, a water resistant wallet can keep your cash dry and usable.

Even the best travel wallet is a compromise between size and function. Do a little research into the currency of your chosen destination before you buy something that you won’t use. Like a  money belt . 

The Best Minimalist Travel Wallets for Men

Sometimes, all you need is a credit card, ID, and a bit of cash. These wallets get that.

1. Tyvek Paper Travel Wallet ($18)

I picked one of these futuristic durable paper wallets up a few years ago, and I loved it—while it lasted. While durable, they just don’t last as long as other wallets. And that’s ok.

These wallets are incredibly thin (just 3mm!), stupid light, and they’ll last for a few months of heavy use.

The best part is that they come in a wide range of awesome colors and styles, so go nuts and get one that really highlights your travel persona. I loved mine, and I remember it all these years later. That’s saying something.

3. Casmonal Slim Minimalist Elastic Travel Wallet ($10)

If you’re looking for a great budget travel wallet, the Casmonal Elastic Travel Wallet is a steal. The design is similar to the Nomatics Basic, with slightly more give and capacity thanks to the elastic band.

Stuff up to 6 cards in the main compartment with room for your cash and other small items. These wallets are interesting, light, and a great way to flaunt your minimalism… if that’s even possible.

The wallet comes in 20 different color combinations, so that might help.

5. CHUMS Zipper Wallet ($12)

I’m a big fan of this “fanny pack” of travel wallets. As a surfer, I appreciate the zippered construction and nylon material, as well as the key ring.

This wallet/coin purse is perfect for keeping your wallet and keys together. Always. Ideal for travel in Australia, New Zealand, or Europe, especially if you’re a budget traveler trying to keep track of every one of those precious coins.

2. Nomatics BASIC Minimalist Travel Wallet ($20)

This sleek, minimalist wallet is the epitome of “less is more.” Designed around the idea that most travelers use one card everyday, Nomatic created an easy access tab for getting to your most used card. This wallet is great for every day carry, but it’s really designed for  digital nomads  and savvy travelers. You have your one loyalty card (that thing that gets you free flights), and you use it everywhere. Keep it handy with this minimalist wallet.

The stash pouch is also great for your Airbnb key or valuable coins when you’re abroad, and the main compartment holds an additional 3-4 cards with room for cash.

I’m a big fan of front pocket, minimalist wallets, and I’ve been rocking this wallet for a while, and while it’s a bit of a squeeze, I dig it. Keep your nicknacks, photos, and souvenirs where they’re safe— in the cloud .

4. Decommissioned Firefighter Hose Money Clips ($29)

Not all money clips are created equal, especially when some are made out of actual upcycled polyester firefighter hose material.

Each wallet is unique, since they’re made from actual firefighter hoses, and they can obviously take a beating. Woven with T-90 nylon thread, and with room for 4-8 cards and cash, these wallets can take anything you can dish out.

With over 241 reviews, and a 5-star rating, what are you waiting for? Also, did I mention they’re made out of firefighter hoses? Oh, I did. Cool.

6. Infinity Minimalist Travel Wallet ($13)

This coal black, super slim nylon-elastic fabric travel wallet is only for the true minimalist.

It features one main stuff pocket that stretches to accommodate up to 10 cards (although you won’t want to fit that many), and a cash pocket, which is small. This is a great wallet for weekend travel or for the digital nomad that lives in the cloud.

The Best RFID Travel Wallets for Men

Unlike regular wallets, RFID-blocking wallets have a thin metal mesh in them to prevent people with RFID readers from reading personal identifying information, like credit card details, in your wallet.

1. Kinzd Slim Front RFID Blocking Wallet ($14)

Another great departure from bulky bi-fold wallets that just don’t fit in your front pocket, it’s got six card slots, and another dedicated “everyday” card slot. Plus, there’s a window pocket for your ID, so you don’t have to dig it out all the time.

The RFID blocking is a big plus over other slim wallets, and it adds a significant amount of capacity without a lot of bulk. The wallet weighs just under 1 ounce (depending on the material you choose). I’m a fan of the cork fabric for the ultimate lightweight, resilient travel wallet.

3. Dash Elastic Wallet ($11)

This every day carry wallet from Dash , one of the bigger names in the wallet industry, features a slim, minimalist design, but manages to tack on a third organizational pocket. One for cards and cash, another for small items, and a third for change.

The strong elastic band keeps everything in place without taking up any space. And, of course, it has RFID-blocking built in.

2. Django Dapper Wallet with RFID blocking ($65)

According to the Django Products description, this heavy duty wallet is built to “solve problems.” And it does. This minimalist powerhouse holds up to 12 cards while still looking slim and feeling light thanks to the anodized aluminum hardware and silicon band/cash strap.

Finished with premium leather and built-in RFID blocking, this wallet is stylish and will help protect your identity abroad.

4. Bellroy Hide & Seek Travel Wallet ($89)

Bellroy is the Cadillac of travel wallets. Made from premium grade leather, packed with features like internal pull tabs, four easy access card slots, a hidden coin pouch, flat bill section room for 12 cards, and RFID-protection it’s no wonder everyone wants one of these.

Everything they sell is also backed by a 3-year warranty. Bellroy makes a great travel wallet.

The Best Stylish Travel Wallets for Men

I’m not a huge fan of spending all your money to get a fancy wallet, but if you can afford weekly trips to Ibiza, you might as well look the part with these sleek, stylish travel wallets.

1. Slim 2 Travel Wallet ($32)

This stylish leather wallet is all about sleek minimalism. The microfiber lining, herringbone patterned elastic band, and leather exterior make this one of the coolest minimalist wallets you can own. Guaranteed to start a conversation, if that’s what you’re pulling your wallet out for.

2. Madera Poquito Slim Wooden Travel Wallet ($45)

It doesn’t get cooler than a minimalist wooden wallet. It just doesn’t. Perfectly designed to hold 6 cards and cash, this masterpiece even features a hidden pocket for a spare key or coins. Seriously, this wallet is beautiful. It comes in cherry or walnut.

The Best Minimalist and Slim Travel Wallets for Women

For small purses and minimalist travelers, these slim women ‘s travel wallets will fit the bill — and your bills.

1. Kate Spade Laurel Way Petty Saffiano Leather Wallet ($49)

A snazzy, small black wallet that only brings the essentials: six card slots, one zippered pocket, one exterior ID pocket. Think of this as your must-have wallet for a small purse. Or if you’re not a “wallet kinda person” but need someplace to keep your cards and ID, this wallet is for you.

2. YoToo Bifold Leather Mini Wallet ($19)

My favorite part about this wallet? The brown U-shaped leather on the top. It gives this wallet a smile. Based on the 4.3 out of 5 stars that 50+ reviewers gave this wallet, I’m not the only one who likes it.

One reviewer said,  “Very easy to get at everything, cards stay put and yet are easy to see and slide out. Slots for frequently used cards and lots of room to tuck away the ones you don’t need as often.”

3. Borgasets RFID Small Bifold ($17)

For a slim women ‘s wallet, look no further. This slim and — dare I say it — cute wallet is perfect. Hardly wider than an iPhone 6 Plus, it’s crafted with leather and scores a whopping 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 147 reviews on Amazon. Their only complaint? No change pocket.

The Best Travel Wallet Clutches for Women

1. Fossil Fiona Multifunction ($60)

A small leather wallet with a zippered top that packs more of a wallop that you’d expect from its unassuming outside. To quote one reviewer:  “The size may look small but it has lots of room/compartments for everything I need to carry.”

3. Michael Kors Jetset Wallet ($127)

This gorgeous leather wallet kept popping up in my research. Everyone raves about it from its classic, sleek look to its great size. Listen to  Sher She Goes  gush about it:

“There’s tons of room on the inside and I can even stuff my iphone 6S plus inside, which is a huge plus in favor of the Michael Kors travel continental wallet. I especially love the durable saffiano leather, which only needs a spot clean to get off dust and spills.”

2. Fossil Emma RFID Large Zip Clutch ($85)

This beautiful leather clutch doubles as your wallet and your purse for a night on the town. A wrap-around zipper keeps all your essential neatly tucked away. With 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 200+ reviews, you know this beauty is well-loved.

You can even tuck your iPhone 8 Plus safely inside. So you don’t run the risk of leaving important things in the Uber’s backseat when you reach your Airbnb.

The Best RFID Travel Wallets for Women

If RFID is what you are looking for, these are the best travel wallets for women with RFID blocking capabilities.

1. Fossil Logan Small RFID Bifold ($35)

This small, sleek one-snap and one-zipper bifold brings snazz to your game and minimalist styling to your wallet. Five credit card slots and two billfold pockets keep you organized without going overboard. Small enough to slip into a small bag for a night out on the town. Bonus: it also is RFID blocking.

2. Mundi File Master Womens RFID Blocking Wallet Clutch ($20)

A checkerboard clutch that has boasts it all: RFID tech, 13 credit card pockets, 2 hidden pockets, 2 ID sleeves, coin pocket, and an interior filing compartment. I kid you not. So if staying organized on the road is your thing — this wallet is made for you to keep receipts, tickets, souvenirs organized.

3. Fossil Logan RFID Flap Clutch ($85)

Supple leather that ages better than George Clooney. Yes — you might have found your soulmate in this wallet. It features RFID tech, 12 credit card slots, an interior zip pocket for your super MVP items, and a back exterior pocket to slip your phone inside. Consider it your office on the road. Be still my beating heart.

The Best Women ’s Travel Wallets for Passports

1. Fjällräven Passport Wallet ($60)

A rugged wallet with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of  gets the job done.  Deep pocket to stash your money and it’s big enough to carry your passport. 

“Personally, I prefer this smaller Passport Wallet — even though you have to fold your boarding passes to fit them, it’s just a nicer hand-held size,”  writes  David Slotnick at Business Insider .

2. Kate Spade Travel Wallet ($180)

Sher She Goes  says,  “This Kate Spade Travel Wallet was my first travel wallet and remains one of my favorites. The zip around also makes everything inside quite secure and you can stick in 2 passports if you’re traveling as a pair. Unzipped, it lays entirely flat so you can see everything at once. There’s also an exterior pocket outside the zipped section.”

Crafted from leather, it’s big enough to fit your passport and is guaranteed to age beautifully.

3. Cuyana Leather Travel Wallet ($185)

Luxurious leather wallet big enough to slip your passport inside. This wallet whispers “beautiful high-end Italian leather.” Use it to hold your daily travel documents or as a clutch at a fashionable, intimate dinner where you pretend you’re Blake Lively and your date is Ryan Reynolds.

Ideas for DIY Travel Wallets

Most of the wallets on this list cost less than $20, but if that’s still too much for you, there are always some sweet DIY alternatives.

Duct Tape Wallet (Free)

Yes, you can make your own duct tape wallet. Just  follow these instructions , and you’ll be on your way to hipster saintdom. Honestly, these wallets work just fine, but building them is a pain in the ass, and they don’t hold up well to weather or heavy use. Just spring for an actual travel wallet.

DIY Money Clip (Free)

A slightly better DIY travel wallet is the old binder clip wallet. This guy has a decent  YouTube tutorial  on it, but essentially, you clip your cards together in the main section of the clip, then wrap your cash around those cards, securing it all with the clip “ears.”

I’ve used one of these for a few months, and it was fine, but the clip really doesn’t handle too few cards very well, and it’s not the easiest wallet to use. You’ll probably lose a card or some cash, and if nothing else, you’ll scratch up your cards and ID. Not highly recommended, but still pretty neat if you need something in a pinch.

Travel wallets are all about getting rid of clutter, keeping your valuables safe and organized, and making sure you enjoy your trip. Less is more when it comes to carry on packing and  digital nomadism.  Nowhere is that more true than your bulky, unsafe, outdated wallet.

• Front pocket wallets are the most theft-proof
• RFID blocking technology is affordable and valuable
• Cash is still king in many countries—know before you go
• Minimalism is amazing
• The best travel wallet might just be a binder clip if you’re savvy

Ladies, the best travel wallets for you might be:

• Kate Spade Travel Wallet ($180)  – fits your passport, money, and made from supple leather.
• Fossil Logan RFID Flap Clutch ($85)  – stay organized, plus it’s big enough to slip your smartphone inside
• Michael Kors Jetset Wallet ($127)  – you can’t go wrong with this crowd favorite

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If you want to learn about budget travel, minimalist carry on packing, or how to travel (and even live and work) in dozens of countries all over the world, Shawn is your guy. Shawn is not a New York Times bestselling travel author, but he is a full-time freelance blogger, copywriter, and content manager and is also a published photographer. He likes to rock climb, trek, surf, ride his bike, and read a bunch of sci-fi books.

Read more from Shawn

Jenn raised 4 children while traveling full-time for more than a decade– it’s called worldschooling and it’s awesome. Jenn has been published in numerous travel publications, partnered with brands to promote travel and education, she writes and speaks frequently on topics related to work-life integration for travelers, solo female travel, and family travel. Jenn has traveled deeply in more than 50 countries on six continents.

Read more from Jenn

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The Best Travel Wallets To Buy In 2021

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Packing for any international trip can be a hassle. While it may be exciting to visit a place you’ve never been or perhaps return to a favorite overseas spot, the packing process itself poses unique challenges.

For starters, you have to juggle your carry-on luggage and your personal items such as your cell phone and other handheld devices — and depending on your destination, sometimes you’re required to retrieve your checked luggage between connecting flights — all while having your travel documents at the ready for the customs agent. Depending on who you’re traveling with — elderly parents, small children, pets — making sure you aren’t forgetting anything, or worse, subjecting your documents to pickpockets, proves to be more of a hindrance than some of us imagined the first time we headed overseas.

Fortunately, we have the perfect solution!

Your luggage may be your largest packing endeavor, but remembering to properly pack your wallet is the most crucial. Typically tucked away inside your travel backpack or carryon, your wallet carries all the essentials — your ID, your money, and of course, your passport . We have found that the best way to safeguard your travel documents while simultaneously giving you the ease of mind to navigate the other components of your travel is to invest in a trusted travel wallet.

We took a close look at dozens of travel wallet organizers and have compiled a list of the best travel wallets to buy in 2019. Taking into consideration a wide array of styles, tastes, and budgets, we list the best wallets you should consider purchasing before your next trip.

Leatherology

For Women: Leatherology Travel Document Holder

Are you looking for a wallet that is functional but also sexy and chic? This stylishly sleek, leather travel document holder brings you all the benefits of a perfect organizer without the heft of a bulky travel wallet. Leatherology’s timeless leather features a finely grained texture that’s buttery soft to the touch. Its interior pockets are designed to help you carry not only your passport, but also your boarding passes, baggage claim tickets, cash, receipts, and credit cards. You’ll be able to breeze through the TSA lines with ease knowing that all of your documents are safe and secure in your possession. Choose from any one of 15 colors to compliment your travel mood as well as your personal style.

Get the Leatherology Travel Document Holder here.

For Women: Calpak Travel Wallet

Sometimes, we just need to lose the straps. For women who are juggling professional and personal commitments, ridding ourselves of straps means gaining freedom from the confinements of daily obligations, and that’s never a bad thing. But there are other times — as in the case of selecting the perfect travel wallet — when straps are not only good, they’re desired. Capable of serving as a purse, a wallet, or fanny pack, the Calpak Travel Wallet offers you the choice to strap up or go strapless. You can choose to wear this wallet’s unique strap five different ways, a few of which involve going hands free. The decision is yours. An added benefit? You’ll look good while doing it.

Get the Calpak Travel Wallet here.

For Women: Cuyana Mini Zip Around Wallet

Bigger isn’t always better. The Cuyana Mini Zip Around Wallet is a perfect combination of small and fashionable. Don’t let the “mini” in the title fool you, though. This wallet may be 3.5 inches by 4 inches, but it opens up into a well-organized, 8-inch spread. This means there’s plenty of room for you to carry your cash, coins, and cards. There are even two hidden card slots for you to carry your ID or a few travel receipts if need be. Depending on the texture you prefer, you can choose between rugged, pebble leather or a smooth-to-the-touch option. You can even have the wallet monogrammed with your initials, adding a customized piece to your collection of travel accessories.

Get the Cuyana Mini Zip Around Wallet here.

For Women And Men: Zoppen Travel Wallet With RFID

Are you looking for a travel wallet that’s functional, but doesn’t break the bank? The Zoppen Travel Wallet is a favorite because not only is it affordable, it’s also stylish. Available in 36 colors, the Zoppen Travel Wallet is guaranteed to organize all of your travel documents while matching your personal style. This wallet contains a passport pocket, a boarding pass compartment, three credit cards slots, one ID slot, a SIM card pouch, a cell phone pouch (max size 5.8 inches), a zippered money and coin pocket, a key holder, and a pen holder. With so many compartments, you may not need a purse at all. This travel wallet’s best feature: It contains an RFID chip that will help protect you from pickpockets on your trip. This wallet is perfect not only for you, but every member of the family or friend group.

Get the Zoppen Travel Wallet on Amazon here.

Aspinal of London

For Women: Aspinal Of London Classic Travel Collection

If you’re like most people, you pride yourself on being organized, especially when it comes to your most important documents. Now there’s a way for you to take your organization methods to a whole new level. With the Aspinal of London Classic Travel Collection , you can rest easy knowing all of your travel documents are occupying a very specific place in your wallet. Inside of the wallet, you’ll find one spacious gusseted compartment for currency, four tabbed sections for tickets, travel documents, and passports, an open pocket for boarding passes, and a zipped compartment for coins. The collection also comes with two leather luggage tags and one passport holder with “PASSPORT” embossed on the front cover. While this selection is definitely an investment, the travel collection is more than worth it. You can select from seven different colors, textures, and leather styles. You’ll be the envy of your travel companions when you flash this Italian calf-leather set personalized with your initials.

Get the Aspinal of London Classic Travel Collection here.

For Women And Men: Passport Holder Neck Travel Wallet RFID On Amazon

Have you been dubbed the official trip document juggler? It can be stressful to manage the passports for everyone when traveling with family. That’s why we recommend that you consider the Passport Holder Neck Travel Wallet RFID . This is the trifecta of multi-purpose travel wallets. For starts, not only is it equipped with RFID-blocking material and is waterproof, but it’s also fashioned in a loose-leaf design. You can store up to six passports — which is great for those traveling with an innovative pocket design. It also has a zipper pocket for your travel documents, which means you don’t have to take any of your documents out to scan barcodes or verify your identity — the passports can be seen from inside their pouches. Additionally, the wallet has eight card slots, a mesh zipper pocket (perfect for carrying coins), and multi-use strap. You can wear this wallet around your neck, loop it around your wrist or belt, or convert it into a backpack — whichever style meets your comfort! We assure you that if you’re traveling with a large group, this wallet is sure to meet your needs.

Get the Passport Holder Neck Travel Wallet on Amazon here.

For Men: Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet RFID

Every man deserves a nice wallet that he can be proud of using wherever his travels take him. We have identified the perfect wallet for the man who appreciates a minimalist aesthetic and no-nonsense functionality: the Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet RFID . Stylishly sleek, this attractive wallet allows you to keep all of your important documents in one place while fitting snugly in your back pocket. You can say goodbye to the pesky beading of nervous sweat as you shuffle through your bags, looking for your passport. This wallet is well equipped to carry up to 10 cards and includes sections for your passport, ticket, and bills. It even has a hidden compartment for spare cash and a micro pen with refills for when you need to jot down a quick note. This wallet is guaranteed to compliment your style and allow you to rest easy at night knowing it’s made with premium, environmentally certified leather. The only thing you need to worry about now is making sure you get your preferred seat on the plane.

Get the Bellroy Leather Travel Wallet here.

For Women: Compact Rose Secret Bra Travel Wallet On Amazon

The Compact Rose Secret Bra Travel Wallet was specifically fashioned for the feminine adventure seeker. Designed for nearly all bra sizes, the secret bra travel wallet allows you to keep your belongings safe from pickpockets while traveling abroad. By easily and stealthily clipping it to any one of your bra straps, you’ll not only be hands free, but you’ll literally get to carry your cards and your currency close to your heart. Equipped with RFID-blocking materials, you can feel empowered knowing you’re protecting your small essentials without the hassle of carrying a purse. Whether you’re attending a festival or shuffling through the airport, this wallet is a must-buy for all women.

Get the Compact Rose Secret Bra Travel Wallet on Amazon here.

For Women And Men: Mind And Body Experts Belt Of Orion Travel Fanny Pack On Amazon

Ah, the fanny pack. There are critics who don’t appreciate the fanny pack in all of its functional glory. However, we beg to differ. The fanny pack may be one of the most efficient methods of organizing and managing your travel documents, ever . And the best part — they’re hands free and minimize the need to rummage through other bags or reach into a backpack. For these reasons, we recommend the Mind and Body Experts’ Belt of Orion . This pack is intended to hold your phone, keys, and passport. It includes a clever hole to thread your headphones through without fear of entangling the cord. It’s compact yet spacious, and you can wear it subtly underneath your shirt. Rest assured knowing that all of your documents are safeguarded as you enjoy a hands-free travel experience.

Get the Belt of Orion Travel Fanny Pack on Amazon here.

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Travel Wallet Leather Edition

RFID Security

2-10 cards, passport, bills, travel docs, micro pen

Travel Wallet Nylon Edition

Passport Wallet Leather Edition

5-10 cards, passport, bills, documents

Who's the traveler in your life that could use a little lift?  Allett wallets make your load a little lighter, provide excellent organization, and plenty of space for foreign currencies and passports.  Freedom feels like jumping on a flight with an Allett Wallet.   From passport wallets to small coin wallets to card holders with RFID technology, Allett’s handcrafted travel wallets put comfort, durability, and functionality first with travel-friendly wallet styles that fit any jet setter's lifestyle.

gunmetal, ballpoint, black ink

Wayfinder Passport Wallet Leather Edition

£59.00 £36.00

2-7 cards, folded cash, passport, travel docs, micro pen

Card Holder Nylon Edition

2-12 business cards OR 2-6 credit cards

Coin Wallet 2.0 Nylon Edition

4-24 cards, bills, receipts, coins, micro pen

Coin Wallet 2.0 Leather Edition

4-24 cards, bills, receipts, coins, Micro Pen

£20.38 - £163.07

— Collection —

About Our Passport Wallets and Travel Safety Wallets

Travel is about exploration. Allett makes premium wallets that are ready for any climate, any activity, and any outfit. We offer two different types of wallets:

• Premium Nylon Wallets – Made with paper thin, rip resistant weaved nylon, our nylon travel wallets are expected to last for decades, maintain their color, and hold your cards firmly in place – all with RFID block technology.

• Nappa Leather Wallets – Our leather travel wallets use only Nappa leather, known as the only natural, thin, breathable leather that looks even better as it ages. Unlike traditional leather, these wallets resist moisture and dry quickly, and they come with amazing hand feel.

We design our wallets with fashion in mind. Yet our wallets are built for the outdoors. They are sweat resistant, water resistant, fast drying, and fit so comfortably in the pocket that you may forget it is there. It is the perfect choice for any travel that where you expect to be actively walking, hiking, or exploring – taking your cards safely with you on your adventures. 

Yet we also know that not everyone travels for the activities. You may need a wallet to carry with you to a special event. Because our wallets are so thin and move comfortably in the pocket, you’ll be able to maintain your outfit without a large wallet protruding from your pants or taking up too much space in your purse.

Finally, we have wallets to fit any type of travel need. Our passport wallets are especially popular. They fit passports, cards, folded bills, and more, all with the same comfort and benefits. This makes our passport wallets more comfortable than traditional bulky wallets, and still equipped with RFID blocking technology and other safety features. 

Both our nylon wallets for travel and our leather wallets for vacations are handcrafted with the best materials and your satisfaction in mind. With RFID passport wallets, card holders, small coin wallets, and even wallets that fit our Micro Pen , our travel wallet collection is a great choice for those on the go, click here to learn more about our high end materials and what makes Allett wallets the superior choice for travelers.

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The 14 Best Minimalist Travel Wallets for Men & Women [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

774 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3114 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Why Buy a Minimalist Wallet for Travel?

What to look for in a minimalist wallet, does my wallet really need rfid protection, 1. luxury leather looks and rfid blocking, 2. a bargain price for a brilliant little wallet, 3. keep your card data safe with this unisex wallet, 4. super-slim wallet that can hold up to 10 cards at a time, 5. keep it simple with this basic but brilliant money clip, 6. sharp leather looks with a retractable strap, 1. a great little wallet for guys on the go, 2. sleek looks and 7 card slots for minimalistic travelers, 3. a pull-tab design that packs a punch, 4. charming leather wallet that bridges the gap between bifold and minimal, 1. a micro sleeve with a difference, 2. a carbon fiber micro-wallet made by a company that cares, 3. vintage charm make this a marvelous example of a minimalist travel wallet, 4. this wallet is perfect for professionals on the move, the 4 best minimalist wallets for travel under $100, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Your wallet is one of the most important items you will ever own. Not only does it hold so many of life’s necessities, like your cash, cards, ID, and driver’s license, but the smooth, worn leather or frayed fabric quickly becomes familiar to you.

As technology starts to replace payment cards with smartphone apps, the need for traditional folded wallets with multiple compartments is beginning to wane.

Minimalist wallets are becoming increasingly popular, and their slim, compact design makes them just as useful as their larger counterparts.

Because less is often more, these neat little wallets don’t have enough space for you to store your old bus tickets or out-of-date receipts, meaning you only carry what you really need around with you. This makes them perfect for your travels as who needs their library card or Sam’s Club membership card with them abroad?

Without a ton of notes, coins, and scraps of paper weighing you down, you can reduce your clutter. While some minimalist wallets are bigger than others, they will all help you to reduce the amount of stuff you carry with you and help to streamline the way you pay .

Bottom Line: With payment apps offering contactless transactions on your phone or smartwatch, your wallet requirements are reducing every day. Invest in a minimalist wallet and start to lighten your load.

It’s not just the size of the wallet that is important — it is how it functions, too. While you may not need a lot of slots to fit all of your cards, you will want to be able to take some cards and cash with you. The way it looks and feels will no doubt be important to you, too, so consider the following before you buy:

To remain minimal, a slim travel wallet will need to be as compact as possible. This means that they are often not much bigger than the credit cards themselves, and they use clever space-saving additions like money clips or elasticated straps to hold folded bills instead of wide openings to lay your cash flat in.

From medical-grade elastic to hard-wearing carbon fiber and everything in between, minimalist wallets can be made from a variety of different materials. Depending on your budget and personal taste, you can choose from real leather, aluminum, or even elastic to keep your cards tidy.

Size and Weight

The size of most of the minimalist wallets in our selection tends to be not much bigger than the size of a credit card, and only deep enough to hold a pile of around 10 cards maximum. Made from lightweight fabrics, most of these little wallets are fractions of an ounce in weight.

Credit Card Slots

Some just offer a space in which to pile up your cards, while others will offer dedicated card-sized slots. Some may all be in 1 compartment, while others may be spread across both the external sides of the wallet to make access easier. Your wallet, your preference.

Hot Tip: We’ve also covered the best travel wallets and organizers , which are larger than the wallets mentioned below and ideal for storing multiple cards and documents.

RFID — radio frequency identification — uses an electromagnetic field to identify and track tags containing digital information. This technology is used in the chips on our credit and debit cards, making it easy for us to pay using a chip and PIN machine or even contactless payments.

Unfortunately, the data from the tags on our cards, driver’s licenses, and ID cards can also be read by criminals known as “skimmers” who use devices called RFID scanners to pick up credit card numbers, expiration dates, and CVV codes from passers-by. To prevent your cards from being at risk, invest in a wallet that offers RFID protection.

Bottom Line: RFID-blocking wallets contain a layer or wrapping made from carbon fiber or metal that blocks the electromagnetic fields from reaching the chip in your cards. To ensure that your valuable RFID-embedded items are safe while you are on the move, they must be tucked inside the wallet.

The 6 Best Minimalist Wallets for Travel Under $15

Travelambo front pocket minimalist leather rfid blocking slim wallet.

Measuring just 0.12 inches in thickness, this is a micro-minimal wallet that still can hold up to 6 of your most-used credit and debit cards. With compact dimensions of 3.3 x 4.1 x 0.12 inches, this little beauty will easily fit in either the front or back pocket of your pants.

Made from 100% genuine leather, this wallet feels soft and smooth, while still being incredibly durable and built to last. Equipped with a silver embroidered lining designed to block RFID signals working at 13.56MHz , such as your credit and debit cards, ID cards, and your driver’s license, this will protect you from skimming and cloning everywhere you go.

This sleek and slim wallet has a deep slot for keeping your cash close at hand, and its chic, minimalist appearance makes it perfect for both men and women to enjoy.

What We Like

• Available in a range of different colors

What We Don’t Like

• Quite tight to get your cards in and out

Infinity Men’s Minimalist Wallet

With durable construction, including premium grade nylon and elastic material, this men’s minimalist wallet is small but perfectly formed. Stretchy and super compact, you can fit up to 10 credit, debit, ID, and security cards in the unique, slip-through design wallet.

Designed to offer the perfect blend of form and function , you will never need to carry anything unnecessary with you ever again. So thin, you will barely notice that it is there, and you can slide this little wallet into the front or back pocket of whatever you are wearing.

Featuring The Original “Thru Pocket” design, your cards can be accessed quickly, meaning no struggling to pull the right one out to pay with. There is also enough room to fold your notes in the middle compartment, offering straightforward, compact cash and card payments on the go.

• Super thin and lightweight
• Stitching can sometimes come apart

Buffway Slim Minimalist RFID-Blocking Leather Unisex Wallet

Available in a wide range of colors to suit both men and women, the Buffway wallet is stylish, slim, and discreet. Measuring in at just 3.8 x 4.7 x 0.8 inches, it can fit perfectly in your front or back pocket without ever being bulky.

Complete with highly effective RFID-blocking technology, this wallet will keep your cards safe from skimming in crowded places. Card cloning is common in some parts of the world, so this added protection is incredibly useful when traveling.

Made from genuine leather, this wallet looks and feels first class , and the minimalist wallet sleeve makes light work of keeping your cards close by. Popular with both men and women, you can choose the color and design to reflect your style, without worrying about wasting much-needed space in your bag or pocket.

Bottom Line: This is a fantastic little wallet for both men and women who worry about keeping their card data safe.

VBAX Minimalist Slim Wallet

With its ultra-slim design, the VBAX minimalist wallet measures a meager 3.2 x 2.2 x 0.2 inches, which makes it perfect for slipping into your pocket, handbag, purse , or sling backpack . Available in over 15 different color combinations , this little wallet is suitable for both men and women.

This minimalist wallet has been designed to hold up to 10 cards in the dedicated slot. Allowing for easy access to all of your credit, debit, and ID cards on the go, you will never need to worry about a full-size wallet ever again.

For those who like to carry cash, there are also 2 separate compartments on the exterior of the cardholder. Simply fold your notes and slip them in for safekeeping.

Bottom Line: Made from extremely durable super fiber and medical-grade nylon elastic, this little wallet is durable and long-lasting, and perfect for travel. 

ROCO Minimalist RFID BLOCKING Money Clip

Designed to be ultra-slim yet incredibly useful, this minimalist RFID-blocking wallet and money clip will protect against RFID technologies that can be used to skim your cards. From credit card cloning to unauthorized entry to restricted buildings, having your ID card, access card, or credit or debit cards protected adds an extra layer of protection when you are traveling.

This particular wallet is incredibly slim and has been crafted from high-grade aluminum . With its patented, flexible silicone band, the wallet can stretch to fit your cards in without losing strength or stability. Despite the slim design, this wallet can hold up to 20 of your most-used credit, debit, and ID cards.

Bottom Line: Constructed with incredible attention to detail, this aluminum card holder and money clip is sleek and stylish while offering a practical alternative to full-size trifold wallets or bulky purses. Basic but brilliant, this money clip is just what you need to keep your cash safe.

Vaultskin CHELSEA Slim Minimalist Leather Wallet

Made from the finest full-grain Italian leather, this little wallet has been carefully crafted to look the part. Designed in London, and measuring just 4.13 x 0.28 x 2.68 inches, this is a tiny touch of European finesse for your pocket that will also keep your cards close at hand when you need them.

The ultra-slim card sleeve can hold up to as many as 10 cards spread across 2 side pockets and the main middle pocket. There is also a retractable strap that keeps everything in place. Keep your business, credit and debit cards, IDs, or driver’s license in 1 place with this space-saving travel wallet that you can carry anywhere.

For your additional reassurance, the Vaultskin Chelsea wallet is equipped with cutting-edge RFID-blocking technology that will block 13.56 MHz or higher RFID signals and protect your cards from unauthorized scans and skimmers.

Bottom Line: Offering sleek looks and enough space for all of your most-used cards; this is a useful addition for anyone on the move. This stylish leather wallet makes a great gift for someone special as it comes packaged in a beautiful gift box.

The 4 Best Minimalist Wallets for Travel Under $30

Nomatic men’s slim minimalist wallet.

This slim and durable wallet offers easy access to all of your cards and can hold up to 15 individual credit, debit, and ID cards without making them difficult to get to.

Made from medical grade elastic with a genuine leather pull-tab , you can store your 4 most used cards separately to ensure that they are always easy to get to. Measuring a completely compact 3.4 x 2.2 x 0.1 inches, this clever little wallet also has a 2.2 x 1-inch pocket to store any cash, coins, or keys with you on the go.

Bottom Line: Slide this into your back or front pocket and keep your most important items close. The teeny-tiny, pull-tab wallet is large enough to hold your cards and cash without the clutter of unnecessary items. The NOMATIC is a great little wallet for guys on the go.

TRAVANDO “RIO” Men’s Clip Wallet

Cleverly designed to offer 7 card slots and separate money clips, this wallet remains slim and sleek, even when full. Compact enough to slip into your front or back pocket, you won’t see any unsightly bulges with this little beauty.

Made from premium faux carbon leather, this minimalist travel wallet has been assembled with the precision that German designers are so famous for . Measuring just 4.7 x 3.0 x 0.7 inches, and weighing in at only 2.4 ounces when empty, this is a super-compact solution to the age-old problem of bulky wallets weighing you down.

This wallet also offers RFID protection for all cards and is lined with specially-designed material that will keep your cards safe from would-be skimmers while you are on the go. Available in a range of muted grays, browns, and blacks, these wallets look great and will save you a ton of pocket space.

Bottom Line: Offering German precision and a sleek design, this is an excellent wallet for trendy men everywhere.

SERMAN BRANDS RFID-Blocking Slim Bifold Minimalist Wallet

Made from the finest full-grain, genuine leather, this compact wallet comes complete with a minimal pull-tab design to reduce bulk while still offering lots of useful storage space . With enhanced RFID-blocking capabilities, this wallet is lined with a unique metal composite that has been engineered specifically to block 13.56 MHz or higher RFID signals to protect your chip cards from unauthorized scans.

Measuring a highly compact 4 x 3 x 0.4 inches, you can easily slip this into your front or back pocket, or pop it discreetly into your purse or backpack. The front pocket is designed so you can easily access your most-used credit and debit cards, while there are a further 2 pockets on the inside with a photo ID slot and a money clip to hold your banknotes. The smart pull strap means you can quickly grab your cards when you need to make a payment.

Bottom Line: The vintage leather feels smooth against your skin, and this wallet will absorb the natural oils from your hands to develop a luxurious, dark, vintage look and feel over time. Available in a range of black, grey, and brown colors, this is a stylish, sleek, slim wallet that offers a viable alternative to bulky wallets and cumbersome coin purses.

HOJ Co. Deacon BIFOLD Front Pocket Wallet

Perfect for travelers who simply need to keep their cards, cash, and ID close at hand, this front pocket wallet is slim, sleek, and incredibly useful. With enough room to carry up to 9 cards, including your ID or driver’s license, 2 interior receipt pockets, and a single exterior card slot, you won’t need to worry about a full-size wallet ever again.

Beautifully handcrafted from full-grain leather, this wallet will develop a rich patina over time with everyday use as the oils from your hands penetrate the leather. With a plaid menswear lining and a thumb hole cut out for easy access to your license or ID card, this is a well-designed little wallet that should really go the distance.

Bottom Line: Available in a choice of black or brown grain leathers, the antique style money clip adds to the vintage look and feel, while the compact size makes it as practical as any of its more modern-looking contemporaries. This charming leather wallet effortlessly bridges the gap between bifold and minimal.

Bellroy Micro Sleeve, Slim Leather Wallet

This minimalist sleeve for your cards and cash is an excellent alternative to a traditional wallet. It can slip into your front or rear pockets without making a dent. The large central pocket is ideal for folded bills, while the external slots fit up to 4 cards that will be easy to access when you need them.

Perfect for anyone who just wants to carry the bare essentials with them on their travels, this micro-minimal wallet is easy to open with a simple pinch. Measuring only 2.8 x 4 inches, this is one of the slimmest wallets out there, yet also one of the most practical.

Bottom Line: Made from premium, top-grain, double-tanned leather, this little wallet will age gracefully and the patina will become richer with every touch of your hand. Great looking, hard-wearing, and easy to use, this is a little wallet with a big personality. Slim and sleek, this is a micro sleeve with a difference.

Common Fibers SLM Carbon Fiber Minimalist Wallet

Made by a company with a passion for carbon fiber, the SLM Minimalist Wallet has enough space to carry everything you need and nothing more.

Measuring in at 4.1 x 2.8 inches, this great-looking wallet can hold3 of your most used, credit cards, debit cards and business cards, and has an extra plastic slot for your ID card and driver’s license. There is also a compartment that offers billfold cash storage.

Designed with style in mind, there are 3 color choices for the ripstop nylon interior, and the real twill carbon fiber is incredibly hard-wearing and will be built to last . These little wallets also offer protection from RFID scanners that could skim the contents of your wallet and can block passive high frequencies up to 13.56mHz.

Bottom Line: Clever, compact, and incredibly good-looking, this minimalist travel wallet even comes with a lifetime guarantee . This carbon fiber micro-wallet is made by a company that really cares about its products.

Trayvax Element Wallet

Offering a rugged take on the slimmer, sleeker minimalist wallets available to buy, this classic leather wallet is built to last. With a sturdy stainless-steel plate that has been wrapped in top-grade leather, and secured using a MIL-SPEC paracord, this wallet offers serious protection for your cards and cash while on the move.

With enough space to carry 3 to 10 cards and as many as 5 bills, you will not need to take anything bigger with you on your next adventure. Designed with practicality in mind, this crafty little wallet also comes complete with a built-in bottle opener, an integrated money clip, and an attachment point.

Protecting your best interests at all times, the Trayvax Elements Wallet also offers first-class RFID protection to keep your cards safe from cloning. Tough enough to take with you on any adventure, this is a heavy-duty compact wallet that is strong enough to be slipped into your travel backpack or pocket on every trip.

Bottom Line: The rugged good looks and vintage charm of this wallet make this a must-have for any fashionable man on the move.

Ekster Aluminum Cardholder

This premium range, EDC card carrier is one of the slimmest, lightest, and most robust wallets available . Using highly superior materials like space-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, this wallet has been painstakingly designed to look great and perform even better.

At just 0.29 inches wide, this wallet is ultra-slim and lightweight, yet somehow still ultra-durable, and also comes complete with RFID protection to keep your cards safe on the go.

Bottom Line: With enough space to hold up to 12 of your most used cards, this is a great little cardholder for the style-conscious traveler. This sleek, stylish and super-slim wallet is perfect for professionals on the move.

Minimalist wallets are most definitely the way forward for busy men and women on the go. Without being weighed down by heavy wallets, or overstuffed purses, these dedicated card and cash holders can pick up from where your smartphone leaves off. They really are the perfect travel companion to make sure you travel light.

Looking for more great travel products? Explore our Travel Products page , which will give you all the best travel products in 1 place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a minimalist wallet.

Traditional wallets usually have a bifold or trifold design, which means that as the wallet material and contents stack, it becomes quite thick and bulky. Minimalist wallets tend to have a lot less material and are usually no bigger than a credit card. This design is what makes them minimal.

How do I keep my wallet slim?

The easiest way to keep your wallet slim is to buy a minimalist wallet. They are designed to have a lot less material than traditional wallets, making them a lot slimmer. They also only have room for a few cards and bills, which forces you to only carry the essentials.

Are minimalist wallets good?

Minimalist wallets are becoming increasingly popular, and their slim, compact design makes them just as useful as their larger counterparts. Without a ton of notes, coins, and scraps of paper weighing you down, you can reduce your personal clutter.

What is the best RFID travel wallet?

The TRAVANDO “RIO” Men’s Clip Wallet offers RFID protection for all cards and is lined with specially-designed material that will keep your cards safe from would-be skimmers while you are on the go. Available in a range of muted grays, browns, and blacks, these wallets look great and will save you a ton of pocket space.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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This sale is money: An identity-protecting travel wallet for $10 — could 53,000+ shoppers be wrong?

There are wallets, and then there are wallets . Most of the time, you just need something to hold cards and cash while you run to the store. But come your next vacation, you'll need something a little (make that a lot ) smarter and more secure — something like the Travelambo RFID Blocking Wallet . It's inexpensive, spacious and comes with built-in protection against identity theft. This handmade leather bifold has 16 card slots, one clear-window ID pocket and two zippered compartments for bills — and right now, you can grab one for as little as $10.

Travelambo RFID Blocking Wallet

Designed to rein in the bulk of your essentials, this wallet is made with genuine leather for a luxurious feel without the luxury price tag.

Why is this a good deal? 💰

At just $10 in black, the Travelambo wallet is near its lowest-ever price in this neutral shade, and even lower than it was on Black Friday — meaning it's time to pounce if you'd like to grab one before your spring and summer travels. Trips are stressful enough as it is, so $10 to stay better organized seems like a small price to pay. You'll also grab savings in some other colors, like champagne and deep blue .

Why do I need this? 🤔

Thousands of shoppers say the wallet helps them keep everything in one place without the bulk of a traditional wallet. A special bonus is the wallet's built-in RFID protection. RFID — or radiofrequency identification — blocking protects sensitive information from being scanned from your cards while in your wallet, and we feel it's a must if you're traveling. Happy customers also say the feature makes them feel more secure. And, speaking of security, reviewers are also fans of the zippers and two-button closure, which provide more layers of protection.

Bonus: Each super-slim wallet is handmade by a team of artisans — and it's available in 30 colors, though prices vary depending on your selection.

What reviewers say 💬

A whopping 53,000+ Amazon reviewers have given this skinny legend a five-star rating, with many praising the wallet's low profile and high level of security.

"When my go-to wallet/purse store closed, I was worried about finding cute and functional accessories," recalled this five-star fan . "When my wallet started to literally fall apart, I had to do something. Enter Amazon and this darling wallet. The style is quite functional for me, and the color (a poppy orange) makes it easy to spot in my dark, cavernous pocketbooks. ... Love this in 100 ways."

"It creates much more room in my purse than my previous wallets, yet is substantial enough to carry on its own," wrote a delighted five-star reviewer . "And I love that it is RFID-safe, as I travel extensively out of the country. The wallet is very stylish."

"I've had this wallet for two years," reported a longtime fan . "You can see that the edges are starting to wear a bit, and that's where signs of wear ends! This wallet is incredibly durable and user-friendly. The interior is my favorite part, because I can organize all my cards, gift cards, and merchandise credits, as well as punchcards for easy grabbing. The zippers have never gotten stuck, or accidentally opened on their own, so no unexpected coin avalanche."

"This hot little number fits into my purse, protects my info and keeps my change from falling out," said another happy shopper . "I want one in every color, but for now I will remain pretty in pink."

Many shoppers appreciate the wallet's super-slim profile, but some find the accessory's spaciousness to be lacking. "Roomy but thin. Card slots are very tight," cautioned final reviewer . "Take that as advice, good or bad."

A final writer noted, "My biggest complaint is that paper money does not easily fit into the zipper portion and doesn't make change accessable in the other zip compartment. Credit cards are difficult at best to get out of the slots."

Made with genuine leather and 21st-century protection, this wallet is the epitome of top-notch form and function. Score it in a fun color like orange, blue or pink for just a few more dollars. 

If you have Amazon Prime , you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here . (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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Beauty and wellness, innza laser hair removal device, cosrx snail 96 mucin power essence, bliss bright idea vitamin c + tri-peptide serum, crest 3d whitestrips, 1 hour express, 20 strips, hanes jersey pocket shorts, bronax pillow slides, adidas ultimate365 sleeveless polo shirt, dibaolong wide-leg drawstring lounge pants, recommended stories, google wallet appears in india, with local integrations, but pay will stay.

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TikTok Shop expands its secondhand luxury fashion offering to the UK

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Women's Travel Accessories

24 products

Organize Your Trip With Travel Accessories

For women who love to explore, having the right travel accessories can transform any trip from good to great. Sherpani's collection caters to every detail, from rfid travel wallets to organizational essentials, ensuring your travels are as smooth as they are memorable. For organization and ease, our packing cubes and travel toiletry bags are indispensable, designed to keep your belongings meticulously organized no matter where your adventures take you. For trustworthy safeguarding of your most precious goods, explore RFID wallets , and RFID passport holders . 

Stay Protected with RFID Features

Sherpani’s wallets and travel accessories are designed with your safety in mind, featuring cutting-edge anti-theft technology and RFID protection. Safeguard your most valuable items from pickpocketing and theft, with our rfid travel wallets and rfid card holders , allowing you to explore with peace of mind. Enhance your security and discover Sherpani’s collection of RFID wallets and RFID passport holders designed to protect your personal information with style and sophistication.

Packing Light & Effectively with Sherpani

Our travel packing cubes simplify packing, making it easy to organize your luggage while maximizing space. For those personal care items, our chic travel toiletry bags offer the perfect blend of functionality and style, ensuring that everything is both accessible and elegantly stored. These versatile travel accessories are designed for the woman who values both function and sophistication in her travel gear, ensuring that every item has its place.

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Our Alpine Heritage: We are happy people who love what we do. We have been designing bags in Colorful Colorado for over twenty-one years.

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In our award-winning history as a sustainable company, Sherpani has repurposed 7.6 million (& counting!) plastic bottles into sustainable and remarkable women’s bags.

Protect Your Trip »

The 10 best personal item bags, tested & reviewed.

Find your best carry-on companion with our top editor picks.

The Best Personal Item Bags

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

When you're traveling on an airplane, there are certain items like your wallet, phone, passport, medications and earbuds that you always want to keep close. These are the items you'll want to pack in your personal item bag, along with other in-flight comfort items or perhaps a few souvenirs you're bringing home with you. When it comes to a personal item, there are many options that could be right for you, though keep in mind what airlines will allow can vary.

What size is a personal item bag?

This item can be a purse , bag or backpack that easily fits under the seat in front of you. For most domestic airlines, your personal item should be 18 x 14 x 8 inches or smaller. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag that goes into the overhead bin and one personal item bag that can be stowed under the seat. For both carry-on and personal item bags, it's important to check your airline's carry-on luggage size requirements and policies.

To help you decide what personal item bag meets your needs, our editors shared their go-to bags they personally use when traveling by air.

Best Foldable: Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Hip Pack: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Hip Pack

Best tote: everlane the recycled nylon tote, best backpack: away the everywhere zip backpack, best organization: nomad lane bento bag, best washable: steve madden quilted weekender bag, best laptop backpack: fila argus 5 laptop backpack, best for adventure travel: osprey nebula 32, best affordable: gorilla wear duncan backpack, best duffel: lipault city plume 24h bag 2.0.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and other factors. Dimensions of personal item bags are height by width by depth.)

Nicola Wood | U.S. News

Price: $155 or less

Travelers will frequently spot this classic tote at airports and hotels around the world for good reason. It folds up easily for storage when not in use, and it has a roomy main compartment with a small interior pocket for a phone, boarding pass and a cardholder. Longchamp's Le Pliage Large tote is made of the brand's durable water-resistant nylon and finished with its signature embossed leather trim.

What our editors say:

I love traveling with my Longchamp Le Pliage tote. It's big enough to hold a laptop and all other essentials, and it has both a zipper and a snap-close leather flap, so you won't have to worry about anything falling out during travel. It is versatile enough to use throughout your vacation as a handbag, or you can fold it up and store it away once you reach your destination. The Le Pliage tote is made of nylon, so it is water-resistant and easy to wipe clean after traveling. There is a small interior pocket that can hold a boarding pass, phone or cardholder, or you can pop in a separate organizer from Amazon for multiple interior compartments. The Le Pliage tote comes in a variety of colors, so there's something for everyone. – Nicola Wood , Senior Editor

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Price: $30 or less

If you're looking to travel light and maximize leg space, this Cotopaxi hip pack is ideal. Strap it around your waist or shoulder for hands-free travel, and reach your wallet or passport quickly. There's a spacious main compartment for your phone, wallet and boarding pass. Plus, a front zippered compartment can hold things like gum or earbuds. Constructed of 100% fabric scraps, each hip pack is sustainable and one-of-a-kind.

My top priority when traveling by plane is ample leg room, so Cotopaxi fanny packs are the perfect under-the-seat choice. I like the smaller Kapai 1.5 L Hip Pack for storing my essentials on shorter flights: phone, wallet, tissues, lip balm and earbuds. (There's also a 3L version .) For longer flights, the larger Allpa X 4L Hip Pack can fit a lot more, including a small book, Nintendo Switch and snack. – Leilani Osmundson , Senior Digital Producer

Price: $85 or less

This versatile tote is constructed with recycled nylon, which makes it easy to clean as well as sustainable. The padded bottom helps to protect your laptop and other contents. The main compartment has a zippered pocket and a 13-inch laptop sleeve. You can carry the bag with its tote straps or over the shoulder, and there's an exterior slip pocket for small items.

My favorite thing about this bag is that it's structured, but also easily pliable when it's time to stow it underneath my seat. The exterior pocket allows for easy access to small items like earbuds and hand sanitizer, and the larger main compartment is roomy enough for my laptop, 32-ounce water bottle, snacks, a small toiletry bag and a book. I also appreciate its sleek simplicity and sustainable materials. – Ann Henson , Assistant Managing Editor

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $195 or less

This backpack from Away has a variety of interior and exterior pockets, including a padded laptop sleeve with a magnetic locking zipper, an interior mesh pocket for a small water bottle and two external hidden pockets. It has a versatile design that works for trips to the office, day tours and leisure trips. For carrying options, the backpack has comfortable padded shoulder straps and a trolley sleeve to secure it to your favorite carry-on bag.

For my personal item, I'm all about function over fashion and this bag manages to hit both marks. I especially love the interior key clip – I actually use it for my wallet so I easily find my ID and credit card and not risk losing them. – Amanda Norcross , Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Price: $298 or less

The Nomad Lane Bento Bag has a sleek and professional look that makes it work for both personal and business travel, especially with the 16-inch padded laptop sleeve that you can access from the top. It comes with a toiletries pouch and an electronics organizer that tuck inside two exterior pockets, so you can easily remove them at security. The bag has a variety of organizational pockets, including a trolley sleeve that converts into a pocket. It works well as a personal item bag, and can be used as a weekender bag if you're a light packer.

The Bento Bag is truly exceptional for organization. Not only can it fit a ton for its size, but I love how it also keeps my belongings separated and neat while still easy to access on the go. When I travel with it, the bag is comfortable to carry and fits under the seat in front of me with no issue. I also just appreciate how sophisticated it looks. – Catriona Kendall , Editor

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Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: From $59.98

This timeless design has sturdy straps to comfortably carry the bag through airports and more. It's affordable, durable and machine washable. The interior compartment can accommodate everything from a toiletry bag to souvenirs, yet it still fits under the seat with a comfortable amount of room for your feet.

I've used this Steve Madden Quilted Weekender Bag as my personal item for years. I love the soft-sided design of this bag and it can fit an impressive amount. There's also an interior zippered pocket and two smaller open pockets for organization. Typically, I'll pack my laptop, various chargers, one to two books, an extra set of clothes and shoes, my wallet, my makeup bag, AirPods, snacks, a water bottle, and my phone. – Erin Evans , Managing Editor

Suzanne Mason | U.S. News

Price: $70 or less

Perfect as a work, gym or travel bag, this durable backpack has multiple pockets to keep everything organized wherever you roam. The budget-friendly backpack has a spacious main compartment with an internal mesh pocket and a separate 15-inch laptop compartment. Its padded straps provide comfort while carrying the bag for long periods of time, and the front zippered compartment is ideal for a boarding pass, pen or phone.

I love my Fila Argus 5 Laptop Backpack. I use it for both travel and for work. The backpack has a pocket in the back separating the main space in the back. I usually carry my iPad or laptop there and use the rest of the space to carry any items I couldn't fit in my luggage or trinkets that I'm bringing back for souvenirs. The front pocket I love because it's a zippered space where I can put my important traveling documents and other miscellaneous items needed for my travels. The backpack straps are wide and padded making it comfortable to wear on my back. The backpack is small enough to fit under a plane seat if you need to access the bag while in flight. – Suzanne Mason , Editor

Zach Watson | U.S. News

Price: $140 or less

This spacious backpack offers the design features of a more technical backpack − like a removable webbing belt along with top and bottom compression straps − but with an emphasis on everyday needs. There are numerous interior pockets to keep all of your travel essentials securely stowed, a TSA-approved laptop sleeve and a front zippered organization pocket. The exterior has two deep, adjustable side pockets that can fit two Nalgene-size water bottles. The Osprey Nebula 32 features two padded straps and a breathable back to help make carrying the bag more comfortable, even in humid climates.

My Osprey Nebula 32 is in the running for my oldest personal possession; I've used it for over a decade. That means this Nebula pack started as a college backpack, lugging my textbooks between classes in Chicago snowstorms before joining me in Washington, D.C., where it kept my belongings safe on my humid (and occasionally rainy) bike commutes. Now, I primarily use my backpack for hiking and flying, and it still holds up remarkably well despite my regular mistreatment. I don't intend to replace my go-to personal item anytime soon, so this Osprey backpack has absolutely justified its admittedly high upfront cost. – Zach Watson , Senior Editor

Alissa Grisler | U.S. News

Price: $59.99 or less

Durable and ideal for everyday use or adventures afar, this backpack has a simple design with plenty of packing space. The spacious interior can hold a lot, including your toiletry bag, reading material, change of clothes and more. The laptop sleeve and variety of compartments help to keep items organized and in place. The exterior offers adjustable padded shoulder straps and a waist strap for comfort, a headphone opening, two mesh pockets and a front zippered compartment.

When purchasing a bag, I am looking for something that is durable and multifunctional. With its many storage compartments and large carrying capacity (perfect for the chronic over-packer or anyone who just can't say no to a souvenir), this bag is perfect for both travel and everyday use. – Alissa Grisler , Editor

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Price: $135 or less

Lightweight and constructed with water repellent nylon, this bag is durable, yet sophisticated. There are two large front pockets for smaller items like a 3-1-1 bag, headphones, wipes and small travel essentials, plus a side pocket for a water bottle or small items. Inside, the spacious interior compartment has a large zippered pocket, two slip pockets and a mesh pocket for keeping things organized, in addition to room for a toiletry bag, in-flight needs and souvenirs you find along the way. The bag features a separate zippered laptop compartment on the back, along with a trolley sleeve to attach it to your carry-on bag, like the coordinating Plume Cabin Size Spinner . What's more, it folds flat to save space when not in use.

I bought my original Lipault City Plume bag for my first trip to Europe over a decade ago. It's been a top pick for my travels for years, and it still looks and works great. The updated City Plume 24H Bag 2.0 is beautifully constructed, stays looking great even through the rigors of travel, fits perfectly under the seat and holds a lot. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood strives to be a carry-on only traveler. Over the years she's tested a variety of bags from multiple brands at an array of prices. To curate this article, she asked her team of editors to share their favorite personal item bags that have worked for all types of travel scenarios.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Luggage Sets
• The Best Checked Luggage, Tested by Editors
• The Best Travel Accessories, Chosen by Our Editors
• What to Pack in a Carry-on Bag
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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10 Best Vacuum Storage Bags of 2024

Our top picks will increase your closet and suitcase space in minutes.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

Best Overall

Ziploc space bag.

GONGSHI Vacuum Storage Bags

Top-Seller on Amazon

Cozy essential vacuum storage bags.

Best Variety Pack

Hibag vacuum storage bags.

Best Heavy-Duty

Spacesaver vacuum storage bags.

Best for Bedding

Hefty shrink-pak vacuum storage bags.

Best for Travel

Amazon basics vacuum compression zipper storage bags.

Best for Stacking

Storage master jumbo vacuum storage bags.

Best Extra-Large

Vacwel vacuum storage bags.

Best Hanging

Taili hanging vacuum storage bags.

The best vacuum storage bags make the most of your space by removing the air inside and sealing it tight. Many use a vacuum or hand pump to suck out all the air, while some travel-friendly space bags can actually be hand-pressed shut. Because of this, they're great for packing out-of-season clothes, bedding and more into small spaces like under your bed or inside your suitcase .

After consulting our in-house experts and scouring online reviews, we've rounded up the best vacuum storage bags to shop on Amazon, starting at just $8 (with fast, free shipping to boot!).

Skip the checked luggage line at the airport with these travel-friendly storage bags. Forté named the Ziploc Space Bag a long-standing Lab favorite. There's no need for a pump or a vacuum to take the air out — simply fill each with up to five pounds of clothing or bedding, seal it with the Ziploc slider and fold to press out the air. It also costs under $10 for a pack of two.

Since they don't require any bulky equipment, these bags are a great option for users on the go. The brand claims the bags reduce the volume of clothing and bedding by up to 75%. They're also waterproof and airtight per the brand, meaning they should help protect your items from damage caused by travel and storage.

Stow bulky bedding, sweaters, pillows and more with these space-saving storage bags. You can either use the included hand pump or a standard vacuum cleaner to compress each bag and reduce volume by up to 80%, according to the brand. For under $20, this pack comes with four bag sizes to store different items: the smallest size fits six to eight sweaters while the largest fits a queen-sized bedding set.

The triple-sealed valve is designed to keep bags airtight so your items stay condensed, and the double-layered material is designed to be puncture- and scratch-resistant, making it more durable against damage. "They're strong and sturdy," one Amazon reviewer said . "They have great sizes and storage space, and they hold the seal (some for a year now)."

Boasting more than 38,000 five-star reviews and counting, Amazon's #1 best-selling space saver bags claim to shrink the size of your items by up to 80%. This variety pack includes 20 bags, making them great for anyone moving houses or with lots of vacuum storage needs. The pack includes standard vacuum-sealable bags as well as travel bags that can be rolled to press out air — no pump required.

Waterproof and reusable (purported by the brand), the bags' valves and seals are designed to prevent expansion and keep moisture and debris out. "The quality of these bags is outstanding," one online shopper wrote . "I feel confident storing my clothing, bedding and other textiles knowing they are safe and well-preserved."

Whether you need to increase your under-bed storage space or condense your clothes on the go, this pack offers the most variety with six different-sized bags for all your needs . The standard bags range from pouch-sized bags for lingerie and T-shirts to extra-large bags for bedding sets and pillows . Each waterproof bag has a handy line to show you where to stop filling them, making it more intuitive to pack than other options on our list.

While it can be sealed with the included hand pump or a vacuum, we love that the travel bags can be rolled to seal out excess air sans tool if needed. "These were a game changer during our move," an Amazon reviewer wrote . "The sizes vary drastically, accommodating many different types of items from quilts to pillows as well as clothes."

The original Spacesaver vacuum storage bags are our top pick for heavy-duty storage needs where damage protection is imperative, like cross-country moves and travel. You can use either the included hand pump or your vacuum to reduce volume by up to 80%, according to the brand. Choose from small to jumbo sizes and variety packs for all your storage needs.

Reviewers appreciate its ease of use and sturdy plastic . "I'm moving all the way across the country and was stressed out wondering how much of my clothing I could actually take with me. These Space Saver bags are a life saver!" wrote one five-star reviewer . "They are so easy to pack, zip and vacuum out the air. One of my best purchases ever here on Amazon (and I've made thousands)."

Hefty is known for its durable garbage bags and freezer bags, but the brand also has a line of high-rated vacuum storage bags. Including three large and three extra-large sizes, Hefty's Shrink-Pak bags claim to be waterproof and reusable season after season, so you don't have to worry about moisture, dust or bugs ruining your items. Plus, you can simply press the air out with your hands and seal.

We love how the extra large bags have a zipper on the long side rather than the shorter top, making it easier to pack bedding supplies like pillows and comforters. Shoppers agreed, with one writing : "We just went through a very long, drawn-out move and the shrink bags have been a true lifesaver! We were able to put lots of our clothes, towels and blankets in storage while we shopped for a new house. When we finally started unpacking, everything looked exactly the way it did when it was packed!"

More than 60,000 five-star reviewers endorse these space-saving bags from Amazon Basics. Even if you don't have a vacuum with compatible attachments to compress the bags, reviewers noted that the included hand pump works effectively — making it a great option for travel.

Available in sizes medium through jumbo and counts of four through 20, they store everything from T-shirts and sweaters to comforters and bed sheets. "This is ridiculously easy to use and fits so much!" one shopper said . "I have fit two king-sized comforters into one large bag with no issue."

Outfitted with a stylish plaid print, we wouldn't mind keeping these space bags out in plain sight. And it's not just for aesthetics. Their unique woven texture provides a bit of grip to their exterior, helping them to stay in place better while stacked. The bags come in four sizes and packs of six to 26, making them great for small organization projects and large undertakings.

Plus, they compress with a vacuum or its included pump. Reviewers appreciate the variety of sizes and ease of use, too. "I love these sealable storage bags!" one shopper wrote . "The quality is fantastic, very well-made and sturdy. I really like the assortment of colors and sizes, too, so much so that I ordered a second box!"

If you need to store cumbersome items like king-sized duvets, foam cushions or dog beds , Vacwel's XXL bags offer an impressive storage capacity of 47 by 35 inches . Featuring a nylon lining for extra durability, the brand claims these bags are waterproof and protect against dirt, bugs and dust. They even come with sticker labels to easily identify stored items.

"These bags are durable and got the job done," an Amazon shopper added . "I was able to vacuum seal large comforters and sheets! Very surprised at how many bedding items that I was able to put in the bags." Note that a pump is not included, so you'll need a vacuum handy to seal these bags.

Protect your out-of-season garments and make room for new pieces with these clever hanging storage bags on Amazon. You can stash up to five pieces of clothing inside each, including coats, jackets and suits . Just place one included hanger on each rotating ring, zip it up and vacuum all the air out. The vertical storage design keeps your clothes clean and organized until you're ready to wear them again.

"I get immense joy out of packing away my winter clothes in the Taili hanging bags," an Amazon reviewer said . "[It] shrink wraps everything into compact boards ... It was very easy and effective to use."

How we chose the best vacuum storage bags

With so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which vacuum storage bags are worth buying. To help you find the right pick for your needs, we consulted our experts in the GH Institute Cleaning Lab and vetted customer reviews to bring you a range of vacuum storage bags that suit a variety of purposes.

How do you choose the best vacuum storage bags?

Choosing the best vacuum storage bags depends on your individual needs — do you just need to store a few seasonal sweaters, or pack up your whole house for a move? According to, the size and dimensions can help you figure out which options are right for you.

" They should be large enough to hold multiple items and be durable enough to use from year to year ," Forté says. Also consider whether your vacuum has the right attachment to pair with the bag — otherwise, opt for a bag that can be rolled to compress or can be hand pumped.

What do you put in a space bag?

While you might want to use your vacuum storage bag to compress bulky items like winter coats and duvets, Forté warns against vacuum-sealing down-filled items . Instead, she recommends only compressing them halfway.

"Otherwise, you risk crushing and breaking the down feathers and they may then not be as lofty or insulate as well," Forté says. Additionally, be sure not to store wet items, or you risk creating mold and causing long-term damage.

How long can you store items in a vacuum storage bag?

Forté recommends using storage bags for short-term and seasonal storage . "Keep items in them too long, and you risk permanently setting creases or crushing and flattening items that are supposed to be lofty and puffy," Forte says. For best results, be sure to check the recommended storage time on your bag's instructions.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Associate Commerce Editor Lauren Gruber put together this list of the best vacuum storage bag picks, based on insights and recommendations from Carolyn Forté .

Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she oversees all of GH's cleaning and home care product testing.

Lauren is a Brooklyn-based journalist and Associate Editor at Hearst. You can find her previous work at Entertainment Tonight , Shop TODAY , USA Today , Self Magazine , L’Officiel USA , V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media . 

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These are the 10 best — and worst — US airlines of 2024, according to WalletHub

Choosing flights can be a challenge, especially when balancing affordable fares with the need for in-flight comfort, safety and peace of mind.

Personal finance company WalletHub recently issued a ranking that can serve as a guide for consumers. Its 2024 list of the best U.S. airlines compares nine large airlines and one regional carrier across 13 factors affecting affordability, reliability, comfort and safety.

Four airlines earned a score of 60 or higher: Alaska Airlines, SkyWest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Alaska was named the best overall airline, as well as the second-safest.

Here are highlights of WalletHub's best airlines of 2024 ranking.

Alaska Airlines is WalletHub's top airline of 2024

WalletHub awarded the highest overall score to Alaska Airlines, which earned a score of 68.07 out of a possible 100.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Its data showed Alaska had the second-best safety score, third-best comfort and reliability, and fourth-best affordability.

WalletHub's data predated the Jan. 5, 2024, incident where a door plug blew out on one of Alaska's Boeing 737 MAX 9 jets. Alaska's position at the top of the list despite that mishap speaks to Alaska's resilience and high quality, WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe said.

"Even though incidents like the door plug blowout can raise concerns, Alaska Airlines has demonstrated resilience and continues to prioritize safety and quality service, reinforcing its reputation as a top-performing carrier," Happe said.

Spirit is the most affordable airline; Delta, JetBlue are most comfortable

Spirit earned the best marks for affordability and safety.

Delta and JetBlue Airways were considered the best for comfort, with Delta also leading for reliability because of its low rates of cancellations, delays, mishandled luggage and denied boardings.

American and Southwest rank low on WalletHub's best airlines list

American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, which collectively operate about 70% of the flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, were among the airlines with the lowest scores in WalletHub's analysis.

American ranked No. 8 with a score of 46.52. Southwest was last on the list, No. 10 with a score of 36.03, one spot below ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines.

Reliability issues such as canceled and delayed flights, mishandled baggage and denied boardings explain their low ranks, Happe said.

American, Southwest had the highest percentage of canceled flights

WalletHub also found that American and Southwest had the highest percentage of canceled flights among airlines surveyed, citing 2023 flight data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. American led the way with 7.29% of its flights canceled in 2023; Southwest followed with 6.56%.

During this period, Southwest suffered widespread disruptions during the 2022 Christmas and New Year's holidays, when glitches with its crew scheduling software combined with winter storms affecting their Chicago and Denver hubs resulted in 16,700 flight cancellations.

Southwest and other airlines have since improved their infrastructure and how they respond to weather disruptions to reduce delays and cancellations. Their work bore positive results, as there were no major issues during Thanksgiving and Christmas 2023.

WalletHub's best airlines of 2024

• Alaska Airlines (68.07 out of 100)
• SkyWest Airlines (65.96)
• Spirit Airlines (65.69)
• Delta Air Lines (61.56)
• United Airlines (51.96)
• JetBlue Airways (51.6)
• Hawaiian Airlines (48.3)
• American Airlines (46.52)
• Frontier Airlines (43.57)
• Southwest Airlines (36.03)

New flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport for 2024

Also of interest if you're planning to fly from Phoenix this year, airlines continue to add new routes , like Frontier Airlines' new cheap flights to Missoula, Montana , and Los Cabos, Mexico , and Breeze Airways' seasonal flights to Norfolk, Virginia .

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at  [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:  @salerno_phx .

Support local journalism.   Subscribe to  azcentral.com  today.

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Ask a Travel Nerd: How I Introduce Friends to Award Travel

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

I’ve been an enthusiastic award traveler for over a decade, using points and miles earned from credit cards to book flights, hotels and more. Award travel has granted me experiences that would have otherwise been over my budget, helping me explore the world, spend time with loved ones and get where I’m going in comfort.

I’m grateful for my hobby and eager to share it with curious friends and family. However, award travel has complexities and pitfalls that make it risky.

I’ve learned over the years that introducing others to award travel requires a degree of care, so here are five guidelines I use when I welcome new players to the points and miles game.

1. Set realistic expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average U.S. household spent over $1,850 on transportation and lodging for out-of-town trips in 2022. With that figure in mind, I’m not surprised people commonly get into award travel as a way to cut costs. But while “get a credit card and travel for free” sounds alluring, the reality is it’s not free and not that simple.

Booking with points and miles takes varying degrees of effort, depending on where you want to go and how luxuriously you want to travel. In addition to planning your itinerary, you’ll have to figure out which airline and hotel programs you’ll use to book it.

Once you earn enough points and miles, there’s no guarantee the airplane seat or hotel night will be available. Even when they are, booking them may involve out-of-pocket costs, such as taxes, fuel surcharges or resort fees . In short, it’s no sure bet.

To manage expectations, I paint an honest picture of award travel. While it’s not a golden ticket to first class seats and presidential suites, it can help you travel for less.

2. Start small

Since I started collecting points and miles in 2010, I’ve opened over 80 credit cards in pursuit of sign-up bonuses, spending rewards and other benefits. I've sometimes averaged more than one new credit card per month.

I can handle that volume because I’ve worked up to it, learning how to manage my credit and loyalty accounts over the years. But a beginner attempting that same pace would be like a student driver entering a Formula One race.

I encourage newbies to start small and set an achievable travel goal (like booking one flight or hotel stay with points) and figure out how best to meet it. That narrow focus provides an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of award travel without getting overwhelmed. If things go well, ramping up is easy. If not, the cost of failure is low.

3. Emphasize good financial habits

You’re not likely to ding your credit score by trying chess or snorkeling, but getting into award travel generally involves opening (and monitoring) various financial and loyalty accounts.

Richard Kerr, vice president of travel at Bilt Rewards, says that award travelers must set their priorities appropriately.

“Rewards never outweigh interest and fees,” Kerr said, who adds that it's important to make sure "the well-being of your personal finances always comes first in your pursuit of points and miles.”

According to data from the Federal Reserve, credit card annual percentage rates averaged more than 20% in 2023. Meanwhile, when redeemed for travel, most points and miles are worth just 1 to 2 cents.

Mismanaging accounts can be costly, so I stress the importance of organization and fiscal responsibility. I implore new award travelers to pay their credit card balances on time and in full and warn them against overspending. I also offer tips for keeping track of accounts and due dates and share my organizational tools where needed.

4. Follow along 

Points and miles can open a lot of doors, but throwing folks in the deep end to fend for themselves can do more harm than good.

Once I introduce someone to award travel, I feel some responsibility for the outcome, so I offer my continued assistance as needed to help them stay afloat.

I try to proactively check in with folks about their progress and ensure they’re meeting spending requirements, managing accounts and avoiding unnecessary costs. If all goes well initially, I keep them apprised of future opportunities (like award sales or outsized credit card bonuses ).

5. Don’t be pushy

The prospect of traveling at a heavy discount has the ring of a late-night infomercial, making many folks distrustful of it initially. I talk about award travel without sounding like I’m selling something. I speak plainly, avoid overhyping and never force details on disinterested parties.

On a related note, I’m upfront about any way I stand to gain personally. For example, I always disclose when a credit card offer earns me a referral bonus (even though I send my friends only the best available offers anyway).

Finally, I don’t ask for anything in return — my help comes with no strings attached.

on American Express' website

on Chase's website

on Citibank's application

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spend on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

Lost your ID, phone or credit card? Here’s how to travel without them.

Sally French is admittedly forgetful. On a flight to Washington, D.C., the travel expert with NerdWallet left her wallet in an airplane seat pocket. In Croatia, she drove off in a rental car without her passport. When she returned to the counter to retrieve it, the critical document had vanished.

In both predicaments, French knew exactly what not to do: freak out. Instead, she calmly figured out how to recover what she had lost or how to manage without it.

“It doesn’t have to be catastrophic,” she said. “Always be flexible and always have a backup plan.”

When we travel, some items are expendable or easily replaceable; others are more vital and difficult to recover. Without these essentials, we may find ourselves stuck — in a hotel parking lot (lost rental car key), at airport security (missing driver’s license) or in a foreign country (mislaid passport).

However, if you lose a travel essential, don’t despair. There are plenty of workarounds and solutions that will help you to recover your lost item or, at the very least, replace your panic with a sense of calm.

1. What to do if you lose a rental car key

Gregory Scott, a spokesman for the American Car Rental Association , said the industry does not have a standard lost key policy, but generally you will need to contact the rental car counter or roadside assistance. Depending on the circumstances, the company will hand over a spare key or provide you with a new vehicle if they don’t have an extra key.

Don’t expect an immediate resolution. Europcar Mobility Group, a French car rental company that operates in more than 130 countries, said it can take 24 to 48 hours to receive a replacement key. Scott warned that companies are still struggling with low stock, which could affect your wait time for a new set of wheels.

“They’ll do their best to get you the same or a similar car, but it’s become a big challenge because inventories are very tight,” he said.

In many cases, if you purchased insurance that covers lost keys and emergency assistance, you shouldn’t have any out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, if you are a AAA member, you can arrange a tow back to the rental car lot. Just be sure to inform the company that you are returning the keyless car.

If you opted out of insurance, you will have to pay for roadside help and the duplicate key. Hertz charges a flat fee of $250 for a key replacement.

“Whether they can bring you another key or order another, a fee is involved unless you purchased a protection plan,” Scott said.

Some rental places give customers both keys on a ring. If you have a travel companion, ask the agent to separate the pair, then hand one to your co-pilot for safekeeping.

2. What to do if you lose your driver’s license

Driver’s licenses are really only important if you are flying domestically , renting a car or barhopping.

For air travel, the Transportation Security Administration accepts alternate forms of identification, such as passports; trusted traveler cards like Global Entry and NEXUS; a Defense Department ID, among others.

If you have none of the above, all is not hopeless.

According to the agency, the officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which could involve providing your name, address and other personal information. Once the officer confirms your identity, you can proceed to the screening checkpoint, but you will be subjected to additional screening, such as a pat-down. Because of the extra steps, TSA recommends arriving at least two hours before your flight.

“That was actually my top concern: How would I be able to fly home without my driver’s license?” French said of the lost wallet incident. “I went to the airport super early to make sure I would be able to get through. They were able to confirm me through other means.”

For domestic car rentals, Scott said many states require the company to verify a valid driver’s license, so you can’t rent without hard proof. “An agent needs to physically see it or you need to scan it at the kiosk,” he said.

If your travel mate has a valid driver’s license, try to switch the reservation to their name. However, you will not be permitted to drive the vehicle.

Europcar said travelers can scan their driver’s license on its app. Depending on the country and local regulations, the rental car outlet may accept this form of ID. If you book through other portals, you will need to show an official or certified duplicate of your license or a police report registering your lost item.

An International Driving Permit translates your driver’s license information into 10 languages and is valid in 150 countries. Europcar said that in some destinations, you may be able to use it as a substitute for a driver’s license.

3. What to do if you lose your passport

As soon as you notice that your passport is MIA, notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Report your lost passport and share your travel itinerary with officials in the consular division, especially if you have imminent plans to leave the country.

“We called the embassy in Zagreb to make sure that we were doing the right thing,” French said of her 2018 incident. “They said, ‘Of course, come in.’”

To acquire a replacement or “limited-validity, emergency” passport, you must physically appear at the embassy or consulate during the workweek. The staff will need to see identification, such as a driver’s license; proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a copy of a birth certificate or a photo of your passport; and your trip itinerary — though missing any of these documents doesn’t mean you are destined for an expat lifestyle. Also required: a passport photo and a completed DS-11 application and DS-64 statement explaining your situation. The forms are on the agency’s website, as is the contact information for the embassy or consulate. If you received an emergency passport, you will need to reapply for a regular passport once you are home.

On the flip side, if you lose your passport within two weeks of your trip, schedule an in-person appointment at a passport agency or center. However, the agency warns that appointments are limited and availability is not guaranteed.

4. What to do if you lose your wallet

Before you travel, Kondo your wallet. Only bring credit cards and IDs that you frequently use. Make sure your phone number or email address is visible in your wallet, so the finder knows how to return your valuables.

Once you notice you’re missing credit cards, sign into the company’s online account or the app and activate the lock feature to prevent anyone from taking your cards on a shopping spree. Take similar precautions with your bank card. If you find your wallet, you can easily reactivate your cards.

“A lot of banks have robust websites that are really easy to use,” French said. “You can just toggle on and toggle off.”

If you don’t have an online account or the app, call the companies to report your lost cards. Most firms have toll-free numbers for domestic calls and accept collect calls internationally. If you think your card is forever gone, order a replacement with a new card number.

When French lost her wallet, she didn’t have to curb her spending. She used Apple Pay for purchases that required a credit card and took out money by scanning her phone at the ATM.

“I actually went through the entire trip with no wallet because all my money was accessible electronically.” she said.

In San Francisco, she was reunited with her wallet after the airline mailed it back to her.

5. What to do if you lose your phone

In the event of a lost smartphone, Nicholas De Leon, a senior reporter with the Consumer Reports’ electronics team, recommends travelers take a proactive approach instead of jumping right into reaction mode.

“We break up our advice into before and after,” he said.

In the before period, he suggests protecting your phone with a strong password, your first line of defense. Also turn on your phone’s biometric authentication system, such as facial recognition or fingerprint reader, and activate the “Find My” tool; Apple and Android have versions of this. Most important, back up all of your contacts, photos, text messages and files by uploading your valuable information to the cloud.

“This way nothing is really lost except the physical device,” he said.

As an extra layer of protection, email to yourself essential documents, such your travel reservations, emergency contacts and a photo of your passport.

Once you realize that your device is missing, try to track its whereabouts with the “Find My” feature. De Leon used this service to locate his phone during a trip to New York City; he recovered his gadget the following morning at a nightclub.

If that tool fails, contact your service provider to report the loss and ask them to disable your device. For an extra layer of protection, change all of your passwords, especially on apps that are linked to your credit card or financial services, and turn off Apple Pay. You can also wipe your gadget clean.

To recoup the cost of your loss, ask your credit card company about its insurance policy. It may cover items purchased with that card. Your phone carrier might also offer protection for your lost device. If you took out travel insurance for lost or delayed bags, you could receive a reimbursement. De Leon said you might have to file a police report to prove to your insurance company that your smartphone is truly gone.

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• Backpacks, Totes + Small Bags

The 11 Best Travel Purses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep your belongings at your side with these T+L-approved travel purses.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Other Purses We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

Organization while traveling is key, so we recommend having one designated spot for storing travel essentials like a passport, money, and technology. While you can store these items in a bigger bag en route to your destination, a more portable bag like a purse, mini backpack, or sling bag may be a better option.

We consulted our Travel + Leisure staff as well as other industry experts across our team to get recommendations for travel purses that are tried and true by frequent fliers. We received  submissions from over 30 seasoned travelers for bags they've used anywhere from six months to over four years all around the globe. We selected 11 purses that received the highest praise and broke down why we think you’ll love them, too.

Best Overall

Lo & sons o.g. 2.

Lo & Sons

• Capacity 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5

The large purse has a pocket for every travel essential you could ever need to pack.

It can get heavy when it’s packed full.

Lo & Sons makes some of our favorite travel bags, so it’s no surprise that this one came highly recommended for its spacious capacity and superior organizational features. The large shoulder bag comes with a padded laptop pocket that can store and protect devices up to 13 inches long, or you can place a laptop up to 16 inches in the main compartment, but it won’t be in the padded section.

For any other travel essentials, this bag has you covered with plenty of small pockets in the main section of the bag for phone chargers and snacks, and there’s a water bottle pocket to stay hydrated on the go. The front zippered pocket has smaller pockets inside to store grab-and-go items like a phone, wallet, and passport. Best of all, the bag has a discrete side pocket for a pair of shoes when you're using it as an overnight bag. And, of course, the more you pack the nylon bag, the heavier it will get, but it does have a trolley sleeve for securing it to a suitcase if it feels cumbersome to carry.

The Details: 16.5 x 13.75 x 6.75 inches | Nylon, Nappa leather | Water resistant | 13-inch laptop pocket

Best Overall, Runner-up

Cheruty backpack purse.

The stylish backpack has a modular design so you can carry it three ways.

The anti-theft design makes it less convenient to grab items.

Versatility is key with a travel purse, so we love that this backpack purse can be carried in multiple ways. While the purse is designed for use as a backpack with the built-in backpack straps, it also has a top handle and removable crossbody strap to convert the style as desired. Our favorite part of the backpack is the anti-theft design featuring a main compartment that is only accessible from the back zipper. There is a front zippered pocket to store small items like lip balm or a phone charger and the interior has four zippered and slip pockets for staying organized. The anti-theft design makes it a little less convenient to grab items quickly, but it offers peace of mind in crowded spaces since it’s much more difficult for pickpocketing to occur. This bag also earned praise for being effortlessly stylish thanks to the sleek faux leather look over two dozen color options.

The Details: 12.6 x 5.9 x 12.6 inches | PU leather | Convertible | 9.7-inch laptop pocket

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Quince Revive Nylon Large Tote

The nylon material is super lightweight and easy to wipe-clean on the go.

It doesn’t have a top zipper.

Looking for a purse that’s easy to pack? Quince’s nylon tote bag is impressively lightweight whether you’re toting it around while sightseeing or packing it away in a bigger suitcase. While we love a leather bag, nylon material can be a safer option for travel since it’s easy to spot-clean with some soap and water on the go, and is typically lighter so it won’t weigh down your shoulder when packed full of the essentials. This tote’s interior has designated pockets for a laptop and water bottle, and various slip and zippered pockets to organize smaller items. For security reasons, it would be nice if the bag had a zip-top instead of a magnetic closure, but the slim design of the bag makes it easy to keep it close to you while traveling. The tote also has two exterior slip pockets and it comes in Oxford blue, olive, and black color options.

The Details: 17 x 13 x 7 inches | Recycled nylon | Water resistant | 15-inch laptop pocket

Best Shoulder Bag

Uniqlo round mini shoulder bag.

• Capacity 2 /5

The nylon bag is easy to compress and pack down for excellent portability.

It’s not big enough to store tablets or laptops.

Crescent bags are a bit more stylish than a traditional fanny pack, but the style offers similar security to a sling bag that rests on the upper body. The simplicity of this Uniqlo shoulder bag makes it an excellent choice for travelers in search of a packable bag to store the essentials. It’s big enough to carry a phone, wallet, passport, or other smaller items, but it isn’t large enough to hold laptops or tablets. If you need to consolidate your personal belongings before getting on an airplane, this nylon bag compresses down and can be folded up to seamlessly fit in a backpack or carry-on. The water-resistant bag is also machine washable and comes in seven earthy colors. And, the purse is the most affordable option on this list if you can’t choose just one color.

The Details: 11 x 7 x 3.9 inches | Nylon | Water resistant

Travel + Leisure / Abigail Moore

Best Fanny Pack

Dagne dover ace fanny pack.

Dagne Dover

• Quality 5 /5
• Capacity 4 /5

The spacious fanny pack is made with durable and waterproof neoprene fabric.

Dirt and dust are easily attracted to the fabric.

If you’re traveling somewhere damp or rainy, you’ll want a purse made of waterproof materials to protect your belongings. This Dagne Dover fanny pack is made with the brand’s signature neoprene material that wards off inclement weather and rough handling thanks to the thick cushion of the fabric. While we love the protective material, it is prone to catching dust and dirt, but it can be easily spot-cleaned so it isn’t a deal-breaker by any means. The interior is big enough to fit phones, wallets, eReaders, and sunglasses with plenty of room to spare, but it isn’t so large that it feels bulky to wear. The nylon strap can be adjusted to wear the fanny pack comfortably around the waist and shoulder or as a crossbody sling bag, which is ideal for versatility while traveling or running errands. There are several slip pockets and a zippered one in the front to store and organize small items and the fanny pack comes in six color options.

The Details: 9.25 x 5.5 x 2.75 inches | Neoprene | Water resistant

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Crossbody

Baggallini everywhere bagg.

The lightweight materials and adjustable crossbody strap offer all-day comfort.

The interior could benefit from a divider to separate the spacious compartment.

The Baggallini Everywhere Bag is travel expert-endorsed largely due to the fact that it offers superior comfort compared to other crossbody bags on the market. The entire bag and strap are made of a lightweight nylon fabric that won’t rub or dig when it’s being worn across the body or as a shoulder bag. Large enough to fit an iPad or tablet, the purse has an impressive capacity for storing everything from the bare necessities like a wallet and keys to tech gadgets for air travel. The medium-size purse is chock full of pockets on the inside and outside, and there’s even a discrete side pocket for easy access to phones or wallets. The main compartment has a pocket for tablets and a few small slip pockets, but we wish there was a divider or more pockets to prevent items from getting lost in the bottom of the bag. We also love that there is a trolley sleeve in the back and the bag comes with an RFID-blocking removable wristlet as a thoughtful touch.

The Details: 11 x 9 x 5 inches | Nylon | Water resistant

Best Clutch

Radley london sundown avenue weave medium flapover clutch.

Radley London

• Capacity 3 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

The compact purse can be worn as a crossbody bag or carried as a clutch.

The chain strap is not adjustable.

For travel looks that require a chic purse to complete the outfit, we recommend this convertible clutch from Radley London. It’s made with high-quality genuine leather with a woven design and elegant gold hardware that gives the purse a truly elevated design. And for the best part: it comes with a removable chain to style the purse as a crossbody or carry it as a clutch for upscale events like weddings or fancy dinners. The chain strap is effortlessly chic, but we wish it was adjustable or slightly longer since the shorter chain is a bit awkward to use with the bag. The size is small enough to fit in a backpack or suitcase, and the magnetic-closing bag can fit various small items like lipstick, credit cards, and a phone.

The Details: 11 x 6 x 4 inches | Leather | Detachable chain strap

Best Packable

Longchamp le pliage original backpack.

The backpack can fold up to a fraction of its original size.

It doesn’t offer any pockets for organization.

If you don’t want your travel purse to count as a personal item or carry-on for flying, Longchamp’s packable mini backpack is a game-changer for saving space. While the bag is already smaller in size, it can fold up with the help of built-in snap-closures to compress the backpack into a small rectangle that packs flat. The bag can then be placed into a large piece of luggage for travel and unfolded to create the perfect purse for a day of sightseeing. It can hold bulkier items like a tablet, camera, water bottle, and wallet without feeling heavy or weighed down. One thing to note is that the bag doesn’t offer organizational features like pockets, so you may want to use a small pouch to organize smaller items. The recycled polyamide canvas backpack looks elegant and it comes in seven color options, but if backpacks aren’t your preferred way of carrying items, the brand also carries a similar packable Le Pliage Original Tote Bag that came highly recommended by T+L travel experts, too.

The Details: 11 x 10.2 x 3.9 inches | Recycled polyamide canvas

Best Machine Washable

Baggu nylon crescent bag.

• Value 4.8 /5

You can toss this nylon bag in a washing machine after a trip for hassle-free upkeep.

Consider air-drying the bag to prevent pilling or shrinkage.

Traveling can speed up the typical wear and tear on a purse, especially for frequent fliers, so this machine-washable bag from Baggu makes it easy to breathe new life into it after trips. Baggu bags are notorious for being easy to pack and this larger crescent purse is no exception thanks to the flexible nylon material that can easily be compressed and folded. The medium size is surprisingly spacious with a large main section for water bottles, snacks, wallets, and a travel tablet , and two slip pockets for lip balm and keys. Plus, the nylon strap is adjustable for the most comfortable fit whether the bag is packed to the brim or with just a few items. Since all travelers have different styles, we love that the bag comes in various solid colors and bold prints to please everyone. While the bag is machine washable, we recommend hanging it up to air dry to prevent any shrinking or damage from a dryer.

The Details: 13.75 x 8 x 4 inches | Recycled heavyweight nylon

Longchamp Le Pliage Filet Mesh Bag

Bloomingdale's

The material has plenty of stretch so it can hold bigger items like beach towels and jackets.

You’ll want to store keys and lip balm in a separate pouch since smaller items can fall through the mesh.

Whether vacationing somewhere tropical or swinging by the farmer’s market, this Longchamp mesh bag is a must-pack. Compact and easy to store in a bigger purse, the bag turns into a Mary Poppins bag once you begin packing it. From jean jackets to beach towels, the cotton mesh material has the slightest bit of stretch to hold bulkier items without anything falling through the perforated design. It can also store fruit, veggies, and flowers if you come across an unexpected farmer’s market while traveling. For smaller items, we recommend using a smaller pouch to keep keys, lip balm, and other skinny items safeguarded from the netting. Depending on your personal style, the bag comes in six color options featuring neutrals like white and brown or bolder colors like pink and green.

The Details: 15 x 12.2 inches | Cotton, gold hardware

Best for Laptops

John fluevog shoes nashua laptop bag.

John Fluevog Shoes

• Value 4.5 /5

This compact laptop bag comes with tote handles and a crossbody strap that offers both a comfortable and convertible design.

Larger laptops might be a tighter fit.

This recommended John Fluvog leather laptop purse offers protection for your technology while traveling. It’s basically a laptop case with straps to carry it as a crossbody or tote bag, so we love that it’s specifically designed for computers. The removable crossbody strap is made with the same soft leather material and it boasts two little pockets to store small items like lip balm or earbuds that are easy to access from the strap. The interior has a designated slip pocket that can store laptops up to 15 inches long, but anything bigger might be a tight squeeze or not fit at all. Aside from a laptop, travelers can store small water bottles, snacks, notebooks, headphones, or any other essentials in the spacious main compartment. There is a front zippered pocket to conveniently access boarding passes or a phone while traveling. With several color and texture options, shoppers have the choice between black and blue color options made with soft pebbled leather and a brown color made with sleek smooth leather.

The Details: 15 x 11.25 x 2.25 inches | Pebbled leather

Other Travel Purses We Liked

Several travel purses still came highly recommended, but didn’t have as much praise compared to our winner’s list.

Madewell The Transport Saddlebag : The crossbody bag has lots of space to hold travel essentials, but the leather strap isn’t the most comfortable for long periods of time.

Senreve Midi Maestra Bag : We love that the modular design makes it easy to carry the bag in three different ways, but the medium size is a bit awkward for travel since it’s too small to hold a laptop and too bulky to pack in a suitcase.

With recommendations from T+L editors and other trusted travel experts on our team, we compiled this of tried-and-true travel purses. While we accepted all submissions, we narrowed the list down to 11 options that stood out for quality, capacity, and portability. Each bag recommended has been used for at least six months (some have been tested for over four years) and has traveled all around the world with us on various trip types.

Tips for Buying a Travel Purse

Know your storage and organization needs.

Whether you’re a minimalist or maximalist packer, there’s a travel purse out there to fit your needs. For travelers in need of extra space for larger wallets or laptops, we recommend a tote bag or medium-size backpack that often have designated pockets for items of different sizes. Crossbody, sling, and shoulder bags are best for storing just the essentials like phones, credit cards, earbuds, or a small wallet. For an even more streamlined option, a phone purse could be a good choice.

Prioritize comfort

Comfort while traveling is essential, so if you know you’re an over-packer, opt for a backpack or purse with thick, padded straps to help distribute the weight and provide cushioning. In general, you want to look for bags that don't have thin straps (often crossbody bags) since this can often cause discomfort or rubbing.

Think about anti-theft protection

Pickpocketing is a very real threat when traveling and the best way to avoid it is by making sure all of your valuables aren’t easily accessible. Anti-theft protection in travel purses can vary, but the common traits include discrete pockets in the back or interior of the purse, lockable zippers, and cut-resistant fabric.

A personal item is anything (allowed on an airplane, of course) that can fit underneath the seat. That means that purses, backpacks, totes, shopping bags, or laptop cases can count as your allotted personal item. If the airline is strict about personal items, you can always stick your purse inside of a backpack or carry-on to consolidate the number of items.

It depends on the material the purse is made out of and the type of fabric lining. In general, purses should come with manufacturing cleaning instructions, but if not, you can always opt for some soap and water to gently spot clean until you can get the bag professionally cleaned or into a washing machine if allowed.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L commerce writer, Anna Popp , writes nearly all of the team’s Travel + Leisure Tested articles and participates in product testing from luggage and shoes to outdoor gear and apparel. Anna sifted through testing notes from dozens of bag submissions and pulled from her knowledge of travel accessories to recommend the best travel purses.

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Why I Intentionally Paid a Foreign Transaction Fee While Overseas

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Foreign transaction fees can be an obnoxious part of international travel. No one likes to pay an additional ~3% on every transaction just for using a credit card to pay a merchant located outside the United States. Thankfully, there are many cards with no foreign transaction fees — and I have literally dozens such cards.

But this week, I intentionally used a credit card that charged a 3% foreign transaction fee instead of one of the cards in my wallet with no foreign transaction fees. Here's the short story of why.

Page Contents

Everyday spending card: The World of Hyatt Credit Card

Travel card: ink business preferred ® credit card, grocery card: citi premier ® card, gas: wyndham rewards ® earner℠ business card, dining: chase freedom flex℠, why i used my freedom flex overseas, bottom line, what's in my wallet.

At the start of each quarter, I review the cards with rotating bonus categories to determine what should be in my everyday wallet along with my Charles Schwab debit card . Here's what made the cut for the April-June 2024 quarter.

Ideally, I'll be putting most of my everyday spending on a card where I'm trying to earn a welcome bonus . As a backup, my wife and I spend on her World of Hyatt Card to work toward a Category 1-4 Hyatt free night — plus six Hyatt Elite Night Credits — for spending $15,000 in a calendar year.

I've written an entire article about why the Ink Preferred is my go-to card for everyday travel purchases . And since my wife and I travel the world nonstop as digital nomads , we make quite a few travel purchases. Whether buying public transit or paying taxes and fees on award bookings, I always want this card nearby.

Although better known for its other bonus categories, I'm carrying the Citi Premier as my grocery card this quarter. However, it can be a great fallback for several other categories as the card earns 3X points per $1 spent on airfare and hotels and at gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets.

• 60,000 point signup bonus worth $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com, or potentially much more when transferred to airline partners
• 3X points per $1 on airfare and hotels and at gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets
• Annual Hotel Benefit: Save $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when you book through ThankYou.com
• No foreign transaction fees
• $95 annual fee
• 3X points per $1 spent on airfare, hotels, and at gas stations
• 3X points per $1 spent on dining at restaurants, including cafes, bars and lounges
• 3X points per $1 spent at supermarkets
• 1X points per $1 spent on all other purchases

The Wyndham Earner Business Card is the hands-down best credit card for gas . This card earns a whopping 8X points on gas purchases, making it an easy go-to for gas purchases — whether that's in rental cars or the RV that my wife and I purchased during the pandemic and still live in between trips.

That's right. Despite still having the no-longer-available Citi Prestige ® Card — a $495 annual fee card that earns 5X Citi ThankYou points at restaurants — a $0-annual-fee card has taken the dining slot in my wallet this quarter. That's because one of the 5% Chase Freedom Flex‘s rotating bonus categories for Q2 2024 is dining.

This quarter works a bit differently than others. That's because the Freedom Flex already earns 3% on dining purchases. So, this bonus is applied as a 4% bonus, meaning the Freedom Flex earns a whopping 7% cash back on dining purchases this quarter.

Even better, since I have the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card , I can combine points between my Chase accounts to effectively earn 7X Ultimate Rewards points on dining purchases this quarter.

Also, you might see where this is going… The Freedom Flex charges a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.

When it was time to make my first restaurant purchase after arriving in Europe, I looked in my wallet to find just two cards that earned more than 1X points:

• Freedom Flex : 7% on dining during Q2 2024
• Citi Premier : 3X points on dining

If it were simply a choice between 4% net cash back (7% earning less 3% foreign transaction fee) vs. 3X ThankYou Points, the Citi Premier would be the clear winner. After all, Citi ThankYou points have provided 2.04¢ per point in value in recent AwardWallet user redemptions.

However, since I have the Sapphire Preferred , the 7% cash back earnings can be converted to 7X Chase Ultimate Rewards points. And Chase points have been redeemed for an average 1.8¢ per point in recent AwardWallet user redemptions.

Even after factoring in the 3% foreign transaction fee, the net earnings of using the Freedom Flex beat the potential earnings of using the Citi Premier — at least this quarter.

So, that's why I pulled out the Freedom Flex to pay for an authentic Japanese ramen dinner in Barcelona:

Paying foreign transaction fees never makes sense — or at least that's what I thought before encountering this situation. I never thought I'd intentionally use a card that charges a foreign transaction fee when I had access to several cards that don't charge this fee. But it seems I stumbled into the rare case when the net earnings were so good that it actually made sense to pay this fee.

The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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I too was debating the whole 7x chase points less 3% foreign transaction fee.

So for an equiv $10usd purchase.

With Chase FF – 70 chase points yielded. – $0.30 foreign transaction fee.

With Citi Premier – 30 TYP – zero ftf

So for the extra 40 chase points you earned you paid $0.30 in ftf on a $10.00 restaurant purchase.

Given that 40 extra chase points are worth 1.8c/point, you did shell out extra cash to buy those points.

40 extra points x $0.018 value = 0.72 value but you paid 0.30 for those 40 points, net value =0.42 400 extra points x $0.018 value = 7.20 value but you paid 3.00 for those 400 points, net value =4.20 4000 extra points x $0.018 value = 72.00 value but you paid 30.00 for those 4000 points, net value =42.00

I will admit you still make a profit but I’m not sure I could stomach all those ftf’s on my statement in principle just for a net potential 42.00 after $1000 restaurant spend when I could just use my Citi Premier and get 3TYP/dollar.

In addition I also think that earning 7% Chase points up to my $1500 max on domestic restaurant purchases could easily be reached this quarter vs wasting it on a 4% net yield with CFF in foreign transactions.

I agree that a 4% net beats a 3% any day. However shelling out extra cash to essentially “buy” chase points is the difference here. Thanks for the article however. Made me think about it more. Everyone’s motivations are different and your article does make sense for some folks.

Great analysis Mike. And indeed, it can be tough to stomach “buying” Chase points by paying more now. And agreed that those likely to max the $1,500 bonus spending through domestic transactions shouldn’t pay the fee. I’m not in that case this quarter – without buying restaurant gift cards (which I may do as 7X is just so good).

There is 1 other case – which honestly I thought this story was going to highlight – when paying the foreign transaction fee makes sense. That is the scenario where you are trying to reach a sign up bonus, right when you are in the middle of a trip abroad.

Ah yeah that’s another case that can really make sense. And those sign-up bonuses are much more substantial than my measly 197 points on this purchase!