I’ve long given up on carrying around a bulky wallet to keep cash and cards on hand. My recent wallet (before my dog chewed it up) was a slim, 6-card-carrying wallet that I could always fit in my jeans. However, I found myself having to choose what cards to keep on hand day to day or limiting the amount of cash I could stuff in the bill pocket. Basically, my “perfect” wallet wasn’t so perfect after all. That’s why I decided to try out wallets from three different brands over three weeks to see which would suit my needs. Here’s what I learned.
If you value having quick access to your cards… Ekster
What caught my attention with Ekster was the fact that I simply could press a button and my cards would spring up for quick access. Normally with an ultra-slim wallet, you have to give your cards a tug to get them out of their slots. There's nothing I hate more than holding up a line at check out because I can't find my card.
Fortunately, that is never a problem with my Ekster wallet and it can hold anywhere from 12-15 cards depending on the type of wallet you get.
The Ridge offers a similar approach to accessing your cards, but you have to manually push them out of one slot which I found to be difficult when I had multiple cards.
If you’re going for a timeless, sleek, and traditional look… Ekster
I have to say, if you’re like me and your wardrobe and accessories are those of earth tones, then Ekster is sure to have something for you. Most of their wallets come in different shades of browns, blacks, deep reds, tans, and grays—all of which will go with just about any outfit you put together.
Nomad’s wallets also come in traditional colors, but you’re limited to 1-2 choices. And because The Ridge only has hard-case wallets, you won’t find anything that feels traditional or classic.
If you want added protection against wireless theft… Ekster or The Ridge
I’ve begun to see more and more of my debit and credit cards coming with radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips making it easy to tap to pay. While I appreciate this function, I don’t like the idea of someone attempting to scan and steal my information while my wallet is in my pocket. Luckily, both Ekster and The Ridge provide the added protection of using RFID blockers with their wallets to keep you safe from wireless theft.
If you don’t want to totally break the bank… Ekster
If you want a wallet that’s functional, sturdy, and can stand the test of time, then you’re going to have to pay more than you would at your local T.J. Maxx. Luckily for you, Ekster’s prices are pretty affordable—averaging in the $80-100 range—when you consider all of their features. Nomad has wallets that are similar in price but with limited options and features.
If you misplace your wallet more than you’d like to admit and want to track it… Ekster or Nomad
I can no longer count on two hands how many times I’ve misplaced my wallet around the house and have feared that I left it somewhere out in the world. Both Ekster and Nomad help with this by using an Airtag or Tracker Card that pings so you can listen for it while you look.
My Favorite... Ekster
For me, Ekster checked all the boxes. It’s slim and compact, I can access my cards easily through the quick push function, there’s enough space for both cards and cash, there’s added protection around wireless theft, and it makes tracking my wallet easy. There were some great runner-ups, but overall, Ekster gives me an upgraded feel for a functional day-to-day wallet I was looking for.
