The term minimalist wallet means something different for every kind of traveler. Suppose you're trying to pack as light as possible; an option that utilizes lightweight materials and less hardware will work best for you. Or, if you want your wallet to be straightforward regarding cash and card-carrying ability but utilitarian and useful, a metal-framed option with unique features is your best bet. This list will cover both ends of the spectrum and everything in between.
This roundup covers materials from nylon to polyethylene and elastic to aluminum—so, by the end, you'll have found the best minimalist wallet for you. Some will be able to stow coins for trips to countries where cash is still king, while others will only work with cards for adventures across urban environments.
Minimalism doesn't always mean small; however, all these wallets will fit inside your daypack or travel backpack. Some will be too large to stow in a small sling, and some will fit like a glove. For some, minimalism comes in design, materials, or features.
So, sit back, relax, grab your favorite credit card and currency of choice, and we'll help you choose the best minimalist wallet for you!
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Gear List
- NOMATIC Wallet
- Trayvax Original 2.0 Wallet
- Bellroy Card Pocket
- GRIP6 Wallet (Leather and Loop)
- RE:FORM RE:02 (Card Holder)
- Pioneer Flyfold 2.0
- TOM BIHN Nik’s Minimalist Wallet
- Chums Surfshorts Wallet
- Secrid Cardprotector
- Paperwallet Micro Wallet
- Pakt Mojito Wallet
- Recycled Firefighter The Fire Hose Sergeant Wallet
1. NOMATIC Wallet
If simplicity is the goal, look no further than the NOMATIC Wallet for your next minimalist wallet choice. The primary material used in its construction is elastic; however, there are leather and polyester accents. The design is simple—there’s a slider for cards—which you can pull out quickly with a pull tag, and a small pocket for cash or other little items like a key or fob.
The leather accent is attached to the pull tag, so you can get your cards out quickly without fiddling around. Considering there are just two places to stow gear, you can’t get a much more minimal than this!
Over time, the elastic may start to wear out, but it took roughly a year to be noticeable. It still works—it just isn’t as tight when you’ve got less stowed inside. The simple design takes some getting used to, but once you’ve gone this basic, it’s hard to go back! If you’re looking for an option that stretches to fit what you’ve got, this is the best minimalist wallet for you.
Why We Like It
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The leather accent is attached to the pull tag, so you can get your cards out quickly without fiddling around. Considering there are just two places to stow gear, you can’t get a much more minimal than this!
Over time, the elastic may start to wear out, but it took roughly a year to be noticeable. It still works—it just isn’t as tight when you’ve got less stowed inside. The simple design takes some getting used to, but once you’ve gone this basic, it’s hard to go back! If you’re looking for an option that stretches to fit what you’ve got, this is the best minimalist wallet for you.
Why We Like It
- The design is simple, but the wallet has excellent segmentation
- Access to cash and cards is quick and easy
- The materials will stretch out over time
- The design is intuitive, but it takes a while to get used to
2. Trayvax Original 2.0 Wallet
If you want something that can handle a rugged adventure, look no further than the Trayvax Original 2.0 Wallet. The main component’s construction is stainless steel and aluminum. They’re extraordinarily durable and look sleek, too. The two panels are held together using a thick paracord, which you can tighten or loosen based on what you’ve got stowed inside. The paracord is the weakest link in thiswallet since it’s made of such durable materials; however, we haven’t had issues with it breaking. Plus, if it does, it’s easily replaceable.
There are two places to stow your currency options. Cards go between the two plates. One of the plates has a window in which you can put your ID; however, depending on where your ID is from, the details you might need to show could be covered up. The other plate has a money clip so that you can stow cash. It works well for American and other non-tall bills, but taller currencies can interfere with the paracord toggle. It’ll still work, but you’ll have to fiddle to get your cards out.
If durability is the name of your game, this is the best minimalist wallet for you!
Why We Like It
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There are two places to stow your currency options. Cards go between the two plates. One of the plates has a window in which you can put your ID; however, depending on where your ID is from, the details you might need to show could be covered up. The other plate has a money clip so that you can stow cash. It works well for American and other non-tall bills, but taller currencies can interfere with the paracord toggle. It’ll still work, but you’ll have to fiddle to get your cards out.
If durability is the name of your game, this is the best minimalist wallet for you!
Why We Like It
- The paracord enables you to fit more cards and is easily replaceable
- Finding the right card is easy to do
- The expansion process isn’t quick and can be rigorous on your hands
- Slack in the paracord can get caught on things in your pocket or backpack
3. Bellroy Card Pocket
Best for: Relaxed Travelers
The transition to a minimalist wallet can sometimes be difficult, primarily if you’ve never used something smaller. However, if your new wallet feels similar to your old one, it can make the change easier. The Bellroy Card Pocket is crafted from leather, so it feels like your old wallet, but it comes in a small package with thoughtful internal organization.
This model has a zippered YKK closure, which hasn’t failed in testing but sometimes gets stuck. Once you’ve made it inside, the liner is made from polyester, and there are a few places to stow your gear. There’s a card pocket for your cards and folded-up cash, a coin sleeve for change, a spot to hold a SIM card, and some wiggle room in the middle for extras. For such a small minimalist wallet, this thing packs a punch!
The Bellroy Card Pocket feels like the perfect middle ground for those just searching for the best minimalist wallet. It has a lot of the details and organization you’d expect from a standard model, but the size of something more streamlined.
Why We Like It
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This model has a zippered YKK closure, which hasn’t failed in testing but sometimes gets stuck. Once you’ve made it inside, the liner is made from polyester, and there are a few places to stow your gear. There’s a card pocket for your cards and folded-up cash, a coin sleeve for change, a spot to hold a SIM card, and some wiggle room in the middle for extras. For such a small minimalist wallet, this thing packs a punch!
The Bellroy Card Pocket feels like the perfect middle ground for those just searching for the best minimalist wallet. It has a lot of the details and organization you’d expect from a standard model, but the size of something more streamlined.
Why We Like It
- Can easily hold cash, cards, and coins without taking up much room
- It’s small enough to fit in your pocket or inside your pack
- The zipper can get a little sticky
- Things inside the main compartment can get stuck on the zipper
4. GRIP6 Wallet (Leather and Loop)
We've got you covered if you're looking for a minimalist wallet that works as a fidget toy. The second iteration of the GRIP6 Wallet is customizable, durable, and fun to play with. There are four metal body colors, which are crafted from 5052-H32 Aluminum.
The wallet is 0.4 inches thick and can stow 5-6 cards. To retrieve your cards, click down on the side of the wallet and they’ll pop out so you can fan through and find the one you want. However, the lever works almost too well, and sometimes our cards shoot out of the wallet entirely, which puts them at risk of getting lost. There are two models, one with a large eye (or loop) and one that has more minimalist styling. The loop is fun to play and fidget with; however, it's bulkier.
If you want to stow more than just cards, you can add on a moneyband. This accessory sticks on the exterior of the wallet and can be used to hold cash and other small items. The design isn't as sleek, but you can stow more gear, which is a fair trade off when searching for the best minimalist wallet for you!
Why We Like It
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The wallet is 0.4 inches thick and can stow 5-6 cards. To retrieve your cards, click down on the side of the wallet and they’ll pop out so you can fan through and find the one you want. However, the lever works almost too well, and sometimes our cards shoot out of the wallet entirely, which puts them at risk of getting lost. There are two models, one with a large eye (or loop) and one that has more minimalist styling. The loop is fun to play and fidget with; however, it's bulkier.
If you want to stow more than just cards, you can add on a moneyband. This accessory sticks on the exterior of the wallet and can be used to hold cash and other small items. The design isn't as sleek, but you can stow more gear, which is a fair trade off when searching for the best minimalist wallet for you!
Why We Like It
- You can build your own customized wallet to meet your needs
- The body is crafted from sturdy aluminum
- Cards can pop out faster than you’re ready for
- The loop makes it harder to fit into your pocket
5. RE:FORM RE:02 (Card Holder)
Best for: Full-time Travelers
There aren’t many minimalist wallets that only utilize one material—let alone models that only use polyethylene. The RE:FORM RE:02 comes in two designs, the Coin Sleeve and the Card Holder. The two models have a similar construction but are built to hold their namesake.
The polyethylene material is comfortable to hold in your hand and has a unique texture. If you’re a connoisseur with a closed full of wallets, odds are, no others in your collection feel exactly like this one. It utilizes a classic billfold design with magnets to help secure it. However, the magnets don’t present a foolproof closure, so it may pop open when you don’t want it to.
We can fit roughly nine cards inside, but your mileage may vary depending on the thickness of what you try to stow inside. RE:FORM’s RE:FINE material, that polyethylene we were going on about earlier, hasn’t worn out in testing, making this a contender to be one of the best minimalist wallets.
Why We Like It
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The polyethylene material is comfortable to hold in your hand and has a unique texture. If you’re a connoisseur with a closed full of wallets, odds are, no others in your collection feel exactly like this one. It utilizes a classic billfold design with magnets to help secure it. However, the magnets don’t present a foolproof closure, so it may pop open when you don’t want it to.
We can fit roughly nine cards inside, but your mileage may vary depending on the thickness of what you try to stow inside. RE:FORM’s RE:FINE material, that polyethylene we were going on about earlier, hasn’t worn out in testing, making this a contender to be one of the best minimalist wallets.
Why We Like It
- It utilizes unique materials and magnets to form a sturdy closure system
- There are multiple spots to stow your cards
- The fabric can be so grippy that it’s hard to get your cards out
- It can take some time to get bills inside
6. Pioneer Flyfold 2.0
Best for: Professional Travelers
Of all the minimalist wallets we’ve had in hand, the Pioneer Flyfold 2.0 might feel the most like a standard billfold. However, it’s not the design that makes this option stand out. Pioneer opted to use 10XD fabric, which is durable and extraordinarily water resistant, which makes this a rugged yet sleek choice for those not ready to give up on billfold life.
There’s a spot for your cash like usual–however, some taller currencies may poke out of the top. We’ve got two card slots to work with, each holding roughly six cards, which is ample storage for a thin wallet. However, because there are only two high-capacity slots, finding the card you were looking for can take a few moments. If you place the cards correctly, getting used to the format is quick.
The Pioneer Flyfold 2.0 is one of the larger minimalist wallets on this list, but the durable materials and sleek design make it a worthy inclusion.
Why We Like It
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There’s a spot for your cash like usual–however, some taller currencies may poke out of the top. We’ve got two card slots to work with, each holding roughly six cards, which is ample storage for a thin wallet. However, because there are only two high-capacity slots, finding the card you were looking for can take a few moments. If you place the cards correctly, getting used to the format is quick.
The Pioneer Flyfold 2.0 is one of the larger minimalist wallets on this list, but the durable materials and sleek design make it a worthy inclusion.
Why We Like It
- Materials are lightweight but durable and water resistant
- Cards rarely come out of place thanks to orientation
- There are only two card slots, which can be hard for organization
- Larger bills will pop out of the top
7. TOM BIHN Nik’s Minimalist Wallet
We’ve described TOM BIHN products as having big dad energy in the past, and that sentiment reigns true with their Nik’s Minimalist Wallet. There isn’t much going on here, but the materials, design, and features are utilitarian. We’re not saying this thing isn’t sleek, but it doesn’t have the harsh lines and modern features that some other entries on this list do.
In typical TOM BIHN fashion, the materials are high quality. The main fabric is ballistic nylon, and there’s a TPU window on the interior so you can see your cards. We’ve got multiple slots to work with when placing our gear inside, but there isn’t much room, as the name implies. There are two on the inside and one on the exterior, which is helpful for quick access items so you don’t hold up the line at the coffee shop.
As TOM BIHN explains on their site, there isn’t any extra room for junk accumulation here. A combination of design and material choice makes this an excellent option for your next minimalist wallet.
Why We Like It
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In typical TOM BIHN fashion, the materials are high quality. The main fabric is ballistic nylon, and there’s a TPU window on the interior so you can see your cards. We’ve got multiple slots to work with when placing our gear inside, but there isn’t much room, as the name implies. There are two on the inside and one on the exterior, which is helpful for quick access items so you don’t hold up the line at the coffee shop.
As TOM BIHN explains on their site, there isn’t any extra room for junk accumulation here. A combination of design and material choice makes this an excellent option for your next minimalist wallet.
Why We Like It
- There are multiple versions to fit your needs
- The materials are durable and bluesign® certified
- The pockets aren’t stretchy, so it can’t expand or retract to fit your cards
- Bills have to be folded to fit inside
8. Chums Surfshorts Wallet
Best for: Frugal Travelers
If you’re looking for something minimalist, durable, and budget-friendly, the Chums Surfshorts Wallet has your name on it. Plus, there’s a colorway for everyone. Who can argue with that?
The primary material utilized here is ripstop nylon, but there’s a TPU window on one side, so you can show your ID without pulling it out. There are two zippered compartments, one with a divider to separate gear, the other operating as a large area to stow the rest of your gear.
On the exterior, there’s an additional liner pocket with a key ring inside. You can stow roughly five keys here comfortably, but it does affect how much you can fit inside.
In long-term testing, the logo rubbed off, and the zipper lost some of its paint, but the core functions of this minimalist wallet will remain intact!
Why We Like It
See Full Review & Buying Options
The primary material utilized here is ripstop nylon, but there’s a TPU window on one side, so you can show your ID without pulling it out. There are two zippered compartments, one with a divider to separate gear, the other operating as a large area to stow the rest of your gear.
On the exterior, there’s an additional liner pocket with a key ring inside. You can stow roughly five keys here comfortably, but it does affect how much you can fit inside.
In long-term testing, the logo rubbed off, and the zipper lost some of its paint, but the core functions of this minimalist wallet will remain intact!
Why We Like It
- A budget-friendly wallet that will last you a long time
- Fits inside both front and back pockets
- There isn’t much internal organization
- Cards can get bent or damaged if overstuffed
9. Secrid Cardprotector
Are you looking for a minimalist wallet that can stow a couple of cards with extreme durability and protection? The Secrid Cardprotector can do that for you—but not much else.
We’ve found that you can fit four embossed or six flat cards inside, but no more than that. The exterior is extraordinarily sleek—there isn’t a pixel out of place. Seriously, this thing is mad smooth! On the bottom, a small lever pops the cards out of the top of the wallet.
The best thing about this mechanism is that it fans the cards for you. The card furthest back pops out furthest, and the card furthest forward the least. This makes it easy to grab the card you want without sifting through them all in the middle of the market.
Regarding cash or expandability, you don’t have any in-house options. You could attach something to the exterior, but it wouldn’t be nearly as smooth and fun to hold onto. As we mentioned, this might be the best minimalist wallet for you if you only need a couple of cards.
Why We Like It
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We’ve found that you can fit four embossed or six flat cards inside, but no more than that. The exterior is extraordinarily sleek—there isn’t a pixel out of place. Seriously, this thing is mad smooth! On the bottom, a small lever pops the cards out of the top of the wallet.
The best thing about this mechanism is that it fans the cards for you. The card furthest back pops out furthest, and the card furthest forward the least. This makes it easy to grab the card you want without sifting through them all in the middle of the market.
Regarding cash or expandability, you don’t have any in-house options. You could attach something to the exterior, but it wouldn’t be nearly as smooth and fun to hold onto. As we mentioned, this might be the best minimalist wallet for you if you only need a couple of cards.
Why We Like It
- The cards pop out pre-fanned, so you can get what you want quickly
- The design is very minimalistic and clean
- You can only stow a few cards at a time and no cash
- The lever has jammed in testing
10. Paperwallet Micro Wallet
If you like your gear to match your personality, the art prints on the Paperwallet Micro Wallet will spark your interest! Don’t worry—if you like simple colorways, they’ve got those too. Like many options on this list, the proof is in the puddi…er…materials.
These wallets are made of Tyvek®, which feels like paper but is far more durable. This is a similar material to what you see wrapping houses that are being built—it typically is white and has the manufacturer plastered all over it. On a home, it’s used to control airflow and water permeation. Come to think of it, that’s pretty helpful for a wallet, too.
We’ve got five separate slots to work with, so you can effectively segment your cash and cards to your liking. However, because the material is so lightweight and small, this thing fits in your pocket—front or back. Yup, even feminine-styled pockets!
We have to admit; this thing takes some getting used to. However, once you’re used to the material and its size, the Paperwallet Micro Wallet might be the best minimalist wallet for you.
Why We Like It
See Full Review & Buying Options
These wallets are made of Tyvek®, which feels like paper but is far more durable. This is a similar material to what you see wrapping houses that are being built—it typically is white and has the manufacturer plastered all over it. On a home, it’s used to control airflow and water permeation. Come to think of it, that’s pretty helpful for a wallet, too.
We’ve got five separate slots to work with, so you can effectively segment your cash and cards to your liking. However, because the material is so lightweight and small, this thing fits in your pocket—front or back. Yup, even feminine-styled pockets!
We have to admit; this thing takes some getting used to. However, once you’re used to the material and its size, the Paperwallet Micro Wallet might be the best minimalist wallet for you.
Why We Like It
- The art on the exterior is fun and unique
- It will fit inside even the smallest pockets
- The material shows wear quickly, although it won’t rip
- It’s tiny, and getting bills inside can be challenging
11. Pakt Mojito Wallet
For many travelers, a wallet should look and feel like a wallet. However, just because something feels and looks like (animal) leather doesn't mean it has to be made of animal hide. Enter the Pakt Mojito Wallet. This thing is made from synthetic PU leather, which looks and feels like the real thing, with added durability, and without the animal parts.
The design is relatively simple–a large card slot with a topper made of elastic holds your cards in place. When you want to get one out, grab the tab, move it to the side, and get what you need. If you want to stow your cash somewhere quicker, there's a small pocket on the exterior.
Because of the design, the Mojito isn't as wide as a standard credit card. It fits in pockets of all sizes, so you don't have to worry about which pants your packing before your trip.
Why We Like It
See Full Review & Buying Options
The design is relatively simple–a large card slot with a topper made of elastic holds your cards in place. When you want to get one out, grab the tab, move it to the side, and get what you need. If you want to stow your cash somewhere quicker, there's a small pocket on the exterior.
Because of the design, the Mojito isn't as wide as a standard credit card. It fits in pockets of all sizes, so you don't have to worry about which pants your packing before your trip.
Why We Like It
- One of the smallest wallets we’ve come across
- There are different locations for cash and card
- It isn’t terribly thin for how small it is
- There are a few loose threads
12. Recycled Firefighter The Fire Hose Sergeant Wallet
Best for: Sustainable Travelers
There are a lot of recycled wallets out there, but only a few have the firepower of the Recycled Firefighter The Fire Hose Sergeant Wallet. Bad jokes aside, this minimalist wallet pairs a simple design with durable recycled materials to make for a convenient carry.
It’s crafted from repurposed fire hoses, which are rugged, unique-looking, and fun to hold onto. We have just one proper storage area to work with, so that’s where your cards will go. There’s a band for cash or other small items on the backside. Using the strap can sometimes be a little awkward, especially with larger bills. However, we’ve gotten used to it pretty quickly and like how fast we can access the money we’ve stored in it. It’s scientifically proven that you’ll get your doner kebab quicker if you pay faster. Who can argue with that logic?
There are quite a few colorways to choose from, and the price comes in at under $40 at the time of this post, making this a great contender for the best minimalist wallet for you—especially if you loved fire halls as a kid!
Why We Like It
See Full Review & Buying Options
It’s crafted from repurposed fire hoses, which are rugged, unique-looking, and fun to hold onto. We have just one proper storage area to work with, so that’s where your cards will go. There’s a band for cash or other small items on the backside. Using the strap can sometimes be a little awkward, especially with larger bills. However, we’ve gotten used to it pretty quickly and like how fast we can access the money we’ve stored in it. It’s scientifically proven that you’ll get your doner kebab quicker if you pay faster. Who can argue with that logic?
There are quite a few colorways to choose from, and the price comes in at under $40 at the time of this post, making this a great contender for the best minimalist wallet for you—especially if you loved fire halls as a kid!
Why We Like It
- Extraordinarily durable because it’s made from repurposed fire hoses
- It features a slim profile that’ll fit in most pants
- It’s tricky to stow cash in the strap
- Not enough capacity for a ton of extra stuff
So there you have it—12 minimalist wallets that can do everything from carrying cash to protecting your identity. Whether commuting across the city or crossing Europe on a backpacking trip, one of these wallets will work for you!
And, check out some of these options and more in the video below.
