I’m going to share a recent cautionary tale of why you need a travel wallet (and by "recent," I mean last night). So there I was at Logan Airport, traveling back to NYC, when I got a text from an unnamed airline (cough, cough, Delta) informing me that my flight had been canceled. I'd hardly even had a chance to sip the $25 pinot noir I'd ordered when I had to rush to the service desk to find a replacement flight. When I finally got there, it was like The Hunger Games—only a limited number of options and it's first come, first served. Well, I had tossed all my travel documents—cards, ID, boarding pass—into my bag and couldn't find them fast enough, so guess who didn't get a flight home.
Don't be like me; just get a damn travel wallet. The best options on the market offer security, functionality, and style, with RFID-blocking technology to safeguard against digital theft; multiple compartments for organized storage of passports, credit cards, and cash; and durable materials like leather or nylon for longevity. Some have zippered features and snap closures for added safety. But no matter the design, all travel wallets will let you locate your shit when you need it, stat. To help you choose the right one, our experts tested and reviewed hundreds of options to find the top picks, so you don't end up like me.
Pros
Zippered compartment is perfect for loose change or bills
Fabric lining
Nickel hardware
Cons
On the bigger side
Designed to carry everything you need while traveling, this slim-fit wallet from Leatherology won't weigh you down. It features seven slots for credit cards, hotel keys, and IDs, and the main compartment is large enough to comfortably fit a boarding pass, a phone, or up to four standard-size passports. What our reviewers liked most about it was the extended zip closure, which allows for easy access while you're on the go—such as sprinting to your gate.
One customer said: "I’ve been searching for a passport wallet for the family. This easily will store up to 4 passports and travel documents as a previous reviewer mentioned. The leather feels soft and luxe. I like nice things, and love it when they’re also relatively affordable and useful in real life."
Materials | Full-Grain Leather |
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Size | 9" W x 5.25" H x 0.6" D |
Pros
Sleek and secure
Made with RFID-blocking technology
Organized and packed with plenty of pouches
Cons
Doesn't have the look of a traditional wallet
Pickpockets? No problem. This ultra-slim money belt will fit under any attire and keep all your valuables hidden and secure. It's made with soft, durable nylon, so it will never irritate sensitive skin, and the mesh back panel is breathable, so it won't lock in moisture. Plus, it has RFID-blocking technology, which will further help prevent theft.
One customer said: "I bought this pouch last summer for a trip abroad, and it worked great. It was cool and comfortable when worn under my shirt and around my waist. It also comes with straps that adjust in case you want to wear it across your body."
Material | Nylon |
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Strap Size | 25" - 45" (Max Stretch 55") |
Pros
Made from sustainable materials
Available in multiple colors
Lifetime repair guarantee
Cons
Doesn't come with a strap
Founded in a small town in Sweden, Fjällräven is no stranger to top-performing outdoor apparel. In fact, we think it makes some of the best, and its travel wallet is no exception. Made from durable G-1000 fabric, it's spacious enough to fit your phone, your passport and other travel documents, some cash, and more. It has the feel of a classic carrying case without being too bulky. This wallet received high praise from our reviewers for its large number of pockets and the cool, vibrant color options.
One customer said: "This wallet is very durable, and keeps all my stuff nice and tidy. It’s very convenient if you have a lot of stuff and don’t want to carry around a backpack!"
Materials | Polyester, Cotton |
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Size | 19" W x 11" H x 2.5" D |
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Pros
Water resistant
Two-year warranty
Six card slots
Cons
Thicker than other options
This Pacsafe wallet (available with fast Prime shipping) lets you travel with peace of mind thanks to its "security hook," a metal chain that can be attached to a belt loop or the inside of a bag to help prevent pickpocketing. And RFID-blocking technology protects against identity theft, credit card scanning, and unauthorized transactions. (That shopping spree you'll inevitably go on after downing your fourth glass of red in Florence doesn't count.)
One customer said: "This is my second wallet from Pacsafe. Well-organized wallet with plenty of slots for the plastic cards we need in life. Overall, it's great quality."
Materials | Polyester |
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Size | 5.1"H x 3.5"W x 0.6"D |
Pros
Micro travel pen with refills
Sections for passport, tickets, and bills
Hidden compartment for spare cash
Cons
Doesn't fit German or Irish passports
Designed to be about the size of a passport, this wallet from Bellroy is tailored enough to fit right in your back pocket (but you should probably keep it in your front pocket). It has a secret compartment to hide away cash, RFID-blocking materials to shield your passport and cards from skimming, and a micro pen, so you'll never have to pester your in-flight neighbor for a writing utensil again. When testing this wallet, our reviewer noted that it has enough space for additional travel essentials, like a SIM card or a pack of gum.
Materials | Leather |
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Size | 150mm x 97mm |
Pros
Detachable wrist strap
One zip pocket and four card slots
Zip closure
Cons
Pricier than other options
Our travel and fashion experts love this design for its convenient zip-around feature and detachable wrist strap. With the signature Burberry check pattern, a tonal raised logo, and four card slots, it's a great option for the guy who wants to keep his stuff secure while still looking stylish. And though this wallet is on the pricier side (hey, you already balled out for a trip, so what's a few hundred dollars more?), we think the two-year warranty offered by the brand makes it worth it.
Materials | 70% Thermoplastic Polyurethane, 30% Cotton |
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Size | About 8"W x 4.75"H |
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Pros
Made in Spain
Plenty of space
Crafted with top-quality leather
Cons
Can feel a little bulky
If you're the one in charge of everyone else's passports—no pressure—then you're going to want a wallet that's spacious, organized, and secure. And there's no better option than this Spanish-made zip-around wallet. It has an interior currency compartment, two slip pockets, a snap change pouch, four card slots, and room for travel documents, so you can fit and easily find everything you need.
One customer said: "The leather and zipper are great quality. There is plenty of room for cards, cash, and coins. It is a little bulky if you're looking for a wallet to carry in your pocket. I'm using it to keep my extra cards and cash in my safe at home. The wallet is just simply elegant. I highly recommend this product."
Materials | Leather |
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Size | 4 3/4"W x 4 1/4"H x 3/4"D |
Pros
RFID-blocking technology
Comes with a strap keeper
Easy to access
Cons
The style isn't for everyone
If you want a nontraditional wallet but aren't in love with the idea of wearing one around your waist, our experts suggest taking a neck wallet for a spin. This one from Eagle Creek combats ID theft by blocking access to personal data stored on embedded microchips, while keeping your travel documents, credit cards, and IDs close at hand. Plus, it features an adjustable neck strap, a hook-and-loop top pocket that's easy to open and close, and breathable, moisture-wicking fabric.
One customer said: "Doesn't hurt my neck, and the material on the backside is comfortable against my sensitive skin. Perfect size and easily hidden."
Materials | Nylon Ripstop |
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Size | 7 x 5 inches |
Pros
Travels light
Can fit more cards than advertised
Room for cash and coins
Cons
Limited colors available
This card case from Lululemon is the ultimate grab-and-go option for those shorter trips when you don't want to haul around a bunch of stuff. With two card slots on the front and one on the back, it's low profile, so it can be thrown into your backpack or pants pocket or attached to a key chain thanks to the detachable hook. Although it's primarily a cardholder, our experts especially liked how there's still enough room to store spare change and a little cash—which you should always bring with you, by the way.
One customer said: "Love the True Identity Card Case! It is a little bigger than I thought, but it is the perfect size. It holds all of my cards and even some money. I would definitely recommend this product."
Materials | Recycled Nylon, Recycled Polyester |
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Size | 12cm x 8.8cm (4.7" x 3.5") |
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Pros
ID window
Document and passport divider
Multiple card pockets
Cons
Can sell out quickly
Tumi makes some of our favorite backpacks of all time, and it's no surprise that the brand's travel wallets are just as good. This one offers a sleek, stylish way to carry all of your essentials and does a great job of organizing everything neatly, so you never have to worry about your things getting all jumbled. Some of our most liked features include the ten card and two slip pockets, the document and ticket divider, and the pen loop.
Materials | Leather |
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Size | 8.5" X 4.8" X 2.5" |
Pros
Crafted for safety and convenience
Sleek and practical design
Extremely versatile
Cons
Not made of moisture-wicking materials
While this wrist wallet may give off Power Ranger vibes (go, Ninja Storm!), it's a great option for those who prefer the feel of a smartwatch. This may be the safest option you can get when it comes to foiling thieves because everything you need is literally on your wrist. Designed for all-day wear, it can fit up to five cards and has a back zipper for added convenience. While our reviewers were initially hesitant about trying this style, they think it's an excellent choice for those trips where you need to frequently hold up a card to a scanner (think Disney).
Materials | Leather |
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Size | 5.12 x 4.33 x 0.2 inches |
Pros
Prevents digital scanning
Lever technology
Ultra-resilient stitching
Cons
Shipping can be slow
My Carl Friedrik rolling bag is one of the best travel accessories I have ever owned. I mean, seriously, it's so silent and smooth that I feel stealthy as hell when I'm making my way through LGA. The brand's card protector provides that same top-quality performance and features an innovative design, a refined feel, and an RFID-blocking aluminum core to protect you from electronic thieves. But the standout component has to be the patented lever technology, which ensures that up to five cards can be retrieved in one swift motion.
One customer said: "I collect wallets. Honestly, nothing I’ve found suits me as well as this does. The quality is immaculate. The leather is so nice in the hand. The stitching is so careful and precise. The pocket is tight but perfectly functional, so the whole thing remains wonderful to hold."
Materials | Leather, Aluminum |
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Size | 2.5 in. W x 4 in. H |
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Pros
Elastic loops for pens and cords
Multifunctional
Removable key ring
Cons
Larger than other options
While this is more of a case than a wallet, it's a versatile companion to the myriad other great travel products that Monos offers. Functioning as a wallet/passport folio while you're on the move or as an e-reader/tablet holder when you're relaxing by the pool, this option can do it all. It features a quick-snap system that makes it easy to attach to a backpack or suitcase, water-resistant ultra-microfiber vegan leather, and a small zippered pocket.
One customer said: "Love the soft leather and how it connects to the outside of the bag as an extra pocket. Comes in very handy for traveling as I use it for my extra masks, sanitizer, and things I want to reach easily. It is a well-made bag and matches the backpack perfectly. Excellent quality."
Materials | Vegan Leather |
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Size | 9" × 7" × 1.5" |
Pros
Signature Gucci emblem
Comes with a handle for added convenience
Fast shipping
Cons
Pricier than other options
You already have a first-class ticket, so why not add a chic Gucci wallet when you're traveling in style? Crafted from full-grain leather that's debossed with a jumbo version of the label's instantly recognizable "GG" emblem, it has plenty of slots for your cards and bills, and it even comes with a handle for easy carrying.
Materials | Leather |
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Size | 5.1 in. H x 8.1 in. W |
Pros
Monogram is foil debossed
Taller profile
Quick shipping
Cons
Monogramming costs extra
A monogrammed travel wallet by Mark and Graham makes the perfect birthday, graduation, holiday, or, hell, even self-love present. Our experts especially liked that it's made from the same rich pebbled leather as the other pieces in the brand's best-selling Harvey collection and that the taller profile is designed to fit a passport and various sizes of paper currency.
Materials | Leather |
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Size | 4.75”w x 5.75”h x 0.5”d |
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What to Look For in a Travel Wallet
First, consider the material. Leather is classic, timeless, and durable, too—essential for those seemingly endless security checks. Look for a wallet with RFID-blocking technology to shield your cards from electronic pickpocketing. Think of it as the digital-age equivalent of a bulletproof vest.
Size matters as well. A slim, compact wallet is a great option for the minimalist traveler, easily slipping into a jeans pocket or the inner pocket of a blazer. But if you're carrying multiple passports, tickets, and currencies, get one with a variety of compartments to keep everything organized.
A zip-around style or a button-flap closure can offer extra security, ensuring your essentials don’t spill out while you're juggling luggage or rushing through the boarding gate. (I don't believe in showing up three hours early either.) Pockets for coins and cash are vital, especially if you'll be navigating markets and don't want to be fumbling for change.
But a travel wallet isn't just about functionality; it's also about making a statement. This is where personal taste comes into play. High-end designers like Gucci and Burberry offer luxury and reliability—think refined finishes and intricate stitching—while the more affordable options on this list offer great bang for your buck.
How We Chose the Best Travel Wallets
To come up with our must-have picks, first we compiled a list of the travel wallets that our Esquire editors have tested and loved. Then we went one step further and scoured the ratings and reviews of every wallet on the list to make sure it passed the rigorous tests of thousands of Internet users. Trust us when we say you won't find a list of travel wallets that have gone through this many checks anywhere else.
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Why You Can Trust Esquire
We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s roundups is carefully chosen by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
When it comes to travel wallets, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tried, tested, and loved, along with options that the rest of our fashionable colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own use. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these travel wallets are the ones that are simply the best.