A few decades ago, if a thief attempted to steal your information, they would need to get their hands in your pocket physically, but as technology advances, pickpocketing is a thing of the past; credit card thieves have unfortunately advanced with the times.
While equipped with an RFID scanner, a person can steal your credit cards, gate-access cards, or even your driver's license information. If you recently learned about RFID, you may be concerned about a stranger compromising your personal information without physically touching you. We are here to help make products that maximize your RFID blocking ability, keeping your data safe for years to come.
What exactly is RFID Blocking & How does it work?
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) blocking refers to products that protect your cards that have RFID tags. Modern-day credit cards, also known as "smart cards," have an RFID chip inside of them to make transactions faster. Who likes waiting in line anyways?
All RFID blocking wallets range in terms of their protection. What determines the RFID protection level is the materials used on the wallet. Steel and aluminum materials will have the highest form of protection against data theft—for example,
our Armored Summit Wallet offers a 95% protection rate against data fraud. Our ultra-thin steel wallet can protect up to eight cards at once.
Where is RFID used?
As our vehicle approaches the white solid line at the automated toll booth, a unique radio frequency, RFID tag, is sending information back to the fixated antenna reader. Once personal information is approved the toll booth gate swings upward and you head on your way, this process has improved how we travel today. RFID tags are used to track library books, it is how your local automated DVD kiosk knows you returned the correct movie.
From tracking a marathon runners time to logging supply chain inventory RFID is helping us evolve quickly. Unfortunately, like many great inventions, RFID can be used to impact you negatively. Major credit card companies have taken advantage of RFID tags to speed up our transaction process. Thus, creating an opportunity for strangers with the right equipment to steal our financial information.
Reasons To Protect Against RFID Fraud
As a civilization, we depend on technology more each day. We value time and efficiency more than ever; if there is a better way to complete a task, we take that route. As we evolve, RFID will become more widely used, credit card companies will issue more smart cards, and more apartment buildings will use RFID tags to provide entry instead of a traditional lock and key. I've lived in an apartment with an RFID tagged key without knowing it could have been compromised. Chances are, if you are using an RFID card to access a secure area, you have been warned to use RFID blocking products!
What is RFID-Card Skimming?
To fully understand why you need a metal RFID wallet, you need to understand how RFID skimming works. RFID stands for Radio-Frequency Identification. Furthermore, the chip in your credit card uses electromagnetic waves to transmit data. Supposedly, RFID is supposed to be a more secure credit card transaction.
But, scammers have found a way to take advantage of the technology. And, it’s called RFID-card skimming. To skim a chip card, the thief uses an RFID skimmer, which is a portable RFID reader. As long as the thief is close to you, the skimmer will be able to read the sensitive data on your chip. This data includes the card number, expiration date, and CVV code.
So, with a skimmer, a thief can steal your credit card information while the card is still in your pocket.
How an RFID Tactical Wallet Protects Your Credit Card Information
Since a skimmer can read your card through clothing, it needs to be protected by something stronger. For example, carbon fiber or metal will interfere with the skimmer’s electromagnetic waves so that it won’t be able to read your card while it’s in your pocket.
So, a tactical wallet contains a metal lining that protects your card from being skimmed. Often, RFID wallet makers use aluminum, copper, or stainless steel to provide RFID protection. Plus, the metal lining makes the wallet sturdy and tough. This makes your wallet able to handle the wear and tear that you put it through.
What to Look For in an RFID-Blocking Wallet
In addition to RFID-blocking, when buying a tactical wallet you’ll want to look at some other details.
First of all, you’ll want to consider the material used to make your wallet. For example, you might want an RFID leather wallet. Or, you could go with nylon. Even more rugged, you could pick a carbon fiber business card wallet. It’s a matter of your style.
In addition to material, you’ll want to think about wallet basics. For instance, you’ll want to consider what your wallet can carry. Can it hold only credit cards? Or is it a metal wallet with money clip? In other words, you need to think about what kind of features you want in a wallet.
Finally, you need to think about wallet style. There are so many different styles to choose from. Do you want an RFID-blocking card case? Or, is a slim minimalist wallet more to your liking? Maybe, you want a front pocket wallet?
When buying an RFID-blocking wallet, there’s so much to consider.
The Best RFID Tactical Wallet
What if all of these choices were already made for you? And, all you had to do was buy the wallet?
Well, you’re in luck. The Trayvax Ascent has already made all of the tough decisions for you when considering a tactical wallet. First of all, it’s made with stainless steel casing covered in leather. This gives you RFID protection along with a stylish look.
As for wallet type, the Ascent is a minimalist wallet that’s the size of your credit card. In fact, it holds about 5 cards. Even more, it can hold several folded bills, so you can carry cash, too. And, all of this will fit in its dual-sided pockets. Because of its size, the Ascent slips easily into your front pocket.
In addition, the Ascent uses a pull tab that makes taking out your credit easy. Also, this wallet has space for attaching a keychain clip. So, you could attach a keychain carabiner to it. Therefore, your keys and wallet will always be together.
For all of these reasons, the Ascent is not only just a cool metal wallet, but it’s the best tactical minimalist wallet. It’s where style meets function.
What are the best RFID-blocking wallets?
Think RFID wallets add bulk to your pocket? Think again. RFID-blocking wallets should be discreet, so you’re sure to find one that’s both functional and fashionable. Below, you will find some of the best RFID-blocking wallets in the market:
Original 2.0
The Original 2.0 is one of the best products offered by Trayvax. This iconic piece comes with durable construction and spacious design, capable of holding up to 15 cards along with 1-5 folded bills. There is an integrated metallic money clip where the cash can be securely fitted. The front plate is made using aircraft-grade aluminum while the back is stainless steel. Both of these are held together by mil-spec paracord. The cord can be tightened and loosened manually; which is helpful in increasing or decreasing the width between the plates.
The Original 2.0 offers RFID protection and is an ideal choice for customers who have a low budget. Starting from $34.99, this slim product is quite affordable and reasonably priced.
Armored Summit
The Armored Summit is a metal wallet with money clip that you can buy easily; even if you are not looking to spend a lot. Like the Original 2.0, this Armored wallet also has a price of $34.99.
The Armored Summit has a thin and sleek design and is made using heat-resistant metal for durability and strength. You can store up to 7 cards in the main compartment while the integrated money clip holds 1-5 folded bills.
Trayvax Ascent
The Ascent also offers RFID protection. This leather product has a sleek and slim design, capable of holding up to 7 cards and 1.5 folded bills. The Ascent has a durable and tough look – which it gets from the melonite finish, brass rivets, and stainless steel plate.
When buying the Ascent, you can choose between two finishes for the metallic plate and as well as four colors for the leather part. With a price tag of $59.99, the Ascent is ideal for people who are looking for something in a medium to high range.
Trayvax Contour
The Contour features a sophisticated metallic look with a luxurious touch of leather. If you are looking for a slim piece that has utility, minimalism, durability, and class altogether, the Contour is where your search ends.
You can store up to 13 cards in the main compartment while the leather strap at the back can hold 1-10 bills. When buying the Contour, you can choose from four different colors for the leather part as well as four different types/finishes for the metal frame.
Trayvax Element
The Element is yet another member of Trayvax’s leather front pocket wallet category. This one allows you to store up to 10 cards along with 1-5 folded bills in the integrated money clip.
The Element comes with a price tag of $69.99 and is suitable for customers who are looking for something in the expensive range.
Kryptek Armored Summit Wallet
The Kryptek Armored Summit is very similar to the simple Armored Summit Wallet discussed earlier in this list. The difference lies in the color and the price. Instead of the black metallic part, the Kryptek features a matte greyish hue. The price, on the other hand, is $29.99; which makes this product a highly affordable choice, and ideal for customers with a low budget.
Axis Wallet
The Axis is quite different from the other slim pieces on this list because of its bi fold design. Unlike the usual minimalistic style, the Axis can be opened up to reveal the money clip and a key/coin pocket.
You can store up to 14 cards in the Axis, along with 1-8 folded bills. This one comes at a price of $49.99 and is available in three different colors.
Iridescent Blue Contour
Remember the Contour we just discussed a bit earlier? The Iridescent Blue Contour is a limited edition of the same and is pretty much identical save for the metal frame.
Summit Notebook
This billfold comes with a Fisher Bullet Space Pen and an All-Weather Pocket Notebook. If you are not looking to carry around the notebook with you at all times, you can choose to use the leather sleeve (which is where the notebook is fitted) for keeping some extra bills. The actual space for keeping the cash is the money clip at the back.
Taking Steps to Protect Your Information
No one likes being stolen from. Just as you would lock your door after leaving home to prevent anyone from entering while you're away, your RFID cards are begging for the same attention. When purchasing an RFID wallet make sure it provides the level of security you are searching for. Each company advertising RFID wallets should back that statement with RFID Protection Test Results. If the wallet you are looking to buy is "RFID Blocking" but there is no evidence to back up that claim be wary.
Summary:
- RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) blocking refers to products that protect your cards that have RFID tags.
- RFID widely used in major credit cards and modern living
- If you have RFID tags in your life in need of protection you'll want to know where to buy an RFID wallet.
So, Do I need an RFID Blocking Wallet?
Using an RFID-blocking wallet will protect your sensitive data from being stolen. So, you can walk about knowing that your information and your money are safe.
But, your tactical wallet doesn’t have to sacrifice style for function. It can be stylish while getting the job done. That’s why you need an RFID front pocket wallet.
RFID Infographic
1 comment
Anne Annie
I once lost money from my card in a weird way but the bank told me that it could be that someone “scanned” my card from a distance. Sounded weird and unreal but I read similar cases online. Since I do not want to risk again, I just bought an RFID pouch from Silent pocket and I now feel much better and safe.
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