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Types Of Wallets – Explanation & Visual Guide

I like that there are different types of wallets to choose from. From the shape, to the size, and even the color. There’s a different kind of wallet for every occasion.

Belt Wallet

This is one of the few wallet types that has many names. Also known as a belt bag, and a bum bag in Britain (fanny pack is the American version), a belt is a small pouch that is worn around the hips and waist much like a belt.

Bi-fold Wallet

bifold wallet is rectangular and folds in half. It usually features one long open pocket for currency and several slots — either vertical or horizontal — for credit cards, ID cards, and receipts. It’s a popular men’s wallet.

Card Case Wallet

If you’re looking for the perfect place to store all of your small-but-very-important items, A card case wallet is a great place to start shopping. They are slender and fit in any pants pocket.

Brown leather card case wallet laid out on plywood with cards and money in the pockets.
An example of a card case wallet.

You can get them in bright colors and even in a leather card case wallets in slimmed-down styles. I bought the one above online at Fossil.

ID Card Wallet

Similar to the card case wallet but geared toward ID cards. Hence the transparent pockets which make it easier to show ID cards when needed.

Leg Wallet

The leg wallet is a good alternative if you don’t want to wear your valuables around your waist or neck. It has a pocket or two, with velcro, although some people prefer the zippered leg wallet

Checkbook Wallet

Checkbook wallets or executive wallets include all the compartments you need, plus a pocket to securely hold your checkbook for those times when a card or cash is not available.

Money Clip Wallet

money clip is a device typically used to store cash and credit cards in a very compact fashion for those who do not wish to carry a wallet.

Neck Wallet

neck wallet (also sometimes called a “neck pouch”) is an anti-theft device you can wear underneath your clothing to carry valuable items including your cash, cards, and passports.

By the way, you’re supposed to wear these inside your clothing. They’re not supposed to be exposed. So, if you’re wearing a hoodie or sweater, shove it in there. Be sure to put the strap around your neck too.

RFID Wallet

RFID-blocking wallets are designed to help protect you from a specific type of theft called RFID skimming.

This is where information from high frequency (13.56MHz) RFID-based credit cards, passports and transport passes are read and duplicated.

For a more detailed article on RFID and what types of cards it protects, I recommend this explanation. Purchasing an RFID blocking wallet (or sleeve, or pouch) is one way to protect your personal information.

A video showing the Bellroy Note Sleeve

Shoe Wallet

Shoe wallets, also known as shoewallets, shoepockets, shoe pockets, shoe pouches, shoe pals, runners’ wallets, go wallets, etc., are small pouches that attach to your shoe.

Slim Wallet

A slim wallet is an ultra slim wallet that allows you to carry around up to four to 10 of your most-used credit and debit cards, your ID card, driver’s license and business cards. 

Taxi Wallet

Taxi wallets is another one of the types of wallets that are very slim and have a minimalist design. Though minimal, they’re quite stylish to look at.

Travel Wallet

Travel wallets are versatile, as it holds all different types of documents, from your passport, cards and ID to tickets and cash.

Trifold Wallet

trifold wallet is rectangular and has two folds that fold to the middle, each area (two folds and the inside) making up 1/3 of the wallet’s length.

Trifold wallets are bulkier and heavier than bifold wallets if only because they offer more card and money space.

A video describing the Fossil Quin trifold wallet.

Wrist Wallet

Wrist Wallets hold your keys, cash, cards, ID and some can even fit an iPhone in them.

Zippered Wallet

The perfect mix of security, function, and aesthetics can be found in zipper wallets. Zippered wallets have a zipper that goes all the way around to keep your cash and credit cards safely inside.

Top 5 Women’s Wallet Styles

  • Buxton Heiress Floral Organizer Leather Clutch Wallet
  • Hobo Jill Wallet
  • Pebble Leather Zip-Around Coin & Card Case
  • Marcie Zip-Around Leather Wallet

Top 5 Men’s Wallet Styles

  • Nomad Slim Wallet
  • Rogue Front Pocket Wallet
  • Fossil Men’s Wade Leather Bifold Wallet
  • Herschel Supply Co. Hank RFID Wallet For Men
Video showing the Hank RFID Wallet.
  • Men’s Infini-T Solar Charger Fanny Pack

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