travel wallet men's anti theft

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.

Read more: Best Luggage Brands

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.

Read more: Best Over-Ear Headphones

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.

What to Consider Before Buying a Travel Wallet

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.

.css-1fpt53b{height:1.25rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1fpt53b{overflow:unset;line-height:1.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1fpt53b{line-height:1.25rem;}}.css-1fpt53b:before{background-color:#D2232E;color:#fff;margin-right:0.625rem;width:1.25rem;height:1.25rem;content:'';display:block;} Technology & Gear

Our Favorite Portable Speaker Is $50 Right Now

41 Useful Father's Day Gifts He'll Actually Keep

65 Great Golf Gifts for Dad This Father's Day

Every Pick-Up Soccer Fan Needs This Portable Goal

Save 20% with our Exclusive Saatva Mattress Sale

6 Editor-Approved Padel Rackets to Try This Summer

Amazon's Overstock Outlet May Deals

Don't Miss Amazon's Post-Memorial Day Sales

5 Padel Shoes That Will Level Up Your Game

Take Up to 41% Off Editor-Favorite Grills

The Best Memorial Day Apple Sales to Shop Now

10 Best Anti-Theft Wallets for Travel & Everyday Use

Getting your wallet stolen is everyone’s worst nightmare. Well, that and being locked in a room with a giant spider.. like the one from Lord of the Rings.

But the point is that losing your cash, credit cards and ID in one unlucky event can be a serious blow. Especially if you’re in a distant land, far away from home.

I recently wrote a review article for the best anti theft backpacks so I suggest checking that one out as well, especially if you’re planning a trip abroad.

In this article however, I want to share with you the 10 best anti theft wallets, based on feature comparisons, affordability and actual user experience. So I hope you find this list helpful.

Anti Theft Wallet Buying Guide

These are the top 4 features to consider when purchasing a secure wallet:

RFID Protection

Many credit cards nowadays have an RFID chip. RFID stands for “radio frequency identification”.

Well long story short, RFID can be hacked from distance to steal your information! This is why every anti theft wallet has an RFID protected compartment for credit cards. Newer anti-theft backpacks have it as well.

Having said that, all the wallets on this list have this compartment, and it’s a neat feature regardless of whether you’re travelling or not.

The size of the wallet matters, because if you plan on carrying a lot of cash, cards, documents and nickels in one, you’ll obviously need a bigger wallet with many compartments. If you only plan on carrying some cash or credit cards, you could get a more minimalistic wallet instead.

Since wallets are pretty small either way, the size doesn’t play much of a role in determining the price. After all, a smaller wallet is easier to carry, so either choice has pros and cons.

Just don’t be like George Constanza, stuffing your small wallet with so much stuff that it becomes an explosive wallet, and hurting your back in the process.

The aesthetics of you wallet are also important. But since everyone’s taste is different, I’ll rather comment on the carry type of each wallet.

As you know, there are regular pocket wallets, as well as neck wallets, money belts, cross-body wallets etc. Pocket wallets are the most popular option because we’ve all grown used to them.

Having said that, neck wallets are pretty safe because you’re more aware of them and they’re closer to your eyes. than a pocket wallet. The same is true for cross-body, shoulder wallet/bag. The money belt however is great because it allows you to conceal your valuables under your shirt.

So each of these options has its pros and cons. I’ve listed the best ones from each of these design categories. But leaving those aspects aside, what’s really important is choosing the wallet you’ll be happy to carry around because it’s cool!

Unless you’re fishing for rare snake skin wallet with a Charlie Sheen autograph, you can buy a great anti theft wallet for less than $50. Actually, 9 out of 10 wallets on this list are under $20, and just one of them costs around $40. So there’s really no reason to risk having your money and information stolen when securing them is so affordable.

Best Anti Theft Wallets:

1. the venture 4th travel pouch/neck wallet.

It’s also a neck wallet, which is in my experience a more secure carrying option because you tend to be more aware of it. It’s also harder to steal a neck wallet than a regular pocket wallet simply because it’s typically closer to your line of sight, unless you keep it in the backpack of course.

The water resistant passport holder can keep your travel documents, credit cards, cash and other valuables concealed and secure.

This wallet also has three clever caches and an ID window for easier safety checks. It is 8” wide and 5.5” high and slim enough that both men and women can wear it hanging around their neck and safely covered by their clothes.

It’s safety design and reinforced double stitched seams make it both tough and durable travel companion. So next time you want to go to that big sporting event, bustling market place or loud music festival and you fear falling victim to a pickpocket, strap on the Venture 4th Neck Wallet (link to Amazon) and you’ll be good to go.

2. The RFID-Blocking men’s Premium-wallet

This wallet has also been tested and certified by the highest military grade RFID blocking and scanning. It blocks 13. 5 MHz Credit Cards and 125 KHz ID Cards. So you can sleep soundly knowing that your information won’t be e-pick pocketed regardless of your location.

The wallet compartments are spacious enough for all your cards, your money, bills and even photos. At 4.4” x 3.3” the Wallet fits comfortably into any jeans and regular pants pockets. Inside the wallet there are nine card slots, including an ID window, and one money pocket.

In today’s constant risk of cloning and stolen identity, this elegant wallet is ideal for any boy, young man or dad as a present.

3. The Pacsafe-RFIDsafe Z100

It’s available in Charcoal and is a trendy bi-fold wallet. Its RFID-blocking pockets and material make it a valuable commodity for travel, keeping you safe from any scam to hack or steal your identity or credit card information.

To keep your essential cards organized, it has slots for four credit cards and one mesh ID window. There is a separate slot for your bills and an outer coin pocket with a zip, which is pretty big.

The wallet also opens and closes with a zip. The metal chain that is attached to the wallet is fitted with a Turn & Lock Security Hook, which you can attach to the inside of a bag or your belt loop preventing a snatch-and-run robbery. Apart from the super-slick design, this is the unique feature that makes it more secure than other wallets.

The Pacsafe RFIDsafe Z100 is also a light-weight wallet at only 5.5 ounces and soft enough that it won’t bother you whether you’re carrying it in your pocket or the backpack.

4. Leopardd’s Leather RFID Blocking Wallet for Women

It is equipped with one ID window that is set on the outside. It’s also contains two compartments with durable, stainless steel, high quality zippers. On the one side it has a one-zip pocket for coins and two bill pockets. Neighboring this compartment lies ten credit cards slots, isolated from the other with its own complete zip.

The Leopardd RFID Blocking Wallet blocks RFID signal frequencies of 13.56 MHz. In other words, it blocks the scanning of credit cards, debit cards, bank cards, ID cards, driver’s licenses and even bus cards. So you can rest assured that no nerdy hackers will be able to mess with you.

5. Lewis N. Clark RFID Blocking Neck Wallet

Its RFID blocking properties make it ideal to protect you against e-pick pocketing and identity theft. Being slim in appearance, the Lewis N. Clark Wallet can be worn under your clothes without looking bulky.

The special TravelDry material will prevent body odors, moisture, mildew from penetrating and shrinking your documents. The rip-stop nylon exterior and zippers that repair itself, makes it a durable, low-profiled and super lightweight wallet.

It is designed with four individual compartments for your passports, travel documents, cards, electronics, cash and coins. It has a mesh pocket and an ID window and securely closes with a hook and loop clasp. The Lewis N. Clark RFID Blocking Neck Wallet will keep everything organized, safe and at your fingertips.

6. The Sandbar Money Belt for Men and Women

The stretchy, adjustable strap is up to 60” long and also has a 2-finger release clasp to fasten it. With the RFID blocking feature lining the pocket, you can move safely with your credit cards and ID cards without the risk of electronic theft.

There are two long, strong zippered pockets, the one slightly longer than the other. The upper pocket has two mesh sections, one ideally for your passport and/or phone, while the other section is card and key friendly. The second pocket is ideal for coins and cash.

The comfort, functionality and security features make the Sandbar money belt a real travel asset.

7. Peak Gear’s Travel Money Belt

The moisture-wick backing of the belt makes it cool enough to wear on the naked skin and it is also water resistant to protect the contents from unexpected downpours or body moisture.

RFID block protection is added into the fabric to protect against scanner theft. By purchasing this money belt wallet from “Peak Gear” , you also get a $250 theft insurance to reimburse you if any items get stolen. That’s pretty brave of them!

There are also two recovery decals from “ReturnMe” that you can stick on your passport, phone, and camera which can help recover missing items globally.

8. Anti-Theft Belt with a Hidden Money Pocket

It’s manufactured with a high quality flexible nylon webbing and fitted with a strong YKK plastic buckle which makes passing through airport security effortless. If you purchase it, you also receive an extra buckle as well.

It is suitable to wear with pant sizes from 26- 40 inches, with a belt length of 49.2 and width of 1.5 inches. The belt has a zippered pocket of about 28 inches long and can conceal single folded cash and emergency documents with ease and can be reached quite easily while it is on the body.

The down side of the money belt is that it is too small in width to have room for ID, license, or credit cards. So consider it mainly as a safety solution for cash and smaller documents that you can fold.

Having said that, there are different sizes which are correlated with the price. It’s a really affordable belt, costing between $5-$15, depending on the size. I recommend adding it as an emergency cash option along with an anti-theft wallet. Check out the current price and reviews on Amazon.

9. Crazy Horse Leather Anti-Theft Wallet

The dimensions are 4.8 x 3.7 x 1.1 inches. It has a big main cash pocket, slots for 6 cards, 3 bags with zippers for ID card, credit cards, or bills and a 1 photo-holder slot.

Due to the size of the wallet, it is easy to wear close to the body and can be easily concealed inside your clothes. The RFID pocket gives that added protection against identity theft by blocking RFID scanners from extracting your ID, or credit card information without your consent.

Crazy Horse Leather Wallet is handcrafted from cowhide leather and lined with soft to the touch polyester material which gives it a stylish finish. It’s available in various colors to fit your personal preference.

10. TOPNICE Crossbody Sling-Bag

Its dimensions are: Length 14 x Width 9.5 x Thickness 1 inch. It has an adjustable shoulder strap that can easily fit a slender adult person. It is easy to wear on top or under a jacket for extra protection.

For added security there are pockets for an ID, credit cards, or cash, and it’s equipped with high quality zippers and a compartment for a phone or iPad. It securely closes with a magnetic snap fastener.

A small inner pouch has RFID blocking to prevent identity theft. It’s constructed from tough polyester fabric and with careful stitch work which makes it a durable and safe option for travel.

The TOPNICE sling bag has is pretty affordable, costing less than $20. It’s got over 200 customer reviews and a 4.5/5 star rating on Amazon. So I suggest checking out the product page to learn more about this stylish secure wallet option.

Final Word: Best Security Wallet

This list is packed with great anti-theft wallets. But have you found the best one for yourself?

I’ve owned a couple of wallets in the past but finally settled for the Pacsafe-RFIDsafe Z100. Apart from the James Bond-ish design. the security feature that won me over is the security hook. As I mentioned before, you can secure this wallet to some part of your clothing or a bag by using this feature.

This way, the wallet won’t get snatched by someone or accidentally fall out of your pocket, at least without you noticing and being able to react immediately. I typically secure the wallet to my belt or a belt loop on my pants if I’m not wearing the belt.

Either way, I hope this list helps you, and as always, stay safe out there!

Chief editor of Security Latest with vast experience in the security industry. I'm also a family man. When I'm not turning homes into fortresses, the Klapan family is usually on the Nintendo or on one of our local hiking trails.

Similar Posts

Are Doorbell Cameras Always Recording? (Full Guide!)

Some people wonder how doorbell cameras work and whether they are recording video all the time. Many homeowners choose to install a camera on their front entrance because it is an effective way of deterring crime, but many will have questions about just what this entails. For instance, some may ask if these devices record…

How to ACTUALLY Improve Night Vision on Security Cameras

Security cameras with night vision are incredibly useful for surveillance during night and in dark areas in general. But sometimes poor video quality can get in the way of their usefulness. The picture can be too messy, with not enough contrast between the objects, making it difficult to spot on an intruder at nighttime. Or…

Combination Vs. Key Bike Lock: A Fair Comparison

Trying to keep the baddies away from your bike? You are probably wondering if a combination lock will provide better security than a key lock. The short answer is that a key bike locks are generally more secure. Many combination locks can be cracked in less than a minute by pulling on them. While it’s…

4 Best Security Cameras Under $50 in 2022! (Indoor & Outdoor)

Security cameras are an essential piece of technology for keeping a home, store or an office safe. And while price is often reflective of the quality of a security camera, that’s not always the case. There are many models nowadays that are dirt cheap but provide very good video quality and extra features like motion…

Security Camera vs. Video Doorbell: 4 Main Differences

Monitoring the entrance points of your home or office (doors and windows) is one of the best things you can do for improving overall security. But you might be wondering if it’s better to use a doorbell or a traditional security camera to get the job done. In this article we’ll analyze the 5 main…

10 Best Tactical Folding Knives for Self Defense

Do you remember that scene from Crocodile Dundee when Dundee gets threatened by a guy carrying a small pocket knife? He laughs it off, and shows him that he’s got a big kitchen knife. Now, do you remember that scene from Indiana Jones where the Arabian dude does tons of cool moves with his sword,…

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

• Travel Guides
• Top Destinations
• Inspiration & Ideas
• Booking Tips
• Packing Guide
• Where to stay
• At The Airport
• How-to Guides
• First Times
• Travel Community
• World Flavours
• Travel Products

10 best travel wallets for men in 2022

If you’re travelling, you want to be able to keep your passport, plane tickets, credit cards and cash in one place. This is where the handy travel wallet comes into play.

Unlike regular wallets where you can store your credit cards, cash and other valuables. They are different from traditional designs and have specific features that make them more practical for frequent travellers.

Meant to be fastened on the belt, travel wallets allow you to keep your valuables safe from pickpockets while making it easy for you to access them on the go. It’s also a place where you keep smaller items like keys, business cards and cash.

When you’re in another country, you may not want to carry around your everyday wallet or access it during the time you are away. A travel wallet is perfect for these instances because it has a built-in element of concealment, which allows you to keep your valuables safe from potential thieves. We looked for the best travel wallets for men in 2022.

READ MORE : What are the top travel accessories for every solo traveller?

What is a travel wallet?

A travel wallet is a wallet that is specifically designed to hold travel documentation while also providing secure storage for cards and currency. It will be large enough to hold one or more passports and thus will be larger than a standard wallet. The travel wallet provides easy access to important documents at points of departure and arrival.

They will frequently have multiple sleeves and compartments to aid in the organisation of their contents. When the journey is finished, the travel wallet is usually stored in a secure location, and the cards and currency are transferred to a smaller, more traditional wallet.

Modern travel wallets should have a secure closure and be lined with RFiD blocking to prevent electronic skimming of personal information from card and passport chips. Travel wallets are made from a variety of materials, but due to the importance and value of their contents, it is best to buy one made of durable material, such as leather.

What to look for when purchasing a travel wallet

A travel wallet is something that most people never think about owning. The only time when a travel wallet is strictly necessary is when travelling to a foreign country.

A travel wallet allows you to carry your cash and credit cards with confidence in a secure manner so that you do not lose your money or have your personal information stolen by anyone you come across while travelling.

There are so many travel wallets on the market today that it could be confusing when it comes to what features you should look for when purchasing one. While there are many travel wallets available, the best travel wallet should be:

• Lightweight
• Come with RFID protection
• Have exceptional material and stitching
• Three card slots
• A money clip
• A band to attach it to your pants or belt loop
• Many compartments for keeping your passport, credit cards, and cash
• Secure closing with snap clasp

The top 10 travel wallets in 2022

• Travando Rio
• Ekster Parliament Slim Leather
• Lewis N. Clark RFID Blocking Stash
• Travelambo Minimalist

Let’s just straight into the list below.

Zoppen Travel Wallet

The Zoppen Travel Wallet for men is perfect for the jet-setter who likes to keep his passport, currency, receipts, and extra credit cards organized.

This travel wallet has many hidden features, including a small pillbox for medication, two separate compartments for storing money and receipts, and many slots for storing credit cards and folded bills.

Purchase it here .

Travando Rio wallet

In terms of design and capacity, this travel wallet hits all the right notes. It’s made of smooth, barely pebbled faux leather and features a large Travelambo metal emblem in the bottom centre. It is also very simple to use, with a bottom notch for sliding out cards with your thumb and an integrated money clip for holding several bills in place.

The functionality of this travel wallet organiser is excellent. It has seven card slots, three on the left fold and four on the right fold, with the money clip separating each fold. There are nine colour combinations available, including industrial heavy carbon, neutral black, bold black/blue and black/orange combinations.

Ekster Parliament Slim Leather Wallet 

An excellent option is a perfect contraption, combining the essentials of smart organization with a touch of elegance.

The Parliament Slim combines traditional style and modern features with quality materials and style built for versatility and security. A slim design and built-in snap closure pocket provide space for essential travel documents, while the RFID Blocking Technology protects your critical information from electronic identity theft.

Designed to fit easily into all briefcases, backpacks or overcoats, Parliament makes a practical accessory that guarantees a chic look for everyday use.

Valante Passport Wallet

Travel light with the Valante Passport Wallet. Made from soft genuine leather, this wallet is simple and elegant in design.

Inspired by the love of travel, it features two card slots, a cash compartment, and an inside pocket with a zip for storing your passport and boarding pass.

The Valantr men’s travel wallet will keep all your money and bank cards safe while you embark on your adventures.

Pacsafe wallet

We adore the overall design of this passport wallet, which begins with heavily contoured nylon fabric and a front slot for larger paper. A Dyneema strap with an automatically tightening loop allows the wallet to be worn over the shoulders or attached to a camera for added security.

This wallet’s interior compartments are diverse, beginning with a left-fold top zippered pocket for coins, a left-fold bottom passport holder, and several right-side mesh pockets for credit cards, tickets, and smaller items. It even has a looped pen holder built in. 

Lewis N. Clark RFID Blocking Stash Neck Wallet

The Lewis N. Clark Stash-N-Go RFID Blocking Travel Wallet serves as a passport holder, money clip, credit card case and smartphone stash.

Ideal for the modern traveller, this travel wallet includes built-in RFID-blocking technology with slots for ID, passport and cards. Its Hologram SecuriPass® patented RFID blocking material effectively keeps your identity safe from all RFID scanners!

Bellroy Travel Wallet

The Bellroy travel wallet for men is a hidden passport pocket that allows you to keep your passport and other important documents close at hand.

With a low-profile, discreet take that won’t scream “pickpocket!”, this hidden passport pocket is the perfect way to protect your wallet while travelling abroad.

Lentz Slim Passport Wallet

Mr. Lentz wallets are the perfect marriage between form and function. The Slim Passport Wallet reminds you to travel light at home or abroad while telling the world how great it is to be one of a kind.

Made of premium American leather, this wallet fits perfectly into trouser pockets. The Slim Passport Wallet’s patented two-way trifold design includes a hidden passport pocket that secures your passport with an integrated elastic band.

It also comes with four credit card slots, two hidden money pockets, and a full-length bill compartment for convenient access to all your travel documents.

Travelambo Minimalist Travel Wallet

Protect your passport, credit cards and cash with the Travelambo minimalist travel wallet.

Open up this well-organized travel wallet to reveal seven card slots, two large pocket zippers for cash and receipts, a hidden pouch and a wide opening for easy removal of cash or boarding pass.

Made of durable polyurethane material with a smooth finish, this men’s wallet makes it easy to keep all your travel documents safe from damage or theft.

Fjällräven Passport Wallet

The Fjällräven® Passport Wallet protects your passport, cash and cards safer than ever without adding bulk.

The durable polyester fabric is treated with a water-repellent finish, making it water-resistant enough to withstand showers, while the slim zippered pockets inside help you keep money and tickets safe.

Hand-made in Sweden, this travel wallet for men will prove itself worthy of the road trip time and again.

These wallets are the perfect blend of stylish and functionality which can make them the best companion for every road trip. Be sure to check them out!

If you have any favourites or want to share your experiences, please leave a comment and we’ll be sure to add in your thoughts into our next article.

• Travel wallet

RELATED ARTICLES

Travel wanderlust reviews the kagami true wireless earbuds, travel wanderlust presents: the traveller christmas gift guide 2023, be smart travellers: how quality accessories make all the difference.

[…] MORE: We rank the best travel wallets for you in […]

obviously like your website however you need to check the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to inform the reality however I’ll definitely come again again.

Comments are closed.

LATEST ARTICLES

10 best destinations for a solo trip in europe, can you travel while taking weight loss medication, 10 travel hacks you have to know in 2024, most popular, the 5 most visited tourist attractions around the world, what are the seven wonders of the world, 10 places to visit before you die, the 5 best islands in thailand.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms Of Use

Copyright © 2024 Travel Wanderlust - All Rights Reserved.

Stop pickpockets with an assortment of anti-pickpocket gear

by Anne Betts | Mar 22, 2024 | Travel Gear , home featured , Packing Light Travel Gear | 28 comments

Updated March 22, 2024

Lurking under the surface of some of the world’s most beautiful cities are hordes of pickpockets preying on unsuspecting, unprepared, and distracted visitors. Pickpockets and other street thieves are proficient at what they do. They’re a curse to travellers, but they can be thwarted with some basic anti-pickpocket gear .

Identifying appropriate anti-pickpocket gear should be part of a packing strategy for most trips.

Table of Contents

Other benefits of anti-pickpocket gear

1. outerwear with zippered internal pockets, 2. other clothing with pockets, (i) pocket clips, pouches, and tethers, (iii) pouch on a leash, 4. underwear with pockets, 5. socks with a zippered pocket, 6. scarves with hidden pockets, 7. bracelet wallet, 8. wristband wallet, (i) waist wallet, (ii) leg wallet, (iii) portapocket, 10. other wallets, 11. security belt, (i) triple combination lock, (ii) lock and cable, (iii) bag cover, (i) external security, (ii) internal security, 14. packing organizers with attachment points, 15. packable travel purse, 16. ‘bra bank’, 17. other clothing and accessories with pockets, 18. anti-theft bag, emergency cash stash.

• The right gear lessens the chance of losing something because of disorganization, carelessness, or neglect.
• It presents different options for splitting up cash, financial cards, and identity documents. When these are in separate places, your risks and losses are minimized of you’re robbed. 
• Anti-pickpocket clothing can help avoid baggage fees. What you wear doesn’t count against your baggage allowance. It’s surprising how much can be carried in clothing with pockets. In outerwear with pockets, I’ve stowed 1.4 kg / 3.1 lb of stuff. It’s not a huge amount but when travelling on airlines with a 7-kg or 8-kg carry-on allowance, it can mean the difference between going carry-on and having to check a bag.

A comprehensive assortment of anti-pickpocket gear

What’s in your anti-pocket inventory? Most items in my collection of commercially produced and handmade products have one thing in common — at least two steps are required to access my belongings. It’s less convenient for me, but it’s more difficult for experienced pickpockets who view open bags or single zippers as easy terrain and rely on stealth and speed to make a hasty retreat.

Having a variety of anti-pickpocket gear means a traveller can be selective when choosing what might work best given the season, destination, and nature of the trip.

Might some of the following suggestions work for you? Or, perhaps they’ll inspire other ideas or adaptations that are consistent with your packing regimen, travel wardrobe, and travel habits.

SCOTTeVEST is well known for its range of clothing with pockets. Some items boast as many as 43 pockets — some designed for keys, sunglasses, passport, tablet, phone, pen, and a water bottle. Most pockets are on the inside, with zippers, useful as anti-pickpocket gear. I have a 14-pocket Chloe Hoodie , and a 20-pocket lightweight travel vest .

Brooklyn-based company Clothing Arts makes a variety of anti-pickpocket gear. I adore my Cubed Travel Jacket that’s ideal for three-season travel. It boasts eight internal pockets that are perfect for stowing a lot of gear when going carryon or exploring a destination.

3. Engineered pockets

Inserted pockets, and adaptations to existing pockets, can transform existing travel clothing into effective anti-pickpocket gear.

Place a tether tab inside a phone case and attach a retractable coil leash. The wallet phone case from Smartish has a secure pocket for cash and a few cards, and the Cocases phone tether tab with an adhesive backing stays in place when fixed to the inside of the case. A retractable coil with a lobster clasp at each end allows for easy access to a phone while remaining attached to the pocket. The leash comes in two different lengths. 

(ii) Added pockets

Some of my trips involve cycling. That’s when my three-quarter cycling knicks might earn a place on my packing list. Two internal credit-card sized pockets in the back of my cycling pants accommodate a financial card and cash in a small zip-top craft baggie. Each pocket has a flap for enhanced security.

For women, tights and leggings are perfect for packing light travel. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and versatile. They can be dressed up or down, used as loungewear, sleepwear, exercise gear, or for an extra layer of warmth when the temperature drops. A credit-card-sized pocket added to the inside waistband of tights expands options for separating financial cards or not carrying a purse.

Lululemon leggings have a permanent place on my packing list. The Fast and Free have five waistband pockets and two side drop-in pockets. The Pace Rival Crop have five pockets: three on the waistband and two on the thighs. The zippered pocket in the back of the waistband is particularly useful. Under a long shirt or tunic, it’s hidden from view but not inaccessible to a pickpocket. For added security, a silk pouch on a leash has been attached to the lining of the pocket.

These engineered pockets haven’t failed me yet. I can’t imagine a skilled pickpocket making off with my belongings without my knowledge. This isn’t to say I can let my guard down or underestimate how skillful some pickpockets are. What I can count on is that there are plenty of easier targets to attract a pickpocket’s attention.

There’s a variety of underwear with pockets on the market. I’ve worn four types and prefer the designs from Clever Travel Companion and H&R:

• Clever Travel Companion’s Women’s Cotton Underwear with Secret Pockets
• H&R Underwear with Secret Pockets

Both have two zippered pockets, in front under the waistband. They’re very comfortable, and versatile enough to wear as loungewear after a long travel day. They’re also soft enough to wear as sleepwear. This is handy for sleeping with valuables on a sleeper bus, overnight train, or in communal accommodation. Of the two, I prefer H&R (black ones in the picture). They’re much cheaper, lighter (73 g / 2.6 oz compared to 90 g / 3.2 oz), and dry faster.  They’re longer by 2 in / 5 cm and as such, I’ve worn them as shorts. The pockets are a little wider so a passport slides in easier than it does in a Clever Travel Companion pocket.

I haven’t tried one, but The Travel Bra makes several different types of travel bras. The quick-dry Ultra-Light Travel Bra with pockets has five, including one drop-down mesh pocket large enough to accommodate a passport.

My Zip It Everyday Travel Socks with a hidden zippered pocket are very comfortable. Each pair has one pocket that’s large enough to carry emergency cash and financial cards. The pocket is high enough that the contents don’t come in contact with the ankle joint or interfere with the movement of my foot. The elasticized band is effective at keeping things in place. The pocket feels just as comfortable on the inside of my leg as it does on the outside.

The pocket has a nylon zipper that won’t set off security systems. The socks’ quick-drying properties mean that I can wash them in the evening and they’re dry by morning. Zip It Gear advertises a couple of technical benefits: a holofibre footbed that may reduce swelling, and ComFortrel XP that wicks away moisture to keep feet cool and dry.

Scarves with pockets are triple-duty accessories. They provide warmth, dress up an outfit, and protect valuables. I have a rectangular scarf with a hidden pocket but it doesn’t feel as secure as my two infinity scarves. An infinity scarf consists of one long circular loop, usually wrapped twice around the neck.

Both of my infinity scarves have hidden pockets that are large enough to accommodate a passport. However, I find the pockets work better for carrying a financial card and some cash.

Two layers of fabric wrapped twice around the neck translate into four layers, with another two layers at the position of the pocket. While a scarf may be advertised as lightweight, my experience is that a scarf with so many layers of fabric is comfortable for temperatures that don’t exceed 20 or so degrees Celsius.

The reversible scarf from Etsy worked perfectly for an autumn trip to New York. With so many Etsy sellers advertising such a rich array of colours, it’s not difficult to find something compatible with your travel wardrobe.

My bracelet wallet dresses up an outfit. It’s light, classy, and functional. The pocket sits on the back of the wrist, blending into the design. As such, it’s mostly hidden from sight. The pocket accommodates a credit card, hotel room card key, and emergency money. I bought it from Etsy seller HelgaRachinskaya.

My Sprigs Banjees Wrist Wallet has two pockets, one with a hood and one with a zipper. The hooded pocket can accommodate a phone but I find it’s a ‘stretch’ to fit a larger phone. The pocket boasts a reinforced hole through which to thread headphone wires. The zippered pocket is perfect for a financial card, cash, and keys. The lightweight fabric makes it very comfortable to wear.

9. Wearable security wallets

Love ‘em or hate ‘em. Wearable security wallets tend to sit close to the skin. This can be an aggravation for many travellers, especially in warm climates. The secret to travelling with security wallets is not to treat them as a purse or wallet. Treat them as a walking safe, accessed in private if and when necessary.

A security waist wallet is my preferred under-clothing security wallet. It feels more comfortable and more secure than those designed to be worn around the leg, neck, or shoulder.

My favourite is the PacSafe RFID Safe 100 , an RFID-blocking travel waist wallet. It has a moisture-proof liner and breathable backing with anti-odour treatment. A handy internal pocket snugly accommodates a financial card. One of the wallet’s best features is that each one of the two zippers has a snap-shut lock that takes a little effort to open. My first purchase was one in grey but it developed a soiled and grimy look after several years of use. I now have one in black.

This type of waist wallet sits comfortably in the small of the back, out of sight under a shirt, tucked under a waistband. Most of the time, I’m unaware of its existence. This wasn’t the case with a neck wallet purchased for a winter trip to Rome several years ago. It was adequate for that trip tucked under layers of winter clothing. But, for travel to warmer climates, the neck string was exposed, it was uncomfortable against my neck, and was visible under summer clothing.

PortaPocket has a selection of bands and portable pockets of different sizes that can be worn around the waist, arm, or leg. Some attach using Velcro, but I feel more secure wearing those with belt-loop style mountings.

There’s a good chance a wallet that can be attached to the inside of clothing out of sight is out of reach of pickpockets. Especially if it has an attachment point to pin or clip it to clothing or hardware sewn into a pocket or purse.

My favourite is the FurArt Slim Minimalist Wallet with several attractive features. Its RFID-blocking capabilities protect identity and financial cards, and two of the six card slots each has a finger groove for pushing cards out easily. Two of the slots are side pockets, ideal for banknotes. A feature rarely found in a wallet is a D-ring for tethering the wallet to an attachment point in a purse or pocket. It measures 8 x 11.7 x 0.6 cm (3.15 x 4.6 x 0.25 in) and weighs 31 g (1.1 oz).

One of the best features of the Lewis N Clark Clip Stash is that it can be attached to a waistband or sock and worn inside clothing, hidden from view. Or it could be clipped to an inside pocket of a bag to prevent it from roaming free and being difficult to find. The zippered pocket secures what’s placed inside, and the RFID-blocking capabilities protect identity and financial cards from electronic pickpocketing. The plastic clip is 5 cm (2 in) long and relatively sturdy. An adaptation can be made by attaching a small key ring to the zipper pull and tethering the Clip Stash to an attachment point inside a pocket or purse. It’s made of a nylon TravelDry fabric and weighs 20 g (0.7 oz).

A long zippered pocket on the inside of a security belt can keep cash secure. Mine has a plastic buckle that doesn’t trigger security alarms, and a long 18-inch zipper. It’s versatile enough to wear with trousers, shorts, and skorts. Most belts on the market are black, brown, grey, or camouflage. The Canadian company Silverfoot produces belts and other travel accessories in a variety of vibrant colours and designs. At Silverfoot, you’re bound to find something compatible with the dominant colours of your capsule wardrobe. And because it doesn’t look like all the other security belts on the market, it’s less likely to attract the attention of street thieves. It can be used to carry emergency or surplus cash, folded along the length to create six panels.

12. Securing luggage   

Pickpockets prowl airports, transportation hubs, and connecting transit for newly arrived or soon-to-depart travellers. Most people can’t carry all their valuables on their person, making an unsecured bag a tantalizing target.

A padlock can be an effective deterrent. My favourite is a triple cable combination lock . The shorter cable connects the two sets of interlocking zippers of my standard carry on. The longer cable connects the zippers to the carrying handle or a stationary object. I can remove the longer cable when it’s not needed. Another attractive feature of my cable lock is that to date, it has fit all lockers I’ve encountered. An advantage of a combination lock is that there’s no key to worry about losing.

A lightweight cable used to be a discretionary item, but it now accompanies me on every trip. The turning point was when a flight from San Francisco to Halifax via Newark became a San Francisco – Houston – Toronto – Halifax diversion. That was when spending six overnight hours in the Houston airport became a simpler alternative to finding a hotel. How does one keep carry-on bags secure while nodding off? Attach a cable and lock to a belt, belt loop, and/or a fixed object. My lightweight metre-long cable is part of the Eagle Creek 3-dial TSA Lock and Cable set .

Another option is a retractable cable. The Pacsafe Retractable Cable Lock is easier to pack as it takes up less space and weighs the same as the Eagle Creek lock and cable combined (48 g / 1.7 oz). A lock and cable are handy for attaching a locked bag to a fixed object on a train or in a hotel or hostel.

Some bags have an integrated rain cover. If not, there are plenty of covers on the market that fit bags within a certain size range. For example, my Osprey Ultralight Raincover (medium) fits bags within the 30 to 40-litre range. It has a drawstring that cinches around and under the bag for a snug fit, offering protection against wet and dusty conditions. An added advantage is that it offers a barrier to pickpockets.

1 3. Securing a day bag

Several years ago, I bought the very comfortable and functional personal carry-on/daypack: Tom Bihn Synapse 19 . Today, I tend to travel with a packable daypack that can nest inside my main carry-on bag when I don’t want to deal with two bags. My favourite is the Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Pack .

Unfortunately, neither bag locks. However, adjacent zipper pulls can be joined with S-biner clips, stainless steel wire keychain cables , twist ties, safety pins, or a small lock.

My Hi-Vis Osprey Raincover offers a measure of protection from the prying fingers of pickpockets. This is an option on crowded public transportation or city streets where pickpockets are active. The XS size fits packs in the 10- to 20-litre range.

One of the many attractive features of the Synapse 19 (and other Tom Bihn bags) is the internal bag hardware: an O-ring in each of the five compartments.

Is it possible to attach plastic O-rings or D-rings to the internal seams of an existing bag with sewing tape? This adds an additional layer of security for tethering pouches containing more valuable items.

Tom Bihn and Eagle Creek produce pouches with swivel clips. Travelon makes a set of packing envelopes with a small fabric loop on the side of each one. Other packing organizers have zipper pulls, hanging loops, carrying handles, key rings, carabiners, grommets, or drawstring. These all represent attachment points for tethering the organizer to something else.

Or check out Etsy for handmade packing organizers. Ask if it’s possible to have a built-in O-ring or cord for tethering to internal bag hardware.

One of my favourite commercially produced tethering tools is the key strap from Tom Bihn. One version has swivel clips at both ends. The other version has a swivel clip at one end and an O-ring at the other. Both versions come in two lengths: 8 in / 20 cm or 16 in / 40 cm. My handmade tethering straps are 6 in / 15 cm long with swivel clips at both ends. All are useful for attaching to internal bag hardware such as O-rings, D-rings, and key clips.

My new favourite tethering tool is a retractable coil with a lobster clasp at each end. The lobster clasp isn’t easy to release quickly so it’s more difficult for a pickpocket to be successful.   

To access my belongings, a pickpocket would need to negotiate the hardware joining the zipper pulls. S/he would then need to open the zipper of the respective compartment. Then, s/he’d need to open a second zipper of the pouch or unclip the swivel clip attaching the pouch to the O-ring. I like to think this kind of obstacle course is a suitable deterrent to someone who needs to move quickly.

The other advantage of tethered packing organizers is that I don’t need to rummage through the cavernous expanse of the main compartment of my daypack to find what I need. It’s much easier and faster to put my hands on the respective pouch, usually by touch.

My favourite type of travel purse is one that can be worn from door to door, removed only at security screening when it can be packed out of sight inside another bag. My handmade version has served me well for many years but for my last trip (to Africa), I took the Tom Bihn Side Kick  that’s lightweight, packable, has several internal compartments, and five plastic O-rings for securing more valuable items.

Everything of value was tethered to an O-ring. We were advised that phones are coveted by thieves in South Africa so I purchased a longer ( 8 in / 20 cm Patikil-brand coiled keychain ) for my phone that I could use without removing the retractable coil. When tethered to a corner O-ring, it was a simple matter of closing the zipper to conceal the contents of the purse from view when quickly consulting Google Maps or booking an Uber. 

Other anti-pickpocket gear

Reader Marti Goldring described her ‘bra bank’ in a comment on an earlier version of this post. She graciously agreed to provide more details for this update.

Marti fashioned a leash for her Eagle Creek Silk Undercover Bra Stash . A loop at one end rests under the snap enclosure of the bra stash pocket, and the other end attaches to a bra strap. The pocket fits comfortably inside her sports bra between her breasts. It’s a perfect resting place hidden from sight. The extra security provided by the leash means that Marti can rest assured the pocket can’t come loose and fall without her knowledge.

Pacsafe makes a bra pouch in a soft lingerie fabric with an adjustable strap for attaching to the centre or side of a bra.It can hold up to six financial cards, a key, and some cash.

Headwear with built-in zippered pockets, especially those that are hidden from view, might offer another option. There are caps with inside pockets . A scrunchie with a zippered pocket might be of interest to someone with long hair.

A scarf camera strap with a zippered pocket may be more comfortable than a regular camera strap and perform double duty  for storing a phone, cash, and extra memory card.

If an anti-theft backpack, travel bag, tote, or purse   holds any appeal, there are plenty on the market. Designed for travel, these bags have features such as cut-proof, steel-cable-reinforced shoulder straps, slash-proof fabric, RFID-blocking pockets, and locking zippers.

This was the situation for LeeAnna Pekel, a member of the Facebook group Girls Love Travel . LeeAnna purchased a Pacsafe CitySafe 200 for a trip to Paris. Here is her story, reproduced with permission:

“I’d read lots of posts on Girls Love Travel describing thefts from purses and pockets. I realize this happens to travelers, but I was naive in thinking ‘That’ll never happen to me.’ Luckily, I work with some amazing women, including an older woman named Suzy. Suzy has traveled the world and is never short of a story to share. When I told her I was taking my mom to Paris for the holidays, she started sharing pickpocket stories. She’s 65 years old so she had a lot of them. Her advice was to buy a purse produced by a company called Pacsafe. I researched my options, thinking it sounded like a good, but needless idea. I bought two — one for me, and one for my mom.

Fast forward to this morning. My mom and I got up bright and early at 5:30 am to go on a day-long tour outside of Paris. We stopped at the bank near our Airbnb apartment in Montmartre to withdraw some cash. I checked for cameras or a card reader, saw nothing and went ahead. While doing so, a woman walked into the ATM area, stood off to the side and looked out the window. She was watching me via the reflection. Thinking she wanted my PIN and didn’t get it, we left.

On the subway, a man who appeared to be homeless came up to us and started begging. He even touched me when I ignored him. I told him not to touch me but he kept hounding me. We ended up moving away out of fear. As we got off the subway, two younger men followed us. My mother, being older, was slower on the stairs and the men surrounded her — one in front and one in back. When I stopped, they walked past me and started speaking in rapid fire French. “Did you see that bag?” “I’ve never seen anything like it before!” “It’s impossible to do!”

Listening to Suzy and buying this bag saved us from a tag team of at least four pickpockets in Paris this morning. I highly recommend Pacsafe. They also have backpacks!”

Baggalini, Pacsafe and Travelon make a variety of anti-theft bags.

An emergency cash stash is for those occasions when you most need to put your hands on some cash. It’s based on a divide-and-conquer approach that results in never keeping travel cash (and financial cards) in one place. Doing so puts a traveller at a huge risk.

Creative suggestions abound. Most of them offer a host of options on how to hide cash from the prying fingers of pickpockets. Here are a some examples:

• Place cash in a small zip-top baggie and insert it under the insole of your shoe. Or, place cash in a small pouch and pin it to the inside of a sock or the seam of trousers. Slip it into a slit in the hem or waistband of trousers.
• Create a ‘pocket’ from a sock or pantyhose that can be attached to the inside of clothing with a safety pin.  
• Attach a canister ( CashStash ) on a key ring to internal bag hardware.
• My handmade packing folder has a secret pocket in the base, hidden underneath a stack of clothes.

• Create a DIY diversion safe by hiding cash in empty containers (e.g., dental floss, deodorant, lip balm, prescription bottle).
• Check out commercial diversion safes. For example, there are plastic containers resembling lipstick , sunscreen diversion safes , and a Mennen Speed Stick with fake deodorant on top on the safe. A USB charger diversion safe could be stored in an electronics kit.
• Might a water bottle with a hidden compartment be of interest?
• Use duct tape (matching the internal colour of your bag) to tape a zip-top baggie containing cash to the base of the inside of your bag.
• Tape a zip-top baggie with cash to the inside back cover of a small notebook or diary, or inside a first aid kit or comfort pack.
• Use a phone cover with a slot to hide emergency money and/or a back-up financial card.
• Insert cash in a slit in a sanitary napkin, or in a box of tampons or panty liners.

For further inspiration, check out Clever Ways to Keep your Travel Cash Safe   and 10 Ways to Hide Money when Traveling . Or take a look at YouTube for ideas. 

Once you’ve perfected your strategy, remember where you stashed your cash. For each place, choose a single undamaged note in a currency and denomination that will be easy to change. Protect notes with a zip-top craft bag or cling wrap if they’re likely to come in contact with tape, perspiration, moisture, or residue from the original product of a repurposed container.

If you found this post useful, please share it by selecting one or more social media channels by clicking on the respective button(s). You might also like   Tips on protection from pickpockets   and For inspiration, shop Etsy for unique travel products .  

I’m interested in what anti-pickpocket gear you use. What has worked for you? Please add your thoughts in the comments. Thank you.

Pin for later?

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you use them to buy something, you don’t pay more, but this website earns a small commission, which helps pay the costs of maintaining the site. Thank you for your support . Save Save

• Pinterest 2k

28 Comments

Great tips! I have security pouch, too. It is not very stylish but I admit is useful. I am going to spend one week in London. I put separately my credit card and my ATM card. Just in case.. Best regards!

These are very helpful suggestions for travelers to stay safe . My friend was almost a victim of pocket picking but he had his wallet on his belt . I have to try out the bra bank when I remember to wear a bra lol . I also love hiding money in unpredictable places .

These are very practical tips! I’ll be traveling solo in South America for 10 months next year and I’ll certainly make use of many of the recommendations in this post.

Happy travels! Dominique

Hi Anne, I’m so happy I found your blog! I have been binge reading it and I’m learning so much! Like you, I am an avid cyclist and often travel solo, so I am always looking for redundant systems in case of emergency. I want to share something that I learned along the way. I have something that I call my “bra bank.” I have a satin pocket – the size of a credit card – with a snap closure. Mine is similar to the Eagle Creek Silk Undercover Bra Stash. My seamstress friend made a short elastic “leash” with and I slide the satin pocket on the elastic and attach the leash to my bra strap. Then I slip the pocket inside my sports bra between my breasts. There is a perfect little resting space for it in the center. It is comfortable to wear there, feels secure, and doesn’t show. If my primary ATM or credit card is stolen or damaged, I have back ups from a different financial institution “on hand.” 🙂 Keep blogging. You are fabulous!

Thank you for this thorough and informative guide! I was very apprehensive about my upcoming trip to India and now I am at ease shopping for a vest ^_^

This is such an awesome post and very helpful. I really don’t like to worry about anything when I’m travelling and worrying about money is the last thing I want to do. Thanks for this awesome tips.

These are very helpful tips for anybody traveling abroad! Thanks for sharing! During the time of my travelling, i have had the habit of keeping anything valuable within 2 layers of protection. Like you keep your wallet in pocket of your back pack that was zipped inside another pocket that was also zipped… i hope that makes sense haha! https://qompanion.my/articles/items-stolen-from-travellers-on-holiday i also found this article when i was looking for information about this issue, hopefully it’s relevant!

Great tips. After catching a pickpocket with his hand in my pocket on the Brussels metro, I always take precautions. I like the D ring inside a pocket idea. To save sewing, I use a nappy safety pin and mini carabiniers with (military strength) parachute cord in dark colours as a tether, cut to required length with heat sealed cut ends. These can also be discretely looped around trouser belts or belt loops. Washing tablet drawstring mesh bags containing cash and cards can be hung inside trousers, again from a belt or safety pin inside your waistband.

UK brands Craghoppers and Rohan make brilliant travel clothes with hidden zippered pockets.

Mobile phones can be protected with locking/SIM change blocking software that sends SMS / email alerts with location, snapshot of user and remote erase functions.

This is so so helpful! Thank you for the share, I’ll definitely be using some of these tactics on our next trip to Barcelona!

These are all great ideas to prevent being pickpocketed. There are a few times during my travels where I was concerned about this very thing. I just kept my money in my bra and left everything else at home. These gear items would have been a good alternative!

Thankfully I’ve never been targeted by pickpockets or lost anything that way. I love all these recommendations to stop pickpockets! I’d never heard of zippered socks before but that’s so clever!

Wow! Nobody is going to be picking your pockets, that’s for sure! I consider myself a pretty wary traveler, but I still got my wallet stolen on the train from the airport to my hotel in Barcelona. I definitely wouldn’t have lost that wallet with all of these tips. Especially the socks! I had no idea there were socks with pockets and I’m a sock connoisseur! Thank you for these tips.

I’m super fortunate that I’ve never been targeted by pickpockets on my travels, but I’m always very cautious when I’m out and about. I love these tools to prevent theft. Who knew you could get socks and underwear with pockets??? I love the idea of pouches on clips and leashes too. I’ll definitely pick up some of these tools before my next trip. Thanks for the great guide!

So many pockets!!! And so many genius ways to fool pickpockets. Unfortunately I’ve been pickpocketed before and it’s not fun, especially on the first day of vacation as it forever leaves you with a sour taste about that place. I’ve been meaning to get one of those scarves! I am someone who always hides money when I travel, my emergency stash. I usually hide in the pages of books because I figure no-one will steal my boring holiday novel

These are such great tips to prevent pick pockets! Thank you!

These are all great ideas I hadn’t thought of before! I really like the pockets in the underwear idea!

Absolutely lovin’ the bra bank! Nothing’s gonna get picked unnoticed with this one 😅 I’d say that’s probably the best of the lot!

I only use a security pouch and always have my rain cover on my backpack but you have some amazing tips! Thank you 🙂

This is such a complete list of products. Amazing. Many years ago when traveling in Italy with another couple, they both were attacked on separate days. By luck, we were not, but I certainly invested in a few anti-pickpocket products that I still use.

This is so clever! We should always have something to deter pick-pocketers. Most will not be “hunting” for a victim, but just acting if they see the opportunity, like a phone being carried in the pants’ back pocket. I also love the advice on keeping an emergency stash somewhere unusual. Not even if the robber has all the time in the world to look for money, they’ll look in a deodorant case 🙂

Clever stuff! Thanks for sharing these. Will look into buying if I can find in the region where I live.

Anne, it is a quality blog. I travel a lot more, and this blog is complete. You write for me just like something advising your loved one.

To consider in hidden pocket clothing, I recently saw Tuck Top multi-pocket t-shirts at a local craft fair. I bought one and it is very comfortable. I’m looking forward to using it for travel. They are online at TuckTop.ca.

I found about them from your reply and bought one. I wore it at work with my pocketless pants, and they were perfect! Can’t wait to take it on my next trip. It’s very comfortable (though snug).

As a man, I tend to travel lighter – and as prior military personnel (who essentially lived out of his duffel bag for six years,) I can travel very light, indeed. (I went to New Zealand for a month completely with carry-on – one laptop bag and a medium backpack.)

One habit I stuck with after I got out was to wear BDU pants – the hip and thigh pockets have button flaps. If I don’t put my wallet in my left front pocket (in my left hand, for high-risk areas,) I keep it in my left hip pocket, with the flap buttoned. And I keep a dummy wallet in my right pocket, also buttoned in, just to confuse pickpockets. The loose fit of the BDUs and the internal bag pockets (as opposed to the patch pockets on blue jeans) help to conceal the contours of the wallet(s) anyhow.

That’s not necessarily 100%, but paying close attention to the signals of your body and your intuition will often pay off. In Chicago on the El, the car was filing up, I stood up to give an old man my seat (before I became disabled myself,) and I became a straphanger. Some sketcy fella grabbed the strap behind me – all sensors went on as an alarm went off in my head. I squelched the alarm (it would distract me from the sensors,) and waited.

I felt just the slightest tug at my right hip pocket (wrong side, pal…) so I whipped my right hand back and grabbed him by the wrist. Then twisted his arm as I turned around to face him. “You have one /and/ /only/ /one/ opportunity to get out of this without injury. What were you doing with my pocket?” He didn’t answer, and that wasn’t acceptable. So, I dislocated his shouder for him.

Oddly, I didn’t have any more trouble over the following three days I was in Chicago…

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

• Top 20 tips on how to pack light - Packing Light Travel - […] Stop pickpockets with this comprehensive assortment of anti-pickpocket gear […]

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Search this site

Welcome to Packing Light Travel. I'm Anne, a dedicated carry-on traveller. For information on the site, please see the About page.

Book: The Ernie Diaries

Packing Light

Join the mailing list for updates, and access to the Resource Library.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Connect on instagram, if you find this information useful, subscribe to the newsletter and free access to packing lists, checklists, and other tools in packing light travel's resource library..

Your email address will never be shared. Guaranteed.

Pin It on Pinterest

Free Shipping to US & Canada for orders over USD 49. T&Cs apply

• New Arrivals
• Travel Packs
• Crossbody Bags
• Slings & Waist Packs
• Handbags & Totes
• Messengers & Briefcases
• Wheeled Luggage
• RFID Blocking Wallets
• RFID Blocking Passports Wallets
• RFID Blocking Hidden Wallets
• Hidden Wallets
• Money Belts
• Locks & Cables
• Portable Safes & Bag Protectors
• Travel Accessories
• Metrosafe X
• Metrosafe LS
• Citysafe CX
• Citysafe CS
• Venturesafe EXP
• Venturesafe X
• Venturesafe G3 & GII
• Plastic Bottles
• Unbox Therapy
• Online Exclusives
• Anti-Theft Technology
• Sustainability

• Collections
• Accessories
• Collaborations

• ACCESSORIES

• Pacsafe Vibe

• Pacsafe ECO
• Pacsafe EXP

• ECONYL® – Regenerated Nylon
• rPET – Recycled Polyester

• COLLABORATIONS

RFIDsafe Wallets

9 card slots, flat bills

5 card slots, flat bills

6 card slots, flat bills & coins

5 card slots, flat bills & coins

4 card slots, flat bills

5 card slots, passport, flat bills & coins, boarding pass, pen, SIM card

6 card slots, passport, flat bills & coins, boarding pass, pen

Organized travel pouch for gadgets with a detachable passport sleeve

3 card slots, passport, boarding pass, cables, pen

8 card slots, flat bills & coins, passports, boarding pass, pen

5 card slots, tough design

Be the first

Be the first to know about Pacsafe

product releases, news and content.

TODAY-exclusive deals on Mike’s Hot Honey, Lands’ End, massage devices and more

• Share this —

• Watch Full Episodes
• Read With Jenna
• Inspirational
• Relationships
• TODAY Table
• Newsletters
• Start TODAY
• Shop TODAY Awards
• Citi Concert Series
• Listen All Day

Follow today

More Brands

• On The Show
• TODAY Plaza

Shop TODAY editors and travel experts swear by these anti-theft products while traveling

The heart-dropping, stomach-sinking moment in "Home Alone" when the McCallister family realizes Kevin was forgotten isn't one that many can relate to. However, while traveling , many of us can relate to the head-scratching moments when we ask ourselves, "Did I leave something behind?"

What's even worse than forgetting to pack certain valuables is having them stolen from right under your nose and having nothing to blame but your easy-to-access bag or luggage. The best anti-theft products employ various protective features and aim to resolve these problems while helping you keep better track of your belongings.

Shop TODAY spoke with Mitra Amirzadeh and Katie Jackson, two seasoned travelers, to get their insight on what anti-theft products they trust to keep their valuables safe (and what you should be looking out for when shopping).

What are anti-theft features? | What should shoppers keep in mind? | Editor-recommended anti-theft products | Expert-recommended anti-theft products | How we chose | Meet the experts

Shop Today Snapshot

Best anti-theft travel products.

What do anti-theft features look like?

Anti-theft features might not always be obvious (for example, a subtle combination lock on a suitcase). They're worth it, though. Here are a few examples of some anti-theft characteristics in backpacks, luggage and more:

• Zippers: Zippers on anti-theft bags might be hidden, such as a backpack with a zipper in the back rather than the front. There are also hard-to-find zippers that tuck into the bag itself, making them difficult to access.
• Pockets: Amirzadeh appreciates a backpack with a rear-loading pocket rather than a traditional front compartment, as it makes it harder to pickpocket.
• Bluetooth trackers: Both Jackson and Amirzadeh put their trust in Bluetooth trackers that they add to luggage, which they are able to access from their phones. The Apple AirTag was rated as one of the best travel accessories during Shop TODAY's Travel Awards in 2023, making it one that both Shop TODAY editors and travel experts trust.

What should consumers keep in mind when shopping for anti-theft products?

In order to stay one step ahead, Jackson assumes the position and mindset of a thief when shopping for these products.

She says, "What would you look for if you were going to steal a bag or its contents? Then, shop for a bag that doesn’t have those blind spots." Jackson continues, "If your bag is slightly inconvenient for you to open, that may be annoying, but in the long run it’s worth it if it prevents a thief from stealing your valuables."

This is one of the reasons why Jackson bought the Cotopaxi Allpa pack : because the zippers tuck into a loop.

Additionally, Amirzadeh has noticed an uptick in passengers carrying hip packs across the front of their bodies to clearly see and access their items. Plus, keeping your valuables in front of you helps reduce the likeliness that a thief will unzip your bag from behind.

"I think carrying your passport , your cellphone and your wallet in a hip bag that is towards the front of you, or a crossbody bag that you’re wearing across your chest, is a really good idea; you’re less likely to get your stuff stolen that way," she says.

Editor-loved anti-theft products

Ytonet laptop backpack .

Laptop Backpack

• Extremely roomy
• Opens from the top
• Many hidden pockets inside
• Zippers aren't hidden

According to Amanda Fama , a commerce editor at Shop TODAY, this one "extremely roomy" backpack. It has a unique design that opens from the top, and the handles above can be secured together. Plus, there are various pockets throughout the interior.

"I used this backpack often for traveling and commuting with my laptop, and I always felt confident that my items were secure," She says. "Plus, it's roomy enough to fit clothes and shoes for weekend trips."

INICAT Crossbody Leather Bag

INICAT Small Crossbody Sling Bag

• "Functional and secure"
• Won't give off tourist vibes
• Logo is visible

This crossbody bag features two zippered pouches in the front and one in the back, which is why associate editor Shannon Garlin trusted it with her go-to ' s when traveling abroad.

"This large (but not too large)  crossbody bag  has become the star of my latest trip abroad," she says. "Not only did I get tons of compliments from friends, but also it fit everything I needed for a day exploring a foreign city, all while feeling secure!"

Quince Check-In Hard Shell Suitcase

Check-In Hard Shell Suitcase

• Chic design
• Can scuff quickly

Usually we associate Quince with affordable luxury fabrics and basics, but did you know they make travel products as well? From packing cubes to duffel bags and more, the brand is proving to be more than a go-to for reasonably priced clothing items.

Associate editor Allie Wise owns this hard shell suitcase, that's available in four different carry-on sizes and five colors.

"I received a sample of this suitcase in tan and I have not traveled with any other suitcase since," she says. "I absolutely love how well it rolls through the airport- almost too good! It also has a TSA-approved lock to safely store all your valuables."

Samsonite Outline Pro Medium Spinner

This spinner won a Shop TODAY Travel Gear Award for best splurge suitcase.

• The lock is easy to set up
• Holds a lot, easy to clean
• None to note at this time

Well-loved by Shop TODAY editors during our Travel Awards in 2023, this medium-sized suitcase was the first time that associate editor Kamari Stewart had used one that included anti-theft features.

"This suitcase is my tried-and-true favorite," she says. "I bought it two years ago and I take it literally everywhere. Aside from the massive amount of stuff that fits in what they call a 'medium,' I love the TSA-safe lock it has."

This 360-degree roller has a three-digit lock that you can use to secure your items.

"It was super easy to set up and has been a breeze to use ever since," she says. "It definitely provides me with peace of mind on longer/farther trips where I’m always scared of it getting stolen."

Expert-recommended anti-theft products

Apple airtag.

Winner: Best tech for checked bags

• "Game-changer"
• Affordable, reasonably priced
• Audio alert is quiet

Both Jackson and Amirzadeh swear by Apple AirTags to help keep track of their items, whether they’re in the overhead bins above them or stowed away under the carriage.

“While they won’t deter theft, they provide some semblance of hope that if our bags do go missing, they’ll at least be trackable,” Jackson says.

They’re available individually or in four-packs, which is convenient if you have multiple bags or family members with things to keep track of.

“I like knowing that if I accidentally walk away from my backpack or luggage that my phone’s going to go off, because where do we go without our phone? Absolutely nowhere. I like that it tells me ‘Hey, you might have left this item behind,’” says Amirzadeh.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Allpa 35L Travel Pack

• Super spacious
• Can be bulky

Jackson purchased this multi-tasking pack after nearly getting pickpocketed abroad and praises its zippers, a quality that is often overlooked in luggage.

“The zippers don’t lock, per se, but they tuck away, so you can’t open them unless you’re at the right angle and they take several seconds to undo,” she says.

This pack opens up like a suitcase, with zippered mesh compartments on each side that can fit a week or two weeks’ worth of clothing and items. Plus, it has loops on either side of the compartments to tuck your zipper into so they’re harder to access.

ThinkTank BackStory Backpack

BackStory™ 15

• Rear loading compartment
• Is bulky, but holds equipment

This is Amirzadeh’s choice when it comes to carting her camera equipment around. With a rear-loading compartment that includes 15 panels to store cameras and accessories, she’s able to travel from country to country without fear of her items getting stolen.

“All of my gear goes in the reverse panels and I fill the backpack from behind, so all the zippers are up against my back, instead of out there where you could be behind me in line and unzip it,” she says.

Shopper-favorite anti-theft products

Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker

Waterproof Nylon Anti-theft Rucksack

Anti Theft Backpack

How we chose.

As a team of editors who are always on the go, the Shop TODAY staff pitched protective products that they depend on while traveling. We also included the preferred travel bags and accessories from a flight attendant and a travel writer. Many of the items included have anti-theft features such as hidden zippers, rear-loading designs and more.

Meet the experts

• Mitra Amirzadeh has been a flight attendant for nine years, and a destination wedding photographer for five.
• Katie Jackson is a travel writer and expert, serving on our panel of experts for the Shop TODAY Travel Awards .

Sierra is an associate editor for Shop TODAY.

Best Money Belts and Anti-theft Travel Accessories

Anti-theft Products , Backpacking , Electronics , LUGGAGE

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Safety is always a big concern for many travelers, no matter where your destination or how long your journey. In this post, I’ll share the best money belt for traveling along with additional anti-theft accessories for women that would prefer not to have a bulge under their top. 

Even a seasoned traveler can easily become a victim by getting too comfortable. I knew a traveler who had their credit cards stolen in Thailand and the thieves got away with $5,000 in purchases!

If you don’t have the time to read the entire article, this is the most popular womens money belt !

Best Money Belts and Anti-theft Travel Accessories

Table of contents.

Fortunately, I’ve only been a victim of theft once in almost a decade of full time travel – a fellow backpacker stole $100 cash from my unlocked bag in a hostel. To be honest, both of these situations were completely preventable . All we had to do was lock our backpacks.

The majority of these occurrences are due to convenience and by taking a few precautions you can avoid becoming a victim of opportunistic theft. Travel insurance can sometimes help cover costs in case you are a victim, but it’s best to be cautious wherever possible.

Don’t worry – below you’ll find a roundup of the best money belts for travel so you can theft-proof your gear!

The Best Travel Money Belt: Alpha Keeper

What’s a Money Belt?

It’s an item you wear under your clothing where you can store your valuables to prevent theft. The above image shows the most traditional style, but you can find a variety of anti-theft product options below. 

Whatever you do, DO NOT WEAR THE MONEY BELT OUTSIDE OF YOUR CLOTHING.

I can’t believe how many travelers I see wearing it on the outside, advertising to thieves exactly where to find their cash. Please don’t make that mistake. It’s meant to be worn as a hidden money pouch under your clothing.

Venture 4th RFID Money Belt for Travel

Money Belt Reviews

While there are a variety of brands offering security accessories, our readers favor the beige color by Alpha Keeper and the black color by Venture 4th . They’re both made with RFID protection and water-resistant ripstop nylon.

While the one by Alpha Keeper features some colorful prints, many prefer the Venture 4th because it offers a variety of neutral colors to blend in seamlessly underneath clothing instead of brights that can show through your tops.

Pack Gear Hidden Money Belt with RFID Block

The option above by Pack Gear is unique in that it includes theft insurance and lifetime recovery service for lost items. While durable and with plenty of space for passports and credit cards, it’s thin and low profile so it’s a bit less bulky than other styles. Plus, with RFID protection, you won’t have to worry as much about identity theft!

Stashbandz Unisex Travel Belt

Whether you plan on exercising or hiking on your vacation or just sightseeing in the city, this StashBandz running belt can also conceal your valuables underneath your clothes .

Double the width of a standard waist pack, this spandex hip belt has four eight-inch wide pockets and stretches enough to accommodate larger cell phones like the iPhone Plus. The discreet zipper ensures none of your essentials fall out. Our readers consider this one of the most comfortable money belt styles!

Eagle Creek Undercover Silk Money Belt

Another comfortable option, this   Eagle Creek is a traveler-favorite for women money belts. Made from natural and soft silk, this item is easy to wear all day, plus the rose pink color is pretty, too. Equipped with two, separate zippered pockets, you can easily organize your currency in one pouch and other documents in another.

Lewis N. Clark RFID-Blocking Anti-Theft Money Belt

For a cost effective option, you can’t go wrong with the Lewis N. Clark anti-theft waist stash. It features RFID-blocking technology, a special TravelDry fabric to wick away moisture, and durable rip-stop nylon with self-repairing zippers. Along with multiple compartments, it’s lightweight and has a slim design.

Below you’ll find additional theft proof accessories to protect your valuables!

Compass Rose RFID Secret Bra Wallet

Secret Pockets

Personally, I prefer to use a hidden bra wallet instead of a money belt. This anti-theft product allows me to hide my cash and cards conveniently in my bra. This feels secure and comfortable and hasn’t failed me once!

I’ve used different types of bra stashes but couldn’t find something to meet my needs. Either the fabric was made of lace and scratched my skin or the strap didn’t fit across my wide bra band.

As a solution, I created my own version, the Compass Rose Secret Bra Wallet . The fabric is the same as a bra so it’s soft and comfortable to wear even in the heat and humidity of Rome in the summer.

Because women come in a variety of shapes and sizes, my secret bra stash is also designed with an extra long strap to fit size A – DD+ cup sizes and bra bandwidths up to 4.5”. PLUS, it’s the only bra wallet with built-in RFID protection .

I wear my trusty bra money pouch under my arm instead of in front of my bra. I also tuck it in underneath my bra after fastening it to the bra band for extra security.

Find out how getting left behind on an organized tour to Europe is actually the reason why my Secret Bra Wallet became one of my all-time travel essentials! Learn why here.

Eagle Creek Undercover Hidden Pocket

While you can fasten the Compass Rose Secret Bra Wallet to your belt loop and tuck it into your pants, the Eagle Creek Undercover Hidden Pocket can fit a passport if you’d like to hide that on your body.

Many people find this to be a comfortable option, but the caveat is that you have to wear a belt in order to use it.

Jasgoods Travel Security Money Belt

Featuring a zippered hidden pocket, the Jasgoods security belt is a great alternative to your regular one to keep your money and other valuables safe while on the road. Simply fold your bills and passport copies in half and slide them in the pocket with any other of your credit cards or ID’s.

Lewis N Clark Clip Travel Money Pouch

Similar to a bra stash, this secret wallet by Lewis N Clark offers an option you can clip to your waist belt. It also offers RFID protection. While their picture shows in on the outside of trousers, it seems to be better protected on the interior of your clothing.

Lewis N. Clark Deluxe Neck Stash

Another popular Lewis N Clark anti-theft product is their deluxe neck wallet . It can hold up to four passports, which is a plus if you’re traveling with your family. It also has durable ripstop fabric and a long strap so you can also wear it across your body.

Find out how to wear a neck wallet while traveling!

Forge TSA Lock

Luggage That Locks

The best protection in your accommodation and during transportation rides can be as easy as locking your bag.

Check out my favorite travel backpack, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and this reader’s fave anti-theft suitcase by Samsonite . If I hadn’t left my backpack locked in a hostel in Borneo, my valuables would have been gone when I returned from a scuba diving trip.

I now use the 21.5″ Osprey Ozone wheeled suitcase and alternate it with the Delsey Helium  for different trips. They’re both terrific bags and have built-in lockable zippers.

Tank Top with Secret Pockets

Clothing with Hidden Pockets

If you don’t like a money belt, stashing your passport and money in your underwear may be a better option. While traveling in El Salvador, I found a boy short style underwear with large pockets on either side of the leg.

While it was a bit awkward to wear my passport over my upper leg, I only used it during transportation journeys in Central America when the probability of getting my daypack stolen seemed a bit higher.

For something similar, a popular style is travel clothing with secret pockets by Clever Travel Companion. It features zippered tanks and underwear with hidden pockets. 

If you’re looking for clothing designed to protect your belongings, our readers share their recommendations for concealed pocket clothing !

Infinity Scarf with Zipper Pocket

Customize your anti-theft approach based on your destination. In places like Europe and Spain, where pickpockets are common, avoid clothing and bags with open pockets, giving wandering hands easy access to your things.

Coats and pants with zippers are a must!

It’s possible to find clothing accessories with zippered pockets to stash a little cash. I found the above infinity scarf online. It’s affordable and available in wide variety of prints and colors.

While you wouldn’t want to carry many things on your next the entire day, this may work well to store some larger bills and an emergency credit card on trips with cool to mild weather. 

Here are our readers top recommendations for scarves with pockets to help keep your valuables safe!

Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Quilted Slim Pouch

Anti-theft Travel Shoulder Bags

Some travelers may want to take extra precaution by using anti-theft travel shoulder bags. These specialized travel purses have safety features like lockable zippers, slash-proof materials, and sturdy straps to prevent thieves from breaking in.

Pacsafe and Travelon are the two major brands that offer these theftproof bags but our readers rave the most about Travelon. They offer a variety of styles including travel purses that don’t necessarily look like “anti-theft purses” like their Slim Crossbody shown above. It’s part of their Signature Collection, which offers some of the best-looking styles!

Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bag, Two Pocket

If you need more space, the best selling Travelon travel purse is the anti-theft cross body with two pockets. It has a slim design featuring slash-proof fabric, an adjustable, cut-proof shoulder strap, and zippers with a latch for extra security. It also comes with RFID blocking card slots.

It retails for as low as $30 and is available in over twenty colors. Our readers favor the bag in a classic Black but two other popular options are the Midnight and Stone colors. It’s a clear winner! 

Read more about the best anti-theft travel bags for women !

What’s the Best Money Belt for Travel?

There are many variations to anti-theft accessories, as you can see in the above article. From neck pouches to hidden pockets, there’s something to meet everyone’s needs.

In fact, the best option is to use a combination of items. That’s what I do.

For example, you can use a bra stash to store your credit cards and cash for everyday use, then use a neck pouch or pocket underwear to store your passport on transit days, and the rest of the time, use a lockable suitcase (safe or locker) to ensure your belongings are secure inside your accommodation.

Here is a quick review of the best money belts and anti-theft travel accessories:

[wpsm_comparison_table id=”32″ class=”center-table-align”]

How Do You Use Anti-Theft Accessories?

It’s important to note that anti-theft products DO NOT REPLACE YOUR NEED TO USE A WALLET.

Please keep enough money for the day in your wallet and use an anti-theft product such as a money belt or bra stash to store EXTRA cash and cards only .

I keep the bulk of my money in my bra stash but I keep what I need for the day in my pocket, purse, or wallet.  This way, I don’t have to dig into my bra or money belt awkwardly or uncomfortably every single time I need to access money.

Please DO NOT dig under your clothing every time you make a purchase. That defeats the purpose of these products.

I see this happen a lot. Travelers will get their money belt out and dig through everything so they can find what they need. This isn’t very safe as now everyone knows how much money you have and where you store it.

It’s important to be discreet, hide it, and step aside somewhere quiet or secure if you do need to get into your anti-theft product.

Please read my top ten tried and tested anti-theft travel tips for more information on how to properly use these items!

Watch the video above for the do’s and don’ts on avoiding theft while traveling.

These anti-theft accessories listed in this article are products designed to help you avoid theft while traveling. (These can also be used at home, too.)

The majority of the items are meant to be worn under your clothing to securely store cash, cards, passports, and potentially other small valuables.

Please note: you should not carry around your passport while sightseeing. Read this to learn how to keep your passport safe !

Additional Travel Safety Tips

• Don’t forget travel insurance ! Keep all your receipts because they’ll be necessary for insurance claims, along with a police report.
• Avoid sightseeing with your passport and all your money in your daypack or travel purse.
• Don’t go to big festivals and events with your passport and large amounts of money.
• Avoid leaving your passport and money unlocked in your hotel, hostel, or guesthouse.
• Use lockers provided by your accommodation (don’t forget one of the top 10 essentials on your backpacking checklist: travel locks).
• Try to only keep all your valuables on you when in transit and on transportation journeys–this is a good time to use the above gear.
• Make photocopies of your passport and offer it when an agency requires you to leave your passport as collateral. It may not always work, but it’s worth a try.
• Distribute the wealth and spread your valuables out in different places so if something does get taken, they don’t get everything.
• Always always always lock your backpack or suitcase, no matter how comfortable you feel in your accommodation.

PLEASE NOTE

As mentioned above, these items should be used as precautions. They won’t guarantee you won’t have things stolen, but they definitely improve your chances of keeping your valuables safe.

It is more likely that your cards will be stolen from inside your luggage rather than someone making off with your entire suitcase or backpack, but things do happen.

In cases where thieves steal entire bags, it usually happens on overnight buses–from underneath the bus or even from right under your seat while you sleep. It’s a sad part of travel, but it happens.

Anti-theft travel accessories are a low price to pay versus having your cash and credit cards stolen.

Watch my video on  TPSY TV for a few more anti-theft products.

Items featured in video (in order as shown)

• Anti-theft Crossbody Purse

Travel insurance can sometimes help cover costs in case you are a victim, but it’s best to be cautious about your belongings, too.

Lastly, it’s good to be well-informed and cautious, but please don’t feel paranoid.  The world is a much kinder and safer place than we give it credit for but it’s easy to feel a bit stressed out when you’re a first time traveler.

While there are reports of thefts from travelers, there is a much higher number of people who’ve never experienced anything at all so don’t let it deter you from enjoying your travels.

Do you travel with anti-theft travel accessories?

For more travel safety tips, please read:

• How to Keep Your Passport Safe While Traveling
• I Had My Bag Stolen and 4 Ways I Could’ve Avoided It
• How I Keep My Valuables Safe Abroad
• Will these Safe Travel Essentials Really Help You?

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

I hope you enjoyed this post on the best money belts for traveling in addition to other ideas for antitheft accessories. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

62 comments.

Amazon says the Compass Rose Bra Wallet is no longer available.

Hi Ramona, sadly at the moment it is. We’re working on bringing it back but since COVID we’re having to start again from scratch as we’re looking for the same high quality. Hope this makes sense

These are brilliant, thanks so much! I am going to Europe for the first time in over 20 years and trying to be as prepared as possible. Your site has been SO helpful to know what to expect, what to buy, and how to (hopefully) pack light! Pickpockets are a concern for me so I can’t wait to try out some of these solutions.

This blog post was so helpful when preparing for my first trip to Europe this year. Having the Travelon purse made me feel so much safter!

CAN YOU TELL ME WHERE TO PURCHASE THIS PURSE? THE BLACK PURSE PICTURED IAT THE TOP OF THE ARTICLE?

Hi there, I am afraid that the image at the top of the article is a stock image so we are not sure of the brand. ?

Another travel bra option would be the sporty Brave Betty. Good for overnight travel and when you don’t need immediate access to the contents as the storage area is inside the back of the bra.

Hi Janet, thank you for sharing your recommendation for Brave Betty with us!! Sounds fantastic for keeping your valuables safe! 🙂

Do you have recommendation for passport storage while swimming. I’m going on a cruise. I want to swim While on shore but will need my passport to get back on the ship.

Hi Mandy, have a look at this post for some ideas for keeping your passport safe: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-keep-your-passport-safe-while-traveling/ I have also gone ahead and scheduled your question on TFG’s facebook page. Our readers are the best at answering question like yours so keep an eye out for their replies from next Wednesday: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/ hope this helps! Have an awesome time on your cruise! 🙂

Thanks for the post! I know this wasn’t the point of the article, but do you know what brand the bag/backpack is in the photo? I’ve been looking for something like that! (At the top of the post, sitting on the bench about to be stolen.)

Hi Jen, I am really sorry but the image is just a stock photo so I am not sure of the brand. The Baggallini Kindred tote featured in this post is similar: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/travel-purses-which …/ Also there is the Tumi Crossbody Messenger bag, which is also quite similar: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/travel-purse/ Sorry I could not be of more help 🙁

One of the best items I’ve bought is a ScotteVest, I can travel with everything I might need for the day and then some without looking bulky or having a bag to manage. The best part it entering museums or other venues with bag checks….I can just skip that and walk straight in. All my valuables are safely stowed in hidden pockets, I love it!

Hi Donna, thank you so much for sharing your suggestion with us! 🙂

When do you wear the money belt/bra stash? put it on before airport? When going through security, is the belt/bra stash a problem? Thank you for clearing this situation up.

Hi Theatta, I’ve just added a video that explains this all: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-keep-your-passport-safe-while-traveling/ The explanation begins at the -17:20 minute mark.

Ordered the travel bra however do you have recommendations for where to keep a smartphone when out and about. That obviously will not fit in the bra.

I carry it in my purse or jacket pocket.

I bought a waterproof case that had a clip on it. Then you can easily clip it to your belt or purse while having it in your pocket or bag. It made it easy to find to for a quick pic on the go. My friend actually had hers stolen the second day of our trip & now uses a similar case in her daily life.

Great article! My husband has a great travel sling backpack from Oakley that has zipper lock capabilities. It’s a great option for men.

Great suggestion Ashley, thanks!

where did you get it the bag for your husband?

Some great safety items for travel. I always use luggage locks and when traveling to heavily populated destinations, always wear my leather Stashbelt! 🙂

Thanks Robert!

I was reading your site and started looking online, what about this purse? Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Crossbody Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CG1J7XG/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I17IZF2509XP6D&colid=2012FMWFIFCN9

It’s super cute – I have it!

I have the purse you listed & found it extremely hard to get items in & out. The zipper opens to far up on the purse & prevents the purse from fully opening. I tried it at home last yr before going on B2B cruises in Europe & thought it would work. But I ended up using a 31 crossbody that I threw in the suitcase at the last minute. Loved it, hated the Anti-theft Travelon Purse. I was past the return period when I arrived back home so I still have it but don’t use it….wish I could give it to another traveler as I doubt I’ll ever use it.

Hi Jo, I am sorry you had that experience with the Travelon purse 🙁 but pleased you found an alternative purse which you were happy with! Let me look in to this for you!

I was wondering whether you have seen the 65fifty5 undies with the detachable pockets that are water resistant. My daughter used them for a trip to India recently and was really impressed http://www.65fifty5.com

they look good, thanks!

What about the Kavu bags? They are so popular with the young people. My 19 year old is studying abroad in Europe this summer and wants to take her Kavu which is a crossbody bag and she wears it in front .

Thanks for the suggestion Kerri! Will look into this brand

Hi Alex, great article. I’ve been using a fabric belt called Möbius Belt. What’s great about it is that I can wear and use it for all sorts of different activities, so I certainly get my moneys worth! With one belt, I can use it when I’m out exercising, when I go to a concert or event and even when I’m traveling. My husband has also been a victim of theft in Rome. It happened when we first went out in the morning so the theft of our credit cards and money ruined the rest of the day as we had to go back and be on the phone for a long time dealing with the credit card companies. And just feeling mad and frustrated on how fast and easy it was for the thief to take my husbands wallet from this pant pocket. It would have been awesome to have had Möbius Belt at that time since it can be worn comfortably and discreetly under clothing and be like a storage place for a passport (or photocopy of a passport), extra cash, backup credit cards, etc. Here is the website for Möbius Belt in case you are interested in checking it out. http://www.mobiusbelt.com

Hi Alex, I have created a product called the Global hipS-sister specifically for travel. 7 inch flattering waist bands with extra large pockets to hold valuables. Our customers LOVE wearing them while traveling. They are meant to be worn under a shirt so it looks like a layering piece. I would love to send you one so that you could try it out for yourself. If interested, contact me at [email protected]

This is really helpful! But just a question color question, if you put your money in the bra stash, how do you get it out when you need it? Or do you keep some of it in your purse?

Hi Andi, yes you always keep the amount of money you will need for the day in your purse and store the excess cash and cards in your bra stash or money belt. Great question!

Hi, I’m traveling to the Dominican Republic soon. Can I get through airport security with a hidden thigh money belt on and with money in my bra?

Hi Shemika! The money in your bra and thigh should be no problem with the metal detector but if security searches you they may wonder what it is. I’m sure it wouldn’t be an issue if it’s not an overly high sum. Hope you have a great trip!

Yes you can also long as visible

I carry small essentials in a BANDI belt. Soft and stretchy, it fits snug on waist or hips and can hold phone, passport, cash/cards/ID as well as other small items such as keys, lip gloss, mints, coins.

Sleek no-bounce alternative to a bulky fanny pack. BANDI belts come in dozens of fun colorful prints and solid fabrics. I love it!

Great tip, I’ll check them out!

Another issue with travel designed gear such as purses is they look like they hide valuables. The local hoodlums look for them, usually. Have a piece of junk or run of the mill bag and the bag won’t attract undue attention.

Being a redhead traveling where reds don’t typically originate (red occurs in every genetic group, but it’s incredibly rare outside Caucasian genomes), I cannot help but attract attention, even with it up or covered. Pale skin, red eyebrows. I’m an outsider, full stop. I try for gear to help me look unlikely to have nice things. And I don’t travel with a lot of nice things, to lessen the hit of any loss, mine or otherwise.

I just bought an RFID money belt. It looks the same as any other belt but with the added security to protect your personal data, like credit cards for example. It stops people from being able to swipe your card without your knowledge and take money or worse your identity.

I thought this was really cool and i was not aware how easy it now is for people to steal from you when walking past!

Thanks for the tip!

RFID swiping is very, very common (at least in the states). My credit card number was stolen that way. Now I use RFID sleeves and wallets to block transmission, but the info is also swiped when handing over your card to pay at restaurants (which is what happened in my case). You can’t avoid it totally, but RFID blocking accessories are definitely a big help.

Use judgement and precaution with hostel lockers. My laptop was stolen from the lockers at the Yellow Hostel in Rome. Staying in dorms can be cheap, but not safe for your belongings. My current practice is to never stay in dorms and always pring for the private room.

Have you reviewed the Bra Stash yet??I bought one off of Amazon for my trip to Spain and am curious to hear your opinion of it. Thanks for your blog. I’ve gotten lost in it for hours and keep pinning stuff to revisit later!!

Hi Jessica, I haven’t officially reviewed it but I do own it, use it all the time, and highly recommend it! Thanks for reading for hours yay 🙂

I am travelling around Europe in a few months, the purse that I wanted to take doesn’t zip at the top its got a magnet closure, but it does have a ring on the inside attached to the purse. Do you think it would be safe to use zippered pouches and hook all the zippers and such to the ring inside my purse using carabiner clips? So if a thief did try and pull something out of my bag it wouldnt come loose? Or should I just look for another bag that has a zipper on it?

Hi Jackie, it’s always a good idea to have a zippered closure just to be sure. However, if you plan to take this bag using large zippered pouches should be helpful. Does it have a zippered pocket for your wallet and phone?

I have a Coach soft leather purse with a zipper and shoulder strap. Do you think this is sufficient for my upcoming Rome/Florence/Venice trip, or should I invest on an anti-theft bag like from Travelon? My hubby and I are travelling to Italy for the first time, so please advise.

Ultimately, it is up to you. No matter what type of bag you have all you can do is take precautions: https://travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-keep-your-passport-safe-while-traveling/ I personally carry my own purse and hold on to it tight at all times – crossbody preferred. Hope you have a great trip!

A zippered purse can be made more secure by adding tiny S carbiners to the end of the zippers. Available for less than $5.

Love your site! Planning to return to Europe next summer LIGHTLY packed and I appreciate all your wonderful tips. Thank you!

I was wondering if you have used the Sholdit Scarf as a security precaution? Thinking about adding one to my packing list as I’ll need a cute infinity scarf for the trip.

Hi Valeria, that’s great to hear! You’ll have such a much better experience packing light I promise 🙂 I haven’t personally used the scarf myself as I only stash my cash in the bra stash or money pouch. It’s served me well for almost 6 years of travel!

Thanks Alex!

no problem 🙂

I have looked into the anti-theft shoulder bags….and they are beyond ugly. What a shame.

Unfortunately, it seems as if much of the travel gear is less than attractive…I prefer to travel with a regular soft leather bag and keep my cash in my bra stash 😉 It’s worked for me for 6 years!

Also, be sure you know what to do if you lose your passport! http://travelmoreroads.com/what-to-do-if-you-lose-your-passport/

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Pickpocket-Proof Clothing: 10 Garments to Protect Your Stuff

Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Nothing sours a trip like having your belongings stolen by a pickpocket. But chances are, if you travel frequently—or just happen to be unlucky—a sticky-fingered stranger will one day secretly separate you from your stuff. Since traveling sans cash, credit cards, and other valuables isn’t an option for most of us, I’ve rounded up a passel of pickpocket-proof clothing and accessories that’ll make you less of a target for thieves.

Protect Yourself with Pickpocket-Proof Clothing

While no one can guarantee that these garments are 100 percent “pickpocket-proof,” they will make it a whole lot harder for opportunistic thieves to swipe your stuff.

Pierron & Co.’s Infinity Scarf

When you’re in flight, don’t be the person who gets up to use the bathroom and carelessly leaves their passport and money behind in the seat. Instead, tuck your valuables into the large zippered pocket in Pierron & Co’s infinity scarf . Then wrap it around your neck and hit the aisle with style and your stuff securely in tow. Buyers praise not only the fully concealed zipper but also the quality and drape of the knit fabric, which makes this pickpocket-proof clothing a particularly worthy purchase.

Clothing Arts’ Pickpocket-Proof Business Travel Shirt

I’ve seen casual men’s tops with concealed pockets, but work shirts? Not so much. So I was particularly impressed with Clothing Arts’ Pickpocket-Proof Business Travel Shirt , which has an inner zip pocket—suitable for flat items such as an ID, credit cards, and cash—hidden behind the breast pocket. A tailored but not tight fit makes it easy to wear tucked or untucked. Collar stays keep it looking sharp, and the cotton-polyester blend fabric is wrinkle-resistant and dries quickly.

SCOTTeVEST’s Boxer Briefs

Whether they’re hitting the road or just the gym, men will appreciate SCOTTeVEST’s boxer briefs , which have pockets to hold valuables close. Made of sweat-wicking, odor-resistant, and synthetic-blend fabric with a non-constrictive fit, the shorts have an exterior front pocket for a phone, cash, or credit cards. On the opposite side is a concealed interior one that’s large enough to comfortably hold a passport.

Clothing Arts’ Travel Wrap Skirt

Admittedly, Clothing Arts’ travel wrap skirt isn’t the prettiest skirt I’ve ever seen, but what you lose in style you’ll gain in utility. With an impressive five zippered pockets (three on the side, two in the back) for secreting your stuff, this pickpocket-proof clothing has a flat-front, knee-length design that’s universally flattering, and the man-made fabric is quick-drying and water-repellent, with SPF 50 protection. Available in khaki, navy, and black, it’s a way smarter alternative to cargo shorts.

SCOTTeVEST’s TEC Hat

A baseball cap is pretty much the last place a pickpocket is going to try to target, which makes SCOTTeVEST’s TEC Hat all the more ingenious. From the outside the topper looks like any other, but there’s a key pocket under the brim and a side pocket with a concealed zipper for cash or a credit card. Mesh lining makes this pickpocket-proof clothing cool to wear even in steamy temps. The strap adjusts to fit most, and the cap is available in black and gray, with or without the company logo.

Lululemon’s Stash ‘n’ Run Bra

When you’re running in a new environment, you want to be focused on your surroundings, not worrying about the safety of your stuff. Lululemon’s Stash ‘n’ Run bra alleviates women’s angst with two front pockets for unobtrusively storing a room key, ID, cash, and credit cards. Made of stretchy, sweat-wicking fabric and offering medium support, it also fits the bill for other workouts. Bonus: The rear straps look cute under open-back tops.

Aday’s Throw It Higher Leggings

Travelers who don’t want to sacrifice style for security should consider Aday’s Throw It Higher Leggings . Full length and high-waisted with a firm fit, they have small zip pockets in the front, plus a hip pocket that’s large enough for a cell phone and high enough that it’s concealed under tunic-length tops. Sweat-wicking, pill-resistant technical fabric makes the leggings suitable for workouts, and fashion-forward accents (think gunmetal self-locking zips and a wet-look fabric waistband) make them equally appropriate for street wear.

If you’ve ever furtively tucked a $20 bill or credit card into your bra, you’ll immediately understand the thinking behind Pocket Bra , a lightly padded demi-cup that has pockets in its cups and along its sides, designed expressly for this purpose. Available in black and pink, the bra looks just like a regular one, complete with lace detailing at the center and sides, so it can be worn confidently with sheer tops and evening wear.

Lululemon’s ABC Pant Classic

Lululemon’s bestselling ABC Pant Classic is popular for its streamlined yet comfy “anti-ball crushing” (yes, that’s what “ABC” stands for) design. But the casual trousers—essentially a smarter, stretchy non-denim version of classic five-pocket jeans—are also a great choice for men who want to tote their passports incognito. Just tuck it into the concealed-zip back pocket of these pickpocket-proof pants, and you’re good to go.

SCOTTeVEST’s Chloe Glow

A hoodie that has a whopping 18 pockets but still looks like a regular hoodie? Sign me up for SCOTTeVEST’s Chloe Glow . Surprisingly sleek-looking, this capacious hoodie jacket has interior pockets specifically designed for not only keys, credit cards, and cash but also for glasses (with a chamois cleaning cloth attached), a tablet, and a lipstick. Its Spandex-blend fabric is moisture-wicking, and thumbholes in the sleeves keep wrists toasty and fingers free. The Chloe Glow comes in white, black, red, or blue.

Products for Staying Safe While Traveling

Shop the look.

Anti-Theft Backpack

Mini GPS Tracker

RFIDsafe Passport Wallet

Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag

More from smartertravel:.

• Which Travel Clothes Are Worth the Money?
• Travel Clothes That Feel Like Pajamas (But Look Like First Class)
• 7 Things You Should Always Wear on a Plane

Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon is a Caribbean travel expert, award-winning travel journalist, and self-described “Carivangelist,” who goes to the beach and beyond to share the world’s favorite warm-weather destination with brands including Travel + Leisure and The Telegraph . Follow her on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook and on JetSetSarah.com .

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Oslo to Bergen: 6-Night Norway Fjords...

Luxe, 7-Night Caribbean & Mexico Cruise...

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Shop and Save with Country Inns...

Patricia Magaña

Trending on SmarterTravel

Watch CBS News

The best RFID-blocking wallets and bags for 2024 take the stress out of travel

By Jason R. Rich

Edited By Leslie Gornstein

Updated on: May 29, 2024 / 1:16 PM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

If you typically carry credit cards, a debit card, a driver's license or a passport, you could be vulnerable to hackers -- even if those cards never leave your wallet. Criminals can use special tech to wirelessly access the information stored in those cards and IDs. There's a way to fight back, though: Consider investing in an RFID-blocking wallet, passport case or bag. 

Most of the latest credit cards, debit cards and government IDs have an RFID chip installed. In the case of credit and debit cards, this tech comes in handy; it lets you tap to pay for all kinds of purchases at stores worldwide. But that same tech is what a criminal is looking for. Hackers can scan your credit or debit card numbers or IDs, allowing them to steal your money or identity. An RFID-blocking wallet prevents contactless scanning, which is also known as a "skimming attack."

Best RFID-blocking wallets and bags

RFID-blocking wallets, passport cases, fanny packs, purses and crossbody bags incorporate a layer of carbon fiber or aluminum that can prevent a skimming attack and keep the information stored in your cards and IDs protected. Our in-house team of  travel experts  has curated this selection of the best RFID-blocking bags, wallets, covers and more in 2024.

Best RFID blocking wallet overall : Bellroy Hide & Seek

• Best budget RFID blocking wallet : Herschel Hank 
• Best minimalist RFID-blocking wallet : The Ridge Wallet
• Best leather bi-fold RFID blocking wallet : Harber London Leather Bifold Zip Wallet
• Best women's RFID-blocking leather wallet : Royce New York Continental Wallet
• Best RFID-blocking handbag : Sherpani Metro Convertible Travel Sling
• Best RFID-blocking passport cover : Royce New York Leather Passport Wallet
• Best RFID-blocking money belt : Boxiki Travel Hidden Waist Pack
• Best RFID-blocking travel neck wallet : Zero Grid Travel Neck Wallet
• Best RFID-blocking leather travel wallet : Harber London Travel Wallet with RFID Protection

Available in seven stunning colors -- including this green that we really like -- this slim, classically designed wallet offers multiple interior pockets that hold five to 12 cards. This includes quick access slots for your most commonly used cards. The entire wallet offers RFID blocking.

This Hide & Seek wallet is crafted from eco-tanned, environmentally certified leather. It's available in two heights, to accommodate paper currencies from around the world. There's also a separate section for business cards.

If you're seeking an elegant and versatile wallet that holds a lot (without generating bulk) and that offers RFID protection for your cards and ID, we recommend Bellroy's Hide & Seek for yourself or to give as a gift.

Best budget RFID-blocking wallet : Herschel Hank 

Here's an affordable, unisex wallet that offers a classic bi-fold style. It has a currency sleeve, card slots and an ID window -- all of which offer RFID blocking. 

This is a durable, everyday wallet made from EcoSystem 600D fabric that's created from 100% recycled, post-consumer water bottles, along with synthetic leather.

Find this 4.7-star-rated wallet on Amazon for $21.

Best minimalist RFID blocking wallet : The Ridge wallet

Not into leather -- faux or otherwise?

For that person looking for a wallet where less is more, take a look at the Ridge. This is a super slim, minimalist wallet that's made from carbon fiber. 

The inside of the wallet securely holds up to 12 cards in a compartment that offers RFID blocking. On the outside, you'll find a handy, easy-access aluminum money clip.

The Ridge is available in more than a dozen colors and comes with a lifetime guarantee. The RFID blocking material used is 6061-T6 aluminum. The entire wallet weighs just 4.9 ounces and is a bestseller on Amazon.

Best leather bi-fold RFID-blocking wallet : Harber London leather bi-fold zip wallet

Since 2012, this London company has been designing and creating handmade, premium leather wallets, bags and accessories crafted in Spain. They're beautiful to look at, durable and versatile. 

This popular leather bi-fold zip wallet with RFID protection is available in tan, black or deep brown. It offers a slim design and a handful of useful compartments for bills, coins, cards and an ID. There's also an integrated zippered pouch. This wallet is made from premium full-grain leather and incorporates a layer of RFID-blocking material.

The leather is designed to develop a unique patina over time. When closed, the wallet measures 3.54 x 4.09 inches. In the wallet's front pocket, you can store four to eight cards. An additional four to eight cards can be kept in the inner compartments.

Best women's RFID-blocking leather wallet : Royce New York continental wallet

For an elegant leather wallet with a continental design, head over to Neiman Marcus to purchase this Royce New York wallet in your choice of red, black, navy blue or pink. Free monogramming (with up to three initials) is included.

The wallet measures 8 x 4.25 x 0.75 inches when open and has separate compartments for bills, cards and other essentials. There's also a convenient, zippered center section.

Treat yourself to a wallet that's designed to last for years, or buy one as a gift for someone special. In addition to offering the functionality people need from a wallet, this one offers the peace of mind provided by RFID blocking.

Best RFID-blocking handbag : Sherpani Metro convertible travel sling

RFID blocking can be found in more than just traditional wallets. Here's an example of a convertible travel mini sling from Sherpani, featuring an adjustable and cut-proof strap that can be reversed to give easy access to what's stored inside. Even better, the strap is centered, so this bag is great for either right- or left-handed people.

The bag is made from recycled material and features RFID blocking and anti-theft protection. Locking zippers, a wire-loop chair lock, a return-me tag, and a slash-proof bottom are among the other impressive features. It's a great accessory to hold your important belongings while traveling.

This travel sling measures 7 x 12 x 3 inches and comes in a variety of color combinations. It's made from Ballistic nylon, vegan leather and a durable fabric made from 11 recycled plastic bottles, all diverted from landfills. The Metro is water-resistant and includes four pockets and one padded sleeve. The strap can be adjusted between 22.5 and 40.5 inches.

Best RFID-blocking passport cover: Royce New York leather passport wallet

Avoid potential identity theft via your passport, with a travel-friendly cover that offers RFID blocking. And enjoy a little luxury while you're at it.

This personalized leather passport cover from Royce New York is available in your choice of five colors. It offers a compartment for your passport, several card slots and an inside 3 x 4 inch pocket for a vaccine card or other important documents.

Three-initial monogramming is included for free, and the wallet itself is made from soft leather. It measures 5.6 x 4 x 0.25 inches and will be a wonderful travel companion for years.

Best RFID-blocking money belt : Boxiki Travel hidden waist pack

When you're touring major cities worldwide, navigating your way through busy airports or visiting crowded tourist spots, pickpockets are always a threat. To protect your valuables, consider a hidden waist pack that fits securely under a shirt.

In addition to securely holding cash, credit cards and other valuables, there's enough room to hold a smartphone, too. This pack offers RFID blocking and is designed to keep your possessions secure and away from potential pickpockets. You get three sections with two spacious pockets that are held shut with zippers.

Measuring 11.22 x 5.51 inches, this waste pack is slim, lightweight, durable and has an adjustable strap. It's made primarily from rip-stop nylon. It only comes in one color, but since it's designed to be kept under your shirt, nobody will see it.

Best RFID-blocking travel neck wallet : Zero Grid travel neck wallet

Instead of securing your cash, credit cards, passport and other essentials in a hidden waist pack , the Zero Grid travel wallet can be worn securely around your neck. 

This bag is available in your choice of six colors and is primarily made from moisture-resistant, rip-stop nylon. The bag contains seven RFID-blocking sleeves and compartments -- all of which are easily accessible. 

The Zero Grid bag comes with lost and found coverage and two recovery tags from ReturnMe. It measures 7.5 x 5.7 x 1 inches and offers a unisex design that's perfect for travelers and urban explorers.

Best RFID-blocking leather travel wallet: Harber London travel wallet 

In addition to Harber London's bi-fold zip wallet , another piece in this company's beautifully designed leather collection is this travel wallet. It comes in three color combinations and is designed to hold a passport, up to 12 cards, paper-based currency and other essentials -- each in separate, easy-to-access compartments.

The wallet is handmade in Spain from full-grain leather that will age over time and develop a unique patina. All of the internal pockets offer RFID blocking. This is a well-designed, versatile and durable travel wallet that'll serve as an heirloom if it's treated right.

Do you really need an RFID-blocking wallet?

Criminals are more apt to steal your physical wallet, cards or IDs, because not every key piece of info can be gleaned wirelessly. In many cases, the information stored in your cards or IDs is encrypted, so even if a criminal does try to wirelessly steal your info, chances are, they won't be able to do too much with it.

That said, using an RFID-blocking wallet or bag does give you an added level of protection for your identity, since they could prevent someone from illegally accessing your driver's license or passport information wirelessly and without your knowledge.

Or, instead of carrying around your physical debit or credit cards in a wallet, another option is to rely on an electronic payment service, like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or  Samsung Pay  using your smartphone or smartwatch.

Jason R. Rich ( www.JasonRich.com ) is an internationally recognized consumer technology expert with more than 30 years' writing experience. He's also an accomplished author and photographer. One of his most recently published books, The Remote Worker's Handbook: How to Effectively Work From Anywhere ($24.99, Entrepreneur Books) is now available from Amazon and wherever books are sold.

More Essentials

How to watch Dallas Stars vs. Edmonton Oilers, Game 6

The Dallas Stars face the Edmonton Oilers for Game 6 of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference finals tonight.

How to watch the Concacaf Champions Cup finals tonight

Saturday night plans are set. Find out how and when to watch the Concacaf Champions Cup finals today.

How to watch the Toyota 200 NASCAR race today

Spend your Saturday watching the Toyota 200 NASCAR Truck Series race today. Here's how to watch.

How to watch New York Rangers vs. Florida Panthers, Game 6

Here's how to watch the Florida Panthers vs. New York Rangers NHL Eastern Conference finals Game 6 tonight.

The 6 best smokeless indoor grills for 2024

Discover the best smokeless indoor grills that will help you achieve classic barbecue flavor from your kitchen.

The best waterproof activity trackers and smart watches in 2024

Feel free to swim, bathe or sweat your heart out when wearing one of these trackers – they can take it!

The 5 best Chromebook Plus laptops for 2024

Discover our top picks for the best Chromebooks Plus laptops and why some people prefer them over a Windows laptop.

The 5 best portable monitors for laptops in 2024

Discover some of the best portable monitors that can be used with your MacBook or Windows laptop computer.

Best cooling sheets, pillows and mattresses for summer

Cool down with bedding essentials from Casper, Purple, Brooklinen, Cozy Earth and more.

Watch Live: Dr. Anthony Fauci testifies before Republican-led House panel

The hearing on COVID-19 marks Dr. Anthony Fauci's first public appearance on Capitol Hill since leaving government in 2022.

• updated 5M ago

Biden executive order restricting asylum along border expected Tuesday

President Biden is expected to issue a long-anticipated executive order as early as Tuesday to partially shut down asylum processing along the U.S.-Mexico border.

• updated 53M ago

Cucumbers recalled in 14 states due to salmonella risk

The FDA is investigating to see if tainted cucumber sample is related to an ongoing salmonella outbreak that has sickened 141.

Magnet fishers reel in safe holding thousands in cash in NYC

A New York City couple says they recently reeled in a safe holding two stacks of waterlogged hundred dollar bills.

Cicadas are back, but climate change is messing with them

Periodical cicadas used to reliably emerge every 13 or 17 years — but spring arriving sooner interferes with the bugs' internal alarm clocks.

• updated 38M ago

Rupert Murdoch marries for 5th time in ceremony at California vineyard

Media magnate Rupert Murdoch, who is 93, married Elena Zhukova on Saturday.

Romance Writers of America falls into bankruptcy amid allegations of racism

Authors complained for years that the organization was predominantly White — causing membership to plummet.

Costco vows not to hike the price of its $1.50 hot dog combo

Costco hasn't raised the cost of its popular hot dog and soda combo in nearly 40 years, and it's not about to now, a senior exec says.

Millions of Americans are losing access to low-cost internet service

FCC calls on Congress for funding to restart program that helped low-income households get high-speed internet service.

Senate Democrats to unveil package to protect IVF as party makes reproductive rights push

The package comes as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has outlined plans for the chamber to put reproductive rights "front and center" this month.

Hunter Biden's federal gun trial to begin today

Hunter Biden faces three felony charges related to his purchase and possession of a gun while he was a drug user.

• updated 42M ago

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee announces pancreatic cancer diagnosis

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat who represents Texas' 18th Congressional District, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

• updated 30M ago

HealthWatch

Ozempic craze can trigger complicated feelings for those who wished for "magic fix"

Even if someone has gone through a healing process with body image or their relationship with food, these challenges can "last a lifetime," a licensed mental health counselor tells CBS News.

About 1 in 3 Americans have lost someone to a drug overdose, new study finds

Almost one in five survey responders had lost a family member or close friend to a drug overdose, researchers found.

U.S. to make millions of bird flu vaccine doses this summer

The U.S. has ordered 4.8 million doses of vaccine to target bird flu in case the outbreak spreads in people.

The FDA is weighing approval of MDMA for PTSD. Here's what patients could see.

Details of the FDA's proposal were published Friday ahead of a meeting next week.

Mystery surrounds Alice, the goldfish found alive on a U.K. lawn

How did a goldfish end up in a U.K. doctor's garden with no pond around? Here's the story of Alice, aka "Lazarus, aka The Fish Who Lived."

Georgia's Russia-like "foreign agent" law comes into practice

Critics say the true goal of the law is to stigmatize opposition and restrict debate ahead of parliamentary elections in October

• updated 46M ago

Miss the "parade of planets"? Here's when you could see it again.

You may have heard that six planets were set to align in a rare "parade of planets" this morning. Experts say it wasn't the "spectacular celestial event" you were promised – and shared when you should really watch.

Gang members at Guatemala prison had call center, crocodiles

Gang members at the prison nicknamed "El Infiernito" enjoyed access to such luxuries as TV sets and fridges.

Michael Doulas visits Israel to show solidarity as war in Gaza continues

Actor Michael Douglas paid a solidarity visit to an Israeli kibbutz that was hit hard in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that sparked Israel's war against the Islamic militant group.

Entertainment

Taylor Momsen bit by a bat while performing in Spain

Taylor Momsen, whose band The Pretty Reckless are opening for AC/DC, was performing in Spain when she was bit by a bat.

Cyndi Lauper: Showing her true colors

Cyndi Lauper was a pop music dynamo and MTV-favorite singer who later won a Tony Award for her songs for the stage musical "Kinky Boots." But she wanted more than to just have fun. The subject of a new documentary on Paramount+ called "Let the Canary Sing," Lauper talks with correspondent Anthony Mason about how music made her tumultuous home life better; how she had to be convinced about her breakout record, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"; and about criticism from producer Quincy Jones that she was a "troublemaker."

Passage: In memoriam

"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including NBA Hall of Famer and sportscaster Bill Walton.

How James Patterson completed Michael Crichton's "Eruption"

When the "Jurassic Park" writer died in 2008, he left behind an unfinished novel about a volcanic eruption that imperils all life on Earth. Enter bestselling author James Patterson, tasked with completing Crichton's thriller.

James Patterson on completing Michael Crichton's "Eruption"

Writer Michael Crichton, whose blockbuster novels, films and TV series included "Jurassic Park" and "ER," died in 2008, leaving behind an unfinished thriller about a volcanic eruption that imperils all life on Earth. Bestselling author James Patterson was tasked with completing Crichton's book, and now, 16 years later, "Eruption" is finally being unleashed in bookstores. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with Patterson, and with Michael's widow, Sherri Alexander Crichton, about bringing back the voice of a master storyteller.

Boeing Starliner launch scrubbed yet again

What was to be the maiden launch of the Boeing Starliner with astronauts on board was halted yet again Saturday, this time less than four minutes before liftoff, when a computer system triggered an automatic hold. A launch last month was also canceled due to various issues. Manuel Bojorquez has the latest.

Boeing's Starliner set to launch Saturday

All systems are go for a second attempted launch of Boeing's Starliner capsule on Saturday, making its maiden voyage to the International Space Station with two astronauts on board. Manuel Bojorquez reports from the Kennedy Space Center.

How AI powered robots are helping small farms

From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.

OpenAI warns of foreign propaganda campaigns

ChatGPT developer OpenAI warns that state actors worldwide use generative artificial intelligence to run covert propaganda operations. The company told The Washington Post it found groups in Russia, China, Iran and Israel using its technology to build and launch social media campaigns. Gerrit De Vynck, tech reporter for The Post, joins CBS News to discuss.

Google admits its AI Overviews can generate "some odd, inaccurate" results

Google said it's rolling back its AI-generated search results feature after two weeks. Here's why.

Book excerpt: "Challenger" by Adam Higginbotham

The British journalist and author of "Midnight in Chernobyl" returns with his exhaustively-researched new book about the 1986 space shuttle disaster.

Study: Climate change killing summer oysters

A recent study from the University of Washington suggests that rising summer temperatures threaten triploid oysters, specifically bred in the 1970s to be more resilient to harsher environments. Despite that, researchers found that triploids die nearly 2.5 times faster than other oysters when under heat stress. Neil Thompson, geneticist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, joins CBS News to unpack the findings.

Tiny fern breaks world record for largest genome on Earth

The New Caledonian fern, Tmesipteris oblanceolata, has more than 50 times more DNA packed into the nucleus of its cells than humans do.

Tom Steyer on how to beat climate change

Can the climate crisis be won as temperatures soar, oceans rise and air quality deteriorates? Former presidential candidate Tom Steyer thinks it can. The climate investor joins "America Decides" to discuss his new book "Cheaper, Faster, Better: How We'll Win the Climate War."

The bird flu vaccine is made with eggs. That has scientists worried.

The spread of an avian flu virus in cattle has again brought public health attention to the potential for a global pandemic. Fighting it would depend, for now, on 1940s technology that makes vaccines from hens' eggs.

"Most wanted" fugitive caught after 17-hour speedboat escape

Chaowalit Thongduang spent months on the run in connection with several killings and drug trafficking charges.

Arizona tribe temporarily bans dances after police officer shot dead

The Gila River Indian Community issued a temporary ban on dances after a police officer was fatally shot and another wounded while responding to a reported disturbance.

Murder charges dropped against Minnesota state trooper Ryan Londregan in killing of Ricky Cobb II

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has filed a notice of dismissal of charges against Minnesota state trooper Ryan Londregan in the shooting death of 33-year-old Ricky Cobb II.

• updated 28M ago

Shooting in Ohio kills 1, wounds 2 dozen others, police say

An early morning shooting in Akron, Ohio killed one person and injured two dozen people, some critically, police said.

Chinese spacecraft lands on far side of moon

The spacecraft, part of the Chang'e moon exploration program, will collect soil and rock samples.

Boeing Starliner launch scrubbed at the late minute

The second attempt to send Boeing's Starliner crew capsule into orbit was canceled just minutes before it was set to launch on Saturday.

Boeing Starliner's first astronaut flight halted at the last minute

Nearly a month after a frustrating launch scrub, the Starliner and its two-person crew were initially cleared for a second attempt to reach orbit.

Northern lights may return to U.S. early June

If you missed the fantastic display of the northern lights in May, you could soon have another chance. In early June, the active solar region responsible for those multi-colored hues in the night sky will be in prime position to generate solar storms impacting us on Earth. Ryan French, solar physicist with the National Solar Observatory, joins CBS News to explain.

Latest Galleries

Notable Deaths in 2024

A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.

Becky Bliefnick texted about fear of her estranged husband

The Illinois mom wrote, "If something ever happens to me, please make sure the number one person of interest is Tim." Take a look at the evidence that led to Tim Bliefnick's arrest.

The hunt for Forrest Fenn's treasure

Forrest Fenn hid a treasure somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. Five men died searching for it.

The Circleville letters: You've got hate mail

An anonymous letter writer terrorizes a small town, threatening to expose their rumored dark secrets.

Roger Corman, "King of the B Movies" 1926-2024

A look back at the hallowed career of the indie "B-movie" filmmaker, known for exploitation films, monster flicks, and some bizarre movie posters.

Latest CBS News Videos

How to help kids reduce smartphone dependency

New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Haidt's latest book "The Anxious Generation" is causing a buzz among parents, teachers and more. He joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about America's youth in the smartphone era and what parents can do to help reduce smartphone dependency.

The Dish: Chef Fariyal Abdullahi

The prestigious James Beard Awards are often dubbed the Oscars of the culinary world. Chef Fariyal Abdullahi is a first-time nominee and finalist in the "Emerging Chef" category. Known for her appearances on Food Network's "Chopped," the Ethiopian-born chef runs the kitchen at Hav & Mar in New York City.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee cancer diagnosis

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a 74-year-old Texas Democrat, is battling pancreatic cancer. Lee was first elected to Congress in 1994 and is up for reelection this year. Lee was treated for breast cancer more than a decade ago. Anne-Marie Green has more on that and other news headlines.

Encounter sparks nationwide act of generosity

A chance encounter between a 90-year-old grocery store employee and a former longtime Louisiana news anchor led to an outpouring of generosity from people across the country. CBS News contributor David Begnaud has more.

Climate change could impact cicadas

As billions of cicadas emerge from the ground across 16 states in the Southeast and Midwest, scientists are noticing a possible impact from climate change. Since the periodical cicadas that crawl out of the ground are triggered by soil temperature, and since temperatures are rising more quickly in the spring and early summer, the insects, once known for being notoriously predictable, are emerging more than two weeks earlier than usual.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products
• Travel Accessories

The 10 Best Passport Wallets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Stay organized while traveling with these sleek passport wallets.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Not to be dramatic, but losing a passport or other travel documents can be a huge nightmare while traveling. To safeguard passports, credit cards, and boarding passes, we recommend using a passport wallet to keep everything organized in one spot. 

We researched and tested 16 passport wallets in various sizes and materials to recommend options that fit the needs of all types of travelers. We paid close attention to traits like capacity, durability, functionality, and organizational features to ensure smooth travels. Keep reading to find out which ones surpassed our expectations during testing. 

Best Overall

Leatherology zip around travel wallet.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

The exterior zipper adds an extra layer of security to keep passports and credit cards safe while traveling. 

It might be too large to fit in a smaller purse or sling bag . 

While most passport wallets we tested have a snap-closure, this one has a zipper that wraps around the entirety of the wallet to ensure a passport and other travel essentials remain safely tucked away in transit. The versatile design is so spacious that it can easily hold multiple passports, up to eight credit cards, cash, and coins without feeling bulky or cumbersome to carry. There’s even an exterior pocket for boarding passes so you don’t have to open up the wallet for access. It might be too big to fit in small purses, but the sleek leather look and larger size makes it possible to carry it as a clutch or place into a backpack or tote bag, if needed. 

The Details: 9 x 4.75 inches | Full grain leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Bellroy RFID Travel Wallet

The wallet easily fits in a back pocket. 

The wallet will be bigger if it’s packed full and may not fit then. 

Minimalist travelers will appreciate the sleek and simple design of Bellroy’s RFID Travel Wallet. We dubbed it our favorite slim option since it can fit virtually anywhere, including in a back pocket (just be sure to take it out of your pocket before going through security). Made out of a soft and durable leather, it never scuffed or scratched while traveling and it looks premium on the outside. The wallet has pockets for a passport, cash, credit cards, and plane tickets, and we love that there aren’t so many pockets that items get disorganized or lost in the void. The best part is that it opens like a standard wallet so we could quickly grab our passports and credit cards while traveling. 

The Details: 6.02 x 3.86 inches | Leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Best for Families

Valante travel document organizer.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

It has pockets for multiple passports, plane tickets, and cash.

The large capacity might be too big for solo travelers. 

Family travel can be hectic, so we recommend this spacious wallet that can keep all of your family’s important documents in one safe spot. Designed to store multiple passports, credit cards, plane tickets, and more, there are tons of pockets to place items neatly. There’s even a key leash, two zippered pockets, a pen holder, and two designated slip pockets for boarding passes in the front of the wallet. Because the wallet is on the larger side, we love that it comes with a wrist strap to hold onto it while going through customs or the TSA security line. The size might be too large for solo or minimalist travelers, but it works perfectly for staying organized while traveling in groups. 

The Details: 10.63 x 5.91 inches | Polyester | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Michael Navarro

Best Faux Leather

Melsbrinna waterproof rfid-blocking travel wallet.

The PU leather material feels just as soft and durable as regular leather.

The clear plastic window pockets could scratch over time.

Similar to our overall pick, this passport wallet isn’t made out of genuine leather, but it has the same premium look and feel. Made with layers of PU leather, there is a piece of RFID-blocking fabric sandwiched between the material for extra protection while traveling with chipped documents. This sleek wallet comes with all of the standard pockets for a passport, credit cards, and boarding passes, but there were several other features that made it stand out in testing. We are big fans of the two SIM card slots and two plastic window pockets for extra organization for international travelers. Our only concern is that the plastic might scratch or wear over time, but it depends on how often you use the wallet and care for it. 

The Details: 5.7 x 4.7 inches | PU faux leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Madison Irons

Best Color Options

Lucrin geneva passport travel wallet.

The sleek and spacious wallet comes in over 21 colors and five leather texture options.

The premium materials come with a higher price. 

One of our favorite leather passport wallets we tested, this one from Lucrin impressed us with a variety of color and texture options to please any and all travelers. There are over two dozen color options available and five different leather textures to choose from, including smooth, granulated, square granulated, vegetable tanned, and crocodile patterned. Once you narrow down your desired color and texture, we’re confident travelers will love the luxurious feel of the premium leather and generous capacity of the snap-closure wallet. It features several slip pockets, thirteen credit card slots, and a large zippered pocket for storing smaller items like coins or a pen. While the price is on the higher end, we believe you get what you pay for with this made-to-last passport wallet. 

The Details: 9.8 x 9.1 inches | Leather

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Crossbody

Pacsafe rfidsafe v150 rfid-blocking compact organizer.

It comes with a removable strap to keep the wallet attached to your body.

The strap isn’t adjustable.

A lost passport can put a huge damper on a trip, so we recommend the Pacsafe RFID-blocking wallet with a removable crossbody strap for keeping your travel documents attached at the hip (literally). You can wear the strap across your body, on your wrist, or through a belt to ensure the wallet is securely fastened on the go. Besides the ability to wear the wallet as a purse, we love all of the slip and zippered interior pockets for a passport, credit cards, cash, or coins, which will keep you plenty organized. The nylon material is water-resistant with a thick and durable feel, so we expect this wallet will stand the test of time.

The Details: 6.69 x 5.12 inches | Nylon | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Rachel Thalhuber

Best Budget

Tigari passport and vaccine card holder.

The high-quality materials and functionality of this wallet are unbeatable for the low price.

It feels a bit big to carry around.

If you’re trying to build a luggage capsule for traveling, this budget-friendly passport wallet makes a useful addition for all types of travelers. Although the wallet comes at a lower price, it doesn’t lack durability and quality of materials. The PU faux leather case comes in a variety of neutral and bright colors, and it has sleek embossed wording on the front. The case opens up to reveal tons of organizational features for one passport, four credit cards, two SIM cards, and a slip pocket for cash. All of the pockets make it easy to grab travel documents quickly and the larger case keeps everything safe from damage during transit. The wallet is on the bigger side, so it might not fit in smaller purses , but it should fit in a backpack or personal item without any issues.

The Details: 4.33 x 5.9 inches | PU faux leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Andria Park Huynh

Best Organization

Baphity genuine leather passport holder.

There are a variety of slip and zippered pockets available. 

The card slots can be tight at first. 

This genuine leather passport wallet is the best option for travelers prioritizing organization. Designed to store a passport, vaccine card, cash coins, boarding passes, and SIM cards, the wallet is bursting with pockets to efficiently organize items. After we filled it with travel documents, we were impressed with how slim and compact the wallet remained. The leather material is high-quality and durable, and we think the wallet has an excellent value for the construction and price point. We ran into slight issues with the card slots being a bit tight at first, but the material loosened up with more use, which made it easier to pull the cards in and out quickly.

The Details: 6.15 x 4.93 inches | Leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Elise Wang

Best AirTag-compatible

Normest airtag travel wallet.

• Capacity 4.5 /5

The wallet has a designated pocket for storing an Apple AirTag for tracking and locating.

It has a smaller capacity.

Tracking devices can be a game-changer if your luggage gets lost, so we recommend this AirTag-compatible wallet. While the AirTag is sold separately, the wallet does come with a secure slot on the outside to discreetly store the tracking device. The genuine leather material is sleek and soft, and the wallet has a slim design that makes it easy to place it in a back pocket or small bag. It can fit a passport, three credit cards, and some cash before running out of room, so if you’re looking for a spacious wallet, this isn’t the best option. However, sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry, so this is a great option for AirTag enthusiasts . 

The Details: 5.51 x 4.13 inches | Leather | RFID blocking

Travel + Leisure / Dylan Thompson

Most Stylish

Away the passport wallet.

It's compact enough to fit inside any sling bag, fanny pack, and even some pant pockets.

It's a bit small and really only fits your passport and a few cards.

This compact passport wallet has a slip pocket on the front for a passport and the side opens up to reveal several credit card slots and a bit of room for cash or a plane ticket. While the side pocket doesn't have a zipper, it is tight enough that all of our items felt secure and nothing moved when we shook the wallet vigorously. We love that the small size means you can fit this passport wallet in any bag and even some pant or coat pockets for quick access. We used this throughout six flights and it was never a hassle to get the passport in and out of the case, even while in a hurry. The black leather is very sleek and feels high-quality and hasn't scratched at all throughout our months of travels. For Away fans looking for a passport wallet to complete your matching style set, this is an absolute essential.

The Details: 5.43 x 4.25 inches | Leather

Other Passport Wallets We Liked

There were several passport wallets that almost made our list of winners, but we ran into some slight issues during testing. 

Royce Vaccine Card and Passport Wallet : The wallet has a simple and functional design, but the price is fairly high for the smaller capacity and lack of extra organizational features.

Walnew AirTag Passport Holder : It has plenty of room to fit all necessary travel documents and it comes with an AirTag leash, but we liked that the other tracking device-compatible wallet we tried holds the tracker more discreetly.

We researched and selected 16 passport wallets to test out while traveling and in everyday scenarios. From busy TSA security lines to shopping and sightseeing, we made sure the best wallets make it easy to pull out passports, credit cards, IDs, and cash when you’re in a hurry. We paid close attention to the capacity and noted how efficient the organizational features are for storing essential travel documents. Since travel can take a toll on luggage and accessories, we judged the overall quality of the materials and stitchwork to gauge the longevity of each wallet. 

Tips for Buying a Passport Wallet

Check the dimensions of the wallet.

Passports from around the world feature the same design and size, but you’ll still want to make sure a passport wallet fits your size needs. Some wallets are designed to just be slightly larger than a passport and others will be large enough to fit the length of a boarding pass. It depends on the space you’ll have in a bag, pocket, or backpack, so you’ll want to consider how to store the wallet while traveling before making the purchase.

Decide how many compartments you need

Passport wallets are typically designed to hold a passport and a few credit cards, but some are equipped with more organizational features. The bigger the wallet, the more room and storage options there will be for multiple passports, credit cards, cash, and boarding passes. Extra features to look for include interior zippered pockets for coins, SIM card holders, and plastic window sleeves for IDs or vaccine cards.

Look for additional security features

Sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry, so you may want to consider getting a passport wallet with an AirTag holder (AirTags are usually sold separately) to track the wallet in case it goes missing. Other security measures can include a wrap-around zipper to ensure passports and credit cards are secure and layers of RFID-blocking fabric to prevent cyber pick-pocketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Security and customs lines can be stressful, so it’s important to have your passport and other necessary documents out of any wallets or cases and ready to go. This will save time and make it easier to hand the documents over to an agent to speed up the process and eliminate unnecessary stress while traveling.

Radio frequency identification or RFID is technology commonly used in credit cards and passports to locate information and data quickly. It is possible to steal data from RFID documents, but there are some passport wallets with a fabric layer to block radio waves from transmitting. Although it’s uncommon for data to be stolen via RFID, the layer of fabric offers extra security and is designed to prevent criminals from taking information while traveling. 

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 used her own knowledge of traveling with important travel documents and combed through thorough testing notes to put together this list of the best passport wallets. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

• Bags, Wallets and Luggage
• Suitcases & Trolley Bags

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

V Lite - Moscow Combo Set of 2 (Medium + Large) Softside Trolley Bag, Check-in 24"&28" Expandable Suitcase Travelling Luggage with Anti-Theft Zippers for Men and Women (Grey)

No Cost EMI

Partner offers.

• 3 Year Warranty

10 days Returnable

• Pay on Delivery
• Amazon Delivered
• Free Delivery
• Secure transaction

Return Instructions

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• [DESIGNED IN MANCHESTER UK By Verage Ltd.] - The Perfect Medium Size - [External] Height - 70 cm, length - 42 cm, width - 27 cm, weight - 3.40 kg, Volume - 65 litres, The Perfect Large Size - [External] Height - 80 cm, length - 47 cm, width - 31 cm, weight - 3.90 kg, Volume - 101 litres.
• [DURABILITY] - Toughest Of Them All - 5000 Times Trolley Opening & Closing Tested, 10,000 Times Tested Zippers, 10,000 KM Tested Wheels & 20 KG Drop Test Passed!
• [SECURITY] - Equipped With 3 Digit Combinational Lock {Default Code : 000}
• [UTILITY] - Super Strong Iron Trolley System With 3 Stage Opening & Rust Proof Coating For Making Moscow Lightest In Its Weight Class | 100% Pure EPS 190-T Polyster Lining Used Inside | 360° Rotating 8 Wheels With TPU Coating For Smoother & Silent Movement
• Developed & Guaranted by Verage - 3 years International Manufacturers Warranty

Additional Information

Evoa smart luggage | by samsonite.

Finger Print Lock System | Bluetooth Proximity Tracker | Integrated Weighing Scale

Buy it with

85% positive ratings from 5K+ customers

1K+ recent orders from this brand

9+ years on Amazon

Product description

VERAGE Established 1958 The year of 1958, Mr. William first came to Manchester, UK, and named the suitcase VERAGE that accompanied his entire life. VERAGE has become the synonym of durability under generation's effort. The spirit of quality focus deeply roots in the brand. Today, VERAGE products are being sold worldwide in more than 100 countries, 500+ Exclusive Brand Outlets & 33+ Airport Retail Shops and will continue to deliver the best and most innovative travel products to worldwide travellers. Best Trolley Bag For Travel Denver - The strong and sturdy Ultimate Travel Companion By VERAGE 100% Pure EPS Polyester Used In All The Verage Soft Sided Spinners Super Strong Trolley System With Aluminum Finish For Rust Prevention To Ensure Smooth Trolley Operation For Atleast 5 Years *Tested* Heavy Duty Zipper Which Can Run For Almost 100,000 Cycles Easily *Tested* TPU Coated Smooth Wheels 100 KM On Treadmill At The Speed Of 10 KMPH *Tested* 3 Digit Easy To Set Combinational Lock For Added Security {Default Code : 000} Soft & Padded Carry Handle On Top & At Sides For More Comfort Voluminous Packspace To Gain Benefit Of Each Rupee Spend 3 Year Of Warranty Against Manufacturing Defect Denver - Your Most Pleasant Journey Companion | From VERAGE

Product details

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 47 x 31 x 80 cm; 3.9 kg
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ 19 July 2023
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Verage
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CC9RHVTH
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ 24 & 28 Inche
• Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ China
• Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex Adult
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Verage, PLG International
• Packer ‏ : ‎ PLG International
• Importer ‏ : ‎ PLG International
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3 kg 900 g
• Item Dimensions LxWxH ‏ : ‎ 47 x 31 x 80 Centimeters
• Net Quantity ‏ : ‎ 2 Count
• Generic Name ‏ : ‎ Luggage- Suitcase
• #3,569 in Suitcases & Trolley Bags

Looking for specific info?

Featured items you may like.

Customer reviews

No customer reviews.

• Press Releases
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell under Amazon Accelerator
• Protect and Build Your Brand
• Amazon Global Selling
• Become an Affiliate
• Fulfilment by Amazon
• Advertise Your Products
• Amazon Pay on Merchants
• COVID-19 and Amazon
• Your Account
• Returns Centre
• 100% Purchase Protection
• Amazon App Download
• Conditions of Use & Sale
• Privacy Notice
• Interest-Based Ads