A minimalist wallet sits flat in a front pocket, carries only what you use, and is quicker to get in and out of. This guide covers what makes a good slim wallet, how thin is thin, and our picks for every kind of carry, from a 0.5cm card holder to a money clip wallet that holds notes as well.
What makes a good minimalist wallet?
- Thickness: the slimmest card holders are around 0.5cm thick empty. A wallet that holds notes as well will be closer to 1cm.
- Capacity: count the cards you actually use. Most people need three to six.
- Cash: if you still carry notes, choose a money clip or a card holder with a note slot.
- RFID protection: a blocking layer helps stop contactless cards being read without you knowing. Every wallet in this guide has it.
- Materials: full-grain leather keeps its shape and develops a patina over time. Read more about our leather.
Our slim wallets compared
| Wallet | Thickness and cards | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket Card Holder | 0.5cm, up to 3 cards | The absolute minimum |
| Card Holder (tab) | 0.5cm, 4 cards + notes | Slimmest with cash |
| Card Holder | 0.5cm, 4 cards + folded notes | Everyday front pocket |
| MagSafe Card Holder | 0.5cm, up to 4 cards | iPhone users |
| Elasticated Card Holder | 1cm, up to 8 cards | More cards, still slim |
| Card Holder (bifold) | 1cm, 6–8 cards | A slim bifold |
| Money Clip Wallet (spring) | 1cm, 6 cards + clip | Regular cash users |
| Money Clip Wallet (magnetic) | 1cm, 5–8 cards + clip | Magnetic note clip |
The thinnest: card holders from 0.5cm
If you pay by card or phone, a card holder is the slimmest way to carry. The Pocket Card Holder takes up to three cards. Our two 0.5cm Card Holders take four cards plus a few folded notes, so you're not caught out when somewhere is cash only. iPhone users can go one step further with the MagSafe Card Holder, which attaches to the back of the phone and holds up to four cards.
More cards, still slim
Need to carry more? The Elasticated Card Holder holds up to eight cards at 1cm thick, and the bifold Card Holder folds six to eight cards into a 1cm wallet. Prefer metal? The Aluminium Card Holder and the leather-wrapped Wrapped Aluminium Card Holder each hold up to eight cards in a rigid, RFID-protected case.
For cash carriers: money clip wallets
A money clip wallet holds notes on the outside and cards inside, which keeps it thinner than a bifold. Choose the spring-clip Money Clip Wallet (six card slots) or the magnetic Money Clip Wallet (five to eight cards). Both are about 1cm thick and RFID protected. See all money clip wallets.
Slim wallet vs card holder: what's the difference?
A card holder carries cards and perhaps a few folded notes. A slim wallet adds a proper cash section, either a note compartment or a money clip. If you rarely use cash, a card holder is the slimmer choice. If you carry notes every day, a money clip wallet is the better fit.
Need coins too?
A coin pocket adds thickness, so these aren't minimalist wallets, but if you need one, our bifold wallets add a coin pocket and room for more cards.
Find your wallet
Browse all our card holders, money clip wallets or men's leather wallets. Every UK order comes with free returns.
