As technology evolves and becomes more convenient, more methods also arise to dismantle or disrupt it for personal gain. Thus, you can lose your private digital information as quickly as you would lose banknotes and loose change. Fortunately, there are ways to counter modern thieves from these happenings.
When you frequently travel, keeping your valuables close to you and safe is crucial. Hence, the RFID wallet was born to protect your information and credit and debit cards. If you’ve never had or heard of an RFID wallet, let this article be your guide.
What Is An RFID Wallet?
RFID stands for radio-frequency identification. Radio waves act as the conduit to transfer information in the RFIDs wirelessly. Most, if not all, credit and debit cards have an RFID chip that contains your sensitive data from the banks that issued your card. Some company IDs may even have one for their employees for improved security against unauthorized personnel entering business premises.
Having an RFID in your cards also allows you to make cashless transactions by tapping it into a reader. However, this makes the chips vulnerable to other card readers nearby as they work via radio waves. People with bad intentions may have a reader of their own and extract your information without your knowledge. This is called RFID skimming. Luckily, you can protect your cards by placing them in an RFID wallet.
An RFID wallet has blocking technology, thanks to certain metals that inhibit skimming or scanning. Yet their protective capabilities don’t overpower their size or style. Many RFID wallets, like the one in this wallet review, have sleek and slim designs. They won’t take up too much space in your purse or pocket, either.
It’s also worth noting that RFID-related crimes are relatively uncommon. However, that doesn’t mean you should skip getting RFID wallets when you can. They can be excellent accessories, like these Everyday Carry wallets, with the additional security feature they bring along with these other reasons:
- Another Layer Of Protection
RFID scanners can send radio frequencies that pass through clothing and other fabric materials. So, bundling your credit cards in several layers of cloth won’t prevent RFID skimming. You’d have something thick and bulky tucked in your pocket, which isn’t the most comfortable feeling. Keeping your cards in the deepest recesses of your backpack also won’t do you any good.
If you have an RFID wallet, you can store your cards in around one or two layers of hard casing or leather and avoid stress from skimmers who may pass by without your knowledge. Because many current wallet designs consider style and comfort, your RFID wallet shouldn’t feel like extra baggage. The wallet is slim enough to fit several cards while also blocking unauthorized radio waves from coming into contact with the chips.
- Keeps All Your Cards Safe In One Place
Some people prefer to separate all their credit and debit cards into several wallets or card cases to protect them. This technique might help you from pickpockets, but it won’t work against someone who wants to steal your information with an RFID reader.
An RFID wallet is intended to keep more than one card protected. The best RFID wallet designs allow you to fan out the slots, so you can pull out the card you need without the hassle. Aside from credit cards, you could even put in your government-issued ID, your license, or your boarding pass when traveling, making the RFID wallet an essential travel item for travelers to keep them safe.
- Better Security Without The Fuss
You may have encountered DIY methods to protect your RFID cards against data theft, like wrapping them in aluminum foil. However, this is an unsightly way to keep the chips safe and is not assured to defend them from RFID skimming. If you value secure protection and aesthetics, having an RFID wallet for your precious cards is recommended.
RFID wallets are made with metals to block the radio waves from touching the chips. Most of the time, manufacturers will use copper, alloy nickel, or aluminum for their wallets, but it won’t look as unattractive as wrinkled sheets of foil. Metal has properties that allow electromagnetism to happen and block waves from an unauthorized RFID card reader. Technically, the metal only redirects the waves and does not outright block them, but it still keeps your cards safe.
- Improved Durability
Many low-quality card cases look flimsy at first glance; most likely, they are when you get one in your hands. However, a high-quality RFID wallet is sturdy and lasts as long as a regular leather wallet. Therefore, you’re assured your cards won’t get damaged when you accidentally drop your wallet or knock it against a wall.
Even the slimmest and lightest RFID wallets can withstand certain levels of pressure and impact. They’re the better choice over weak plastic card cases and offer advanced protection for your debit cards, IDs, and hotel credit cards from would-be thieves, too.
Conclusion
If you prefer cashless transactions and carry several credit and debit cards while traveling, getting your own RFID wallet as soon as possible is your best option. It isn’t bulky, heavy, or ugly to look at, and fits most bags and matches any outfit. The best part is that the wallet protects against RFID skimmers extracting your cards’ sensitive data when you least expect it.
