EDC wallets are great simple wallets that are designed to hold only the essentials. They are usually almost the same size as a credit card, and they can fit into pretty much any pocket. But that’s about the only thing that EDC wallets have in common – the other features differ heavily, depending on the type of wallet you want.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 EDC Wallets
There are classic leather wallets, rugged metal wallets, those that come with multi-tools, and those that are pretty much indestructible. And I’ve included all of them in this detailed review so that everyone can find an option that suits them.
So, if you’re tired of pulling a George Costanza every time you try to close your bifold wallet, scroll down to find the best EDC wallet for you!
Best Minimalist EDC Wallet
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Best Survival EDC ‘Wallet’
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Best Affordable EDC Wallet
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Most Versatile EDC Wallet
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Best Value For Money
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The Dango Dapper wallet is a great option if you want something classic but functional. It has a soft leather exterior with a chassis made from aerospace aluminum, for excellent durability. The entire wallet weighs just 2.4 oz. so you won’t even feel that it is in your pocket.
The leather looks very classy, and you can barely even tell that this is a tactical wallet. And if you go for an entirely black wallet, you can’t even see the silicone band at first, which makes it look even more sophisticated. There are lots of other color options as well, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find something that fits your personal style.
It can hold up to 12 credit cards and five bills, but it does not have any sort of card organizer. This EDC wallet has a silicone band that can hold cash, as well as small slip pockets on either side that will fit a few bills.
This EDC wallet actually folds open, and all the credit cards are supposed to go inside. It has RFID blocking, which guarantees the security of your money and personal data.
The downside of the Dango Dapper wallet is that it doesn’t actually have any extra features. Some of the wallets you’ll see below come with knives, bottle openers, screwdrivers, and even rulers – if you want that kind of versatility and function, then be sure to check out some other options.
But, if you’re okay with the simplicity of this EDC wallet, then Dango Dapper might just be the best option for you. They also make a Dango tactical wallet, if you are interested in tougher options.
If you’re looking for a proper wallet, then scroll past this option. But if you want a rugged survival tool that just so happens to have a money clip, then the Gerber GDC might just be the thing you are looking for.
This isn’t actually a wallet; it’s a money clip with a fixed blade knife, which is one of the best survival tools you can throw in your backpack. It is actually great for people who spend a lot of time hiking, camping, climbing, or just enjoying the great outdoors – you have no use for cards at the summit, but a knife will always come in handy.
This can actually hold up to five credit cards, so it’s not totally useless in regular everyday situations. And it has another wallet-like feature – the money clip that will hold your emergency cash, which is pretty convenient.
But the main feature of the Gerber GDC is that 1.75” stainless steel blade. It takes some time to get used to the tiny knife – it doesn’t have a proper handle, but you can retain a firm grip on the blade thanks to the finger loop and serrated thumb rest. It’s not going to allow for a super precise cut like some other survival knives, but it will do a good enough job.
Both the wallet and the knife are made from rust-proof materials, for excellent durability. They actually feature a titanium coated steel body with accents from anodized aluminum, which guarantees not just ruggedness and durability, but also the barely-there weight of this EDC wallet.
If you want a versatile EDC wallet but you’re on a tight budget, the Sparkle Tmax is an excellent option to consider. It is a small wallet with a multi-tool, which is great for people who need something rugged and multi-functional.
The multi-tool includes a screwdriver, knife, rope cutter, short saw, a bottle opener, and a few other things. It’s a very versatile tool that will come in handy for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors, especially in rugged environments.
And it’s also a pretty good wallet. The leather exterior is soft and very stylish, and cleverly disguises the fact that you’re holding something that’s actually a bit dangerous. That’s the exact reason why you can’t take this wallet when you’re traveling – the multi-tool is not detachable, and it is definitely not TSA friendly.
In fact, the money clip and the cardholder are integrated into the multi-tool. This also means that when you’re using the knife or the bottle opener, you’re holding onto your cash and cards. So, just be extra careful when you’re using the multi-tool near large bodies of water or fires.
This is a pretty small wallet, so it’s only going to be good for people who don’t carry a lot of cards with them. It can fit up to five cards in the designated slot, and up to five bills in the money clip. That’s a really small capacity even for a tactical wallet, so make sure that you’ll be able to get by with no more than five cards.
The T01 EDC wallet by Dango is a great option if you want something durable, lightweight, and versatile. It comes with an integrated multi-tool, which makes this a great survival wallet. Not only will it hold your cash, but you can also use it as a ruler, knife, screwdriver, and more.
This EDC wallet features a classic Dango chassis that is made from aerospace aluminum. The multi-tool is made from the same material, while the wallet also features a soft, top-grain leather body that is secured to the chassis with mil-spec bolts. And there’s a silicone band over the wallet, which is great for storing cash.
You can fit up to 12 cards in the Dango Tactical wallet, and have total peace of mind that they are perfectly safe, thanks to the RFID protection. But you won’t be able to organize them, since there aren’t really card slots – just two slip pockets on the internal sides.
The multi-tool can be detached entirely from the wallet, which is very convenient. If you need to use it in an awkward situation, it’s better to leave your money and cards in your pocket anyway. And you will be able to do quite a lot with it, considering just how versatile it is.
In fact, the functions of the multi-tool range from a paracord tensioner to a smartphone stand. Plus, the tool is made from high carbon stainless steel, so you know it is extra tough and durable. If you spend a lot of time exploring nature and often find yourself in situations where you need to cut through things or sharpen them, this wallet might just be the most convenient purchase you make.
The Ridge wallet is a great option if you want something minimalistic and rugged. It’s a metal EDC wallet, so it will be able to survive pretty much anything. And it has an expanding card compartment, which can hold 1-12 cards inside. The thing I really like about this wallet is that you’re able to push out all the cards with your thumb, so they are always easily accessible.
It’s worth noting that this slim wallet is available in two versions – one is with a money clip and the other with an elastic strap. The wallet features here come with a metal money clip, but you can check out the brand’s listings for more options.
This EDC wallet has RFID protection, which guarantees the safety of your cards. But you’re not going to be protected from old-school pickpockets, especially if you wear loose pants. A piece of advice – if you prefer to wear khakis over jeans, you should look for a grain leather wallet because this moves around in the pockets, and you might not notice if someone were to take it from you.
Another great thing about the Ridge Wallet is that it is covered by the brand’s lifetime warranty – they guarantee that it will work as long as you own it. In case your wallet malfunctions for some reason, they will gladly send you a replacement one.
Which is really great because this isn’t really a cheap wallet. It doesn’t have any additional features either, so it’s not so easy to stomach such a high price point. However, the exceptional durability and outstanding functionality of the Ridge Slim wallet easily justify the retail price – especially when you’re guaranteed that you will be able to use this for however long you own it.
The Tuopuke EDC wallet is very similar to the Ridge, but it costs just a fraction of its price. It is made from carbon fiber for excellent durability and ruggedness, and it’s very lightweight and small. This is pretty much the size of a credit card, just a little wider.
It can hold up to 12 cards and 9 bills when it is fully extended. And, just like with the Ridge, it’s super easy to get the cards out – just push them out with your thumb, and you will have easy access to whichever one you need.
One thing I love about this wallet is that you can adjust it to fit your personal needs. It comes with screws of different lengths and a screwdriver, so you can actually adjust the width of the wallet. You can also remove the money clip if you want to, and install the stretchy cash strap. And you will be able to do it all in just a couple of minutes, thanks to the detailed instructions you get in the box.
It’s also worth noting that the Tuopuke EDC wallet has a lifetime warranty – in case it ever breaks or malfunctions, the company will send you a brand new one for free. Which is actually impressive for a $20 wallet!
Plus, it’s not just a wallet – the Tuopuke comes with a key organizer that can hold up to 18 different keys. And all of the accessories and parts come packaged in a luxury box, which makes this EDC wallet an amazing present for your loved one. Especially if you want them to think you spent a lot of money on them!
The Duramont wallet is a great option if you want something entirely different and slightly futuristic. It is a hardcase wallet made entirely from aluminum, for impressive durability and ruggedness. This EDC wallet could survive pretty much anything, and it’s a rare option that will actually protect your cash from water.
This EDC wallet features a button opening, which exposes the two internal compartments. One side is designed to hold up to 10 cards, and the other can fit up to 12 bills. The side that holds the bills features a money clip, which ensures that they won’t just fall out of the wallet on accident. And there’s a stretchy band in the card compartment that will keep them all safe and in place.
One thing I love about this wallet is that it offers RFID protection. Plus, the design of the wallet is pretty great – it doesn’t even look like a wallet, which might just be enough to deter the pickpockets, while the RFID protection keeps you safe from the more advanced thieves.
But the futuristic design is also its main fault. It’s quite bulky and takes up more space in your pocket than any of the other EDC wallets featured here. And it has hinges and buttons – parts that are bound the malfunction eventually; it’s just a matter of time. In a way, this isn’t a wallet built to last even with the crushproof exterior.
The good news is that this is a pretty affordable wallet, so it’s not such a big surprise that it comes with an expiration date. And you might wind up using it for years, and getting really good value for money from the Duramont.
The Conceal Plus is a great mix between a classic tan leather wallet and a metal EDC wallet. It has a genuine leather folding section that is designed to hold cash and features two slip pockets that can hold up to two cards each.
This wallet is available in nine different colors, ranging from classic brown to really hot pink. There are lots of options, so it should be pretty easy to pick out one that matches your personal style.
The main part of this wallet is the aluminum cardholder, which has RFID protection and can fit up to six flat cards or four embossed cards. This part of the wallet has a side button that gives you easy access to all your cards. When you pull it down, the cards slide up – kind of like a toaster. This is great if you don’t have a lot of cards that you need to carry around on a daily basis.
The capacity might be an issue for some people, especially since you can’t fit more than six bills in the wallet. But, if you want something small, lightweight, stylish, and functional, the Conceal Plus wallet is an excellent option.
However, it is important to note that this doesn’t come with a multi-tool, and it doesn’t have any extra features. It is a very basic EDC wallet with an affordable price point, and it’s great for people who are looking for something simple. If you were hoping for an EDC wallet with bells and whistles, you should definitely check out some other options as well.
If you’re looking for something entirely different, the Gerber Barbill is a great option. It’s not even a proper wallet – this is more like a super small and lightweight cardholder. And, the retail price actually reflects that – the Barbill retails for less than $20, which is pretty amazing for such a cool item.
This EDC wallet features a stainless steel frame with an elastic band, which can hold up to seven different cards. You can also store some cash here, but there isn’t a dedicated spot or a separate clip for it. There is a security bumper on one end, which keeps the cards snug in place and prevents them from falling out randomly.
That’s actually the reason why the Gerber Barbill isn’t a good choice for business cards. You could easily fit 10+ of them, but the ends would get bent because of the security bumpers.
But there is a built-in bottle opener – if that’s a tool you find yourself reaching for frequently, then this EDC wallet is exactly what you need. Especially if you don’t care too much about the extra features and versatility. The beauty of this wallet lies exactly in its simplicity – because it is so small and basic, it weighs no more than 1.6 oz.
And it’s virtually indestructible, thanks to the rugged stainless steel. So, if you wanted an EDC wallet that could pretty much survive the apocalypse without breaking a sweat, I think there’s no reason to look any further.
If you prefer classic leather wallets, the Black Fox is a great option for you. It’s a slim leather card holder with a unisex design and a zippered pocket for cash or coins. This is one of the best options for those who don’t want a hard metal wallet but also want to avoid getting bulky, bifold ones.
The Black Fox EDC wallet is slim and lightweight – perfect for the inner pocket of your blazer. It has five different card slots, in addition to the larger zippered pocket. If that is enough card space for you, then don’t even hesitate to get this wallet.
It is made from premium full-grain leather, and it is very soft to touch. But that also means that it’s not very rugged – leather requires a lot of maintenance, especially if you want to keep it looking fresh.
Another great thing about this minimalist wallet is that it features RFID protection, so all your cards will be extra secure. And it retails for some $25, which is actually a great deal for a leather wallet with such awesome features. Sure, it is small and simple, but totally worth the money if that’s exactly what you are looking for.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t come with any extra features, and it’s not really a great option if you’re looking for something rugged and versatile. But if you want a tiny cardholder that will fit into any pocket (or bag), then the Black Fox is definitely a serious contender.
We featured wallets made from all sorts of things, from soft leather to hard aluminum. And you should figure out what you prefer before you go and buy any of these EDC wallets.
Tough metal materials are the champions when it comes to durability and toughness. They are virtually unbreakable and you should go for one of these if you never want to buy a wallet again. However, they’re not the most stylish or comfortable things to carry around – you will need to find a place other than the back pocket of your jeans if you wind up getting a metal wallet.
Leather wallets, on the other hand, are not as tough but they are much more stylish. If you want a wallet that’s tough and durable but still looks classy and sophisticated, then you should go for a leather EDC wallet. Pick up one that has a metal skeleton if you want the extra ruggedness, or just grab a plain leather wallet if you’re prioritizing style.
It’s 2020 – most of us have switched over to cards a long time ago, and barely even use cash these days. But we still use it every now and then, which is why all of the EDC wallets above have at least a money clip or a tiny slip pocket for cash.
But is that enough for you? If you’re still using cash every day, then you’re better off with a regular leather wallet that has slots for bills, maybe even coins. It will be easier to use than a plain metal cardholder, and it allows for better organization. I honestly prefer these to plain cardholders, because I like being able to take out just one card, as opposed to treating them like a deck of cards.
On the other hand, if you predominantly use cards and barely ever carry cash, then you should look for a cardholder with RFID protection. This is the best thing you can get since it will ensure that all your credit cards are protected from digital thieves.
On top of that, these tiny EDC wallets usually have at least a money clip, and some even have organizer slots for the cards. Others don’t, but they’re able to fit up to 10-15 cards at once, which is pretty cool.
Do you want just a simple EDC wallet or a rugged survival tool that you can use for pretty much everything you want? Some of the EDC wallets featured here also come with multi-tools, which include knives, screwdrivers, saws, and all sorts of other tools.
If you’re just looking for a classic wallet that can hold your cards and some cash, then you’re okay getting any one of the wallets featured here. But if you want those additional features that you could use during dangerous outdoor adventures, then look for wallets that either come with multi-tools or have additional features integrated with them.
However, it is worth noting that multi-tool wallets are not TSA friendly unless you can remove the actual tool from the wallet. Those tools usually feature a tiny saw and a screwdriver, so they’re not allowed on airplanes. And if the tool is built into the chassis, you won’t be allowed to carry it onto a plane – it’s better to know this beforehand than to have to part with your wallet at a TSA checkpoint.
Not entirely sure which of these EDC wallets is the best one for you? That’s okay – go with one of our top three picks, and you won’t have any regrets!
The overall best option is the Dango Tactical EDC wallet. Especially if you’re looking for something versatile – this can hold up to 12 cards and five bills, which should be enough for most people. And it comes with a removable multi-tool; the wallet itself is even TSA friendly, as long as you leave the tool at home.
You won’t need it when you’re traveling anyway, but it will come in handy during outdoor adventures, seeing as it includes a ruler, knife, screwdriver, bottle opener, among other tools.
If you’re looking for an affordable option, then grab the Sparkle Tmax metal wallet. It is a multi-functional wallet with a metal chassis that has several tools built into it, and a leather exterior. This wallet is tough, durable, and extremely functional – it also works as a bottle opener, screwdriver, rope cutter, and a few other things. It can fit up to five cards and five bills, so it’s best for people who need a small-capacity wallet.
In case you’re ready to try a fully metal EDC wallet, I recommend the Tuopuke Minimalist wallet. It’s made from carbon fiber, and it is very rugged and durable. Plus, it comes with a bunch of useful accessories – there’s a key organizer, detachable money clip and cash strap, and screws of different lengths that let you adjust the width of the wallet.
On top of that, this is also a very affordable option, so it’s easily the best value for money you’ll get.
Head over to Amazon to see the prices of all of these EDC wallets, as well as the different color options. And be sure to check our related posts, for even more ideas on excellent wallets and EDC bags!
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