Why You Need To Have More Than One Wallet
by Igor Monte updated 02-01-2025
Not one day, situation, or scenario in your life is exactly the same - so why do you think one wallet is suitable for them all?
A wallet that works well for your day-to-day run to the grocery store, is likely to bulky for a night out in the city.
That's why we believe everyone should own a bifold wallet, a cardholder, and a travel wallet - and below we'll go over why:
1. Classic Bifold Wallet: Reliable, Sturdy, Traditional
The bifold wallet is your daily anchor - and you're ready for anything.
- Simple card payment at the store - done.
- Discount card for your favorite department store - sorted.
- ID card to check in at work - simple.
You are never without your daily essentials, and that makes it your go-to wallet in most cases.
It's going to get the most wear out of all of your wallets, so you'll want it to be made of good materials (we recommend full-grain vegetable-tanned leather - see why here).
They give you ample space for receipts, cash, extra cards, and even small mementos.
Here's how to get the most out of it:
- Create a system: Store cash in one section and business cards in another. Add your receipts to a pocket you can easily access to make expense tracking a seamless process.
- Regular maintenance: It's easy to overfill it, so keep it tidy. A weekly reminder to clean it out and get rid of expired coupons, old receipts, and anything else that is adding bulk can help prevent it from becoming heavy and unorganized.
- Choose features you need: Look for coin pouches, pen loops, or hidden compartments depending on what you need.
Imagine if you’re traveling for a business pitch. Your bi-fold is used to carry both your primary and secondary business cards, a few crisp bills that allow you to tip, your hotel key, and your receipts for expense reports. At the end of the meetings, you can pass your card over to the client seamlessly. This shows a polished and highly professional approach - without needing to bring a full size binder.
Need wallet inspiration? Browse our Bifold range here.
2. Minimalist Cardholder: Slim, Sleek, Streamlined
The cardholder is fast, sleek, and understated - everything you need, with nothing you don't.
Bulky wallet ruining the line of your trousers - unprofessional.
Fumbling around in a big wallet for your card in a crowded bar - not cool.
The cardholder is designed for those who want to look their best and move through life in a smooth, minimalist way.
You can carry a few cards, your ID, and a small amount of cash - everything you need for a successful night out, without the bulk of a larger wallet.
How to use it:
- Think about layout and access: Seek out designs that make it easy for you to access your most-used cards without a struggle. When you have quick-draw slots for your primary cards, you can save valuable moments when you’re commuting or making a purchase.
- Blend form and function: Slimness can be highly appealing, but it’s very important that you don’t lose out on durability. Find one with RFID-blocking technology to protect you from digital theft, and go for full-grain vegetable-tanned leather for durability and professionalism.
- Use category to organize: Use slots for specific purposes. Many people feel work-related cards on one side and personal ones on the other. When you do this, you can prevent awkward fumbling when you need quick access to a card.
Example in action: Imagine you’re meeting a new client for lunch. You can seamlessly cover the cost of parking with your top-slot card. When you get the check, you can produce your cardholder. This minimal yet essential accessory will reflect your fantastic organizational skills as well as your eye for great design. It can also help you beat someone else to the bill, if paying for it first is important to you.
Need wallet inspiration? Browse our Cardholders range here.
3. Travel Wallet: Organized, Accessible, Simple
Everything you need for your journey, stored in one place within easy reach.
Traveling can be stressful, so every bit of planning and organization can make a difference between an enjoyable journey and a nightmare one.
- Boarding pass? Safely stored.
- Passport? Within easy reach.
- U.S. dollars to quickly pay for your coffee in a rush to the gate? You got it.
- Foreign currency for your taxi at the other end? Simple.
When you’re traveling, it’s not just convenient to have everything in the same place – it’s usually essential.
Essential features:
- Multiple compartments: Opt for an organizer that has designated sections for passports, tickets, and foreign currency. This will help you avoid both cross-contamination and confusion.
- Security enhancements: Secure features are crucial when you have personal data to protect, especially when you’re traveling around the world. Seek out snap closures or zippers that will stop anything from falling out when you’re going through security.
- Accessibility: Pick out a design that will let you retrieve items quickly. This will stop you from holding up the line at customs so you can fumble for your passport.
As you que for the gate, you might see another traveler ahead struggling to manage loose documents, red in the face, apologizing to staff, and becoming stressed as a result - whilst you confidently breeze through, relaxed and organized.
Need wallet inspiration? Browse our Travel Wallet here.
Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Different options for different needs: Think about how you dress for the day ahead.
You wouldn’t wear the same outfit to the gym, the office, and a formal dinner—so why expect one accessory to handle every situation equally?
Each type of carry aligns with specific roles in your life, from streamlining your workday to keeping you organized on international trips.
Expert strategies for managing multiple solutions:
- Use rotation to your advantage: Keep your accessories in a designated space, like a valet tray near your door. Rotate them as needed—cardholder for quick errands, bi-fold for professional outings, and travel organizer for trips.
- Set up specific contents: Avoid constantly transferring items. Instead, duplicate essentials where possible (e.g., secondary credit cards or IDs). This minimizes the risk of leaving something behind.
- Plan ahead: Before heading out, take 60 seconds to consider your day’s needs. Will you be running light errands? Switch to your cardholder. Traveling across the city? Grab your bi-fold for flexibility. Boarding a plane? Your organizer has you covered.
Example in action: After work, you head to the gym with your cardholder tucked into your bag, freeing you from carrying unnecessary clutter. The next morning, your bi-fold ensures you’re prepared for a day packed with meetings and after-hours networking.
We go over styles of men's wallets here.
Key takeaway: Using the right solution at the right time maximizes efficiency, enhances your image, and simplifies your routine. It’s not about owning more—it’s about owning smarter.
Choosing Your Perfect Set
When selecting your carry solutions, focus on practicality and durability.
Each piece should serve a unique purpose and integrate seamlessly into your lifestyle. Consider the following:
- Cardholder: Prioritize slim, RFID-blocking designs for effortless daily use.
- Bi-fold wallet: Look for versatile, durable materials like full-grain leather that balance capacity with elegance.
- Travel organizer: Choose one with comprehensive organization and robust security features to keep your most important items safe.
Organize your essentials with care. Multiple carry solutions aren’t a luxury—they’re a strategic toolset for staying prepared, polished, and in control.
Author: Igor Monte
Igor Monte is the co-founder of Von Baer. He's an expert in all things premium leather, from being an end-user right up to the design and manufacturing process. His inside knowledge will help you choose the best leather product for you.
We strive for the highest editorial standards, and to only publish accurate information on our website.
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