Let me first say this: just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean that people aren’t out to get you.
And one of the ways that people may be out to get you is to steal your information and identity from the RFID chips that may be embedded in your credit cards, passports, and other documentation. The chip that veterinarians embed in dogs and cats is an RFID chip. Some people have laid out very scary scenarios about the misuse of the technology, including for tracking children.
I have among my clients a company that specializes in credit card processing hardware. They report RFID misuse is a distinct possibility, but in private conversations they don’t think that it is a significant issue at this time.
But it is an issue. If you’re concerned, you might want to protect yourself. I think it’s a reasonable concern, but not enough of an issue so that I’ll wrap my wallet in aluminum foil.
The people at Allett sent me one of their security wallets as a sample. They sent me a thin leather wallet with their RFID protection. I was concerned that the protective fabric would be obtrusive, but I was pleasantly surprised. If I had not been told that it was RFID shielded I would not have suspected. There’s no crackle or stiffness to this wallet.
My daily carry wallet is a Saddleback Leather Slim Wallet. It is VERY slim and I carry it in my left front pocket. I got that wallet after being chastised by a physical therapist for carrying an overloaded wallet in my back pocket. The Allett is a single fold wallet and very thin. The leather is soft and pliable. One could overstuff the Allett, but I found it quite comfortable to carry with the contents of my daily use wallet. Although it is a little larger than the Saddleback, I can comfortably carry it in my front pants pocket. The Allett wallet I was sent has two bill compartments and four card pockets, with a separate ID pocket.
I used the wallet for two weeks and was please with it. I plan on keeping it as my “dress” and travel wallet, but will carry my Saddleback most days. I do think RFID protection while traveling is a sensible precaution. I was unable to test the RFID protection at this time (and I believe that I have only one credit card with an RFID chip, but I may not know about others). The problem with a protective cover is that once you take a card out you are exposed. I’m not sure that there’s an easy solution to that.
To boil it down, the Allett wallet is a very nice wallet and offers the bonus of RFID protection. Even if you don’t care about the protection, their wallets are stylish and well made.
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