Best Wallet To Keep Cards Clean

The best type of wallet to keep cards clean is a zip-around wallet, which stops any dirt and residue from getting to them (like this one).

The next best option is to put your existing wallet into a plastic sandwich bag, which seals it away from any dirt.

The final option would be to use a trifold wallet with a fastener but put it into your pocket upside down so the dirt doesn't fall into the internal pockets (like this one).

A cardholder upside down would also work, but the tops of the cards are exposed.

See our other tips below:

Why Keeping Cards Clean is Important

Image: Washington Trifold (link)

Life moves quickly, and it can be hard to find the time to clean things like cards and wallets – but we don’t want them looking grungy either!

The right wallet can keep your cards looking sleek, new, and will support your personal brand of high standards.

Not only that, but the cards will last longer, avoiding failure to swipe and other inconveniences caused by damage during use (source).

Selecting the Right Material

The material that makes up the wallet is key.

Real leather is a great choice for a durable, appealing final product. Not all leathers are equal though, so choose full-grain, as it will last the longest.

Other options, like aluminum or titanium metal wallets, keep the contents licked away from any damage or dirt, but they may not be as comfortable when in your pocket.

We have a more detailed post on wallet materials here.

Leather: The Classic Choice

Full-grain vegetable-tanned leather, as mentioned, is the most durable and comes at a premium price.

It has the unique benefit of developing a patina over time, a unique finish to the leather that happens naturally, and increases the beauty of a wallet even beyond what it looked like to begin with.

Top grain leather is thinner, so it only lasts for a short time, but it takes more colorful finishes and still has a good lifespan. It repels stains better too, and is very easy to clean. It is also priced lower than full-grain leather, so it fits more budgets.

In both cases, regular care and occasional conditioning will lengthen the time it takes for the wallets to remain useful and retain their beauty (we recommend this conditioner).

Always test a quality leather conditioner on a less visible part of the leather first to ensure you are happy with the result.

We discuss the best leather for wallets here.

Metal: The Modern Solution

Consider a metal case for a contemporary, unusual, and very durable look.

Aluminum is light and strong, and titanium, though a little heavier than aluminum, is more resistant to scratches and very strong.

Metal wallets are often designed to appear sleek, techy, and modern, appealing to those in technologically advanced professions.

Key takeaway: The material you choose should ensure that your cards are safe, and should suit your style and type of profession.

Thoughtful Design Features

Some wallets are designed for each card to have its own pocket or compartment.

This keeps them from rubbing together and, therefore, reduces wear.

The benefits go beyond that too, allowing for increased organization and showing you at a glance that all of your cards are present and accounted for.

RFID-blocking technology is also a must these days - this technology blocks thieves from stealing your data by blocking the signals that allow for touchless payments.

Thieves can try to steal your data, but their instruments will simply show that there is no card or data to steal.

You’ll never know that you were even targeted – which is a lot better than not having it and finding out months later that your money and/or identity have been stolen.

All Von Baer wallets include RFID blocking technology (see them here).

Compartmentalization: Preventing Damage

Individual card slots do more than just organize your cards; they also prevent damage and loss. Cards stay snugly in their individual spaces, without rubbing together, skidding against the sides, or falling out due to too loose a fit.

Magnetic strips last longer, and the appearance of your card will stay like new.

Even if you choose a metal wallet, many of them have soft linings or interior coatings that keep cards in excellent shape.

RFID Protection: Modern Security

RFID technology allows us to pay for things by simply tapping the reader. This is very handy for us, but some thieves have realized that they can access the data by using a mobile RFID reader – without you even knowing it.

They don’t have to touch you or handle your card; they just need to be walking past.

RFID protection blocks their signals, so their devices can’t even know that you have a card in your wallet. This is not foolproof, but it is successful against all but the most powerful scanning devices – in other words, it should be fine against anything you encounter when out walking around.

The protection is achieved using a foil layer within the lining of the wallet. This reflects the RFID signal, keeping your data safe. When you open your wallet and tap at a point of sale, though, it works normally – there is no inconvenience for you.

Learn more about RFID here.

Consider: Separate compartments for card protection and organization, as well as RFID protection, should be non-negotiable.

Practical Maintenance Tip

Every wallet requires some maintenance to keep it looking good and functioning well, but this doesn’t mean a lot of work. A quality leather conditioner is a great start (we like this one).

Apply it when you get the wallet, and then again twice or thrice a year. It only takes a minute or two. Set an alert in your calendar app so you don’t forget, and then put it out of your mind until then.

Cleaning most wallets is simple, too. Gently wipe clean with a soft damp cloth. Let it dry in a room temperature place outside of direct sunlight.

It is also a good idea to take stock of what you carry in your wallet occasionally and remove things you don’t need to have with you.

Leather Care: Beyond the Basics

Store your wallet out of direct sunlight – prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will make the leather brittle and may cause peeling.

Avoid excessive moisture too, and keep the wallet away from sources of extreme heat or cold.

Harsh chemicals can discolor or even deteriorate leather, so avoid using anything but recommended leather cleaners and treatments.

Metal Wallet Maintenance

Metal wallets are even easier to care for. A micro-fiber cloth is best for wiping them, to avoid scratches and remove any fingerprints.

Regular wiping will also avoid tarnishing. If your metal wallet has a spill on it, you may want to use a mild soap solution to remove any stickiness. Dry the wallet by hand to avoid water spots.

Regular maintenance ensures the best appearance and longest life for your wallet.

Personal Anecdote

Imagine a recent business trip on which I had a mishap with a cup of coffee. It spilled all over my metal wallet. Luckily – okay, less luck and more good planning – my wallet is a waterproof model.

The cards were safe and dry inside, and with a wipe the wallet was fine. I washed it later with a little mild soap and it looked good as new. My shirt needs some professional help, but the wallet and contents are fine.

It could have gone another way. The wallet could have let the coffee in. The cards could have been stuck together and sticky when I paid for a meal later in the day, causing, perhaps, a brief disgusted look on the server’s face when I tapped it on the reader.

Not the impression I would have wanted to make on my business lunch guests.

Real-world application: The right wallet can protect your cards, your image, and ensure that you can pay for what you need to pay for, even after a mishap.

Stylish Yet Functional Options

Know what functionality you want, first. RFID, your first choice in materials, and the number of slots you want, for example.

Once you know that, look for wallets that have those features and that also complement and elevate your style.

This function and style combination is the wallet for you.

We discuss men's wallet styles here.

Highlight: The right wallet safeguards your essentials and elevates your style.