With so many minimalist wallet choices available, there’s a lot to consider before you decide on one that you can trust to keep your cash and cards safe!

Before you hit the checkout with a new wallet, read our tips on how to choose the best minimalist wallet. 

1. Space for Cash and Cards 

You want to consider how many cards you’ll need space for and how much cash you carry on a regular basis. Think about how many cards you need to carry regularly like your ID and credit cards. Don’t forget that you might need some extra space for additional cards such as hotel key cards, gift cards, and membership cards.  

Many people think they have to compromise space when it comes to choosing a minimalist wallet, but that’s not true. There are plenty of slim wallets to choose from that have extra space for plenty of cards and cash.  

Even micro wallets (which are only 1.3 mm thick) have space for up to 8 cards and cash.

2. Materials and Durability

Are you looking for a wallet that will last a long time? What about protection from harsh conditions and rough-handling? 

Something many people don’t consider when choosing a minimalist wallet is how long the wallet will truly last. There are many wallets that look great but are made of cheap and weak material. They may seem minimalist but don’t last much longer than a year. 

Popular wallet materials include faux leather, leather, metal, and Tyvek®.  

Faux leather wallets are prone to flaking and cracking, similar to real leather. They aren’t very durable and tend to degrade in quality after just a few months of use. The benefits of faux leather are that it’s inexpensive, usually vegan, and can be produced a variety of designs and colors. 

On the other hand, real leather can last longer than faux leather, but it’s not as resilient to UV damage. Additionally, you need to take care of leather with special leather conditioning if you want it to last for years to come. Real leather isn’t water-resistant so you have to keep it away from water. Leather can also be bulky, so it’s maybe not the greatest choice if you’re looking for a slim wallet. 

Metal wallets and money clips are extremely durable and often designed with minimalism in mind. However, they aren’t practical for many people who want to keep their wallets in their front or back pockets. Metal wallets are bulky and you can feel them in your pockets while walking. They can be extremely uncomfortable to keep in your pockets while sitting. If the metal wallet has pointed edges, it can wear down the fabric inside of your pockets over time. However, if you aren’t going to keep your wallet in your pocket, metal wallets can be a great choice! 

Tyvek® material is a long-lasting, water-resistant, and extremely durable material that can last for years. It’s elastic yet thin and is available in a variety of designs. It becomes more flexible over time but doesn’t break down or fall apart at the seams. Tyvek® material can be printed in a variety of designs, so it’s a wonderful choice for anyone who doesn’t want to compromise between fashion and function.  

Shop Minimalist Tyvek® Wallets

3. Coin Pouches 

If you think it’s better to toss your spare change in your pocket instead of your wallet, think again! Not only is it easy to lose spare change in your pocket, but keeping coins in your pocket can wear down your pocket linings over time. 

If you carry cash, don’t forget about all the coins you’ll have to lug around too. You’ll either have to buy a separate coin pouch or a wallet that has a built-in coin compartment. 

Don’t underestimate how much one small coin pouch can hold! Paperwallet’s Magic Coin Pouch can fit up to 20 coins and folded bills.   

4. Security and RFID Protection 

You might have heard the term “RFID” thrown around a lot in recent years. In layman's terms, RFID wallet protection ensures your wallet contents are secured against electronic pickpockets. RFID scanners can potentially uncover your credit card and bank information from your cards inside your wallet. In a world where technology is advancing every day, many people opt for the extra protection of an RFID wallet. If you’re concerned about RFID scanners, then an RFID protected wallet can give you some peace of mind. 

If you have your eye on a wallet that doesn’t have RFID protection, you can buy an RFID shield that you can easily place in your wallet to provide protection against most readers. 

Other popular minimalist wallet choices include binder clips or rubber bands. While these are indeed minimal and likely items you already own, they don’t do much in terms of security. It’s easy for a rubber band to snap, leaving your valuables loose in your pocket or scattered on the ground. It’s also easy for a binder clip to come undone or for a card to slip out.    

If you’re set on having an ultra-minimal style, we’d recommend you go with a trusted money clip or micro wallet to protect your money. 

5. Pricing and Return Policies

How much you should spend on a wallet is another factor to consider. Higher prices do not always equal higher quality. When deciding how much you want to spend on a wallet take into account how long you think the wallet will last for. 

If you’re someone who prefers to switch up your wallet styles often, then you might want to consider a moderately priced wallet so you’re not spending hundreds of dollars on wallets every few months. 

Make sure you look at reviews and return policies from any companies you consider buying from. A free return or exchange policy is a good sign that the company stands behind the quality of their products.

6. Environmental Impact  

If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of the products you buy, then you might want to choose a wallet that’s eco-friendly and recyclable. 

All wallets from Paperwallet are 100% recyclable. They’re made of Tyvek® which is made in part of already recycled material. Since Tyvek® is also long-lasting, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for wallets that fit in with a zero-waste or environmentally friendly lifestyle. 

Some people consider real leather more eco-friendly than faux leather because leather is made from animals hides from animals that were already processed for meat. Real leather can also last longer than faux leather when it’s properly cared for, leading to less manufacturing waste.

Faux leather is often made of PVC or polyurethane and cannot be recycled. However, some vegan leather is made of materials that are biodegradable and less harmful for the environment. Leah Thomas from The Good Trade wrote: 

“The most common leather alternatives on the market currently are made from plastics and require fossil fuel extraction, water waste, and sometimes toxic dyes; however, animals aren’t used or directly harmed in the process. If you’re opting for vegan leather, try plant-based fibers when you can to reduce your environmental impact.”

7. Comfort

If you’re someone who sticks their wallet in their pocket every day, comfort is a huge deal. If you’re a back pocket wallet fan, then you’ll want to avoid something big and bulky. Sitting down on a large wallet can cause back pain, so you either have to remove your wallet from your back pocket every time you sit down or just deal with the discomfort.  

To avoid these problems, look for a slim front pocket wallet or micro wallet. You’ll also want to avoid firm materials like metal or hard leather if you’re looking for a comfy pocket wallet. 

If you’re more apt to throw your wallet into a purse or bag, you don’t have to worry so much about comfort. It’s still something to keep in mind in case you ever do have to carry it in your pocket!  

8. Designs 

If you Google “Minimalist Wallets” you’ll likely see a variety of guides featuring popular minimalist wallet designs. Take a scroll through and you’ll quickly see that many minimalist wallets come in plain colors and designs. There’s nothing wrong with a classic wallet style, but just know that you do have more options!

You don’t have to sacrifice trendy designs for the sake of minimalism. There are plenty of minimalist wallets out there if you know where to look! 

Paperwallet features artwork from artists around the world, so there are always new designs for all of our wallets. 

In the market for a new minimalist wallet? Browse Paperwallet for some wallet-inspiration. With products ranging from slim wallets to clutch wallets, there’s something for everyone!   

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About The Survey  

The Paperwallet team polled 759 people across the United States to learn more about their habits and preferences when it comes to wallets and making payments.

1.  Over 80% of People Still Carry Cash Regularly 

Nobody carries cash these days, right? Wrong! Out of the 759 people we polled, 80%-90% of people reported they still carried cash regularly. A whopping 92% of people from the Western region of the United States reported that they carried cash all the time. 

How much cash should you carry? 

Well, that depends on what your spending habits are like. If you just want to use cash for small purchases such as your morning coffee or snacks, $15-$20 is probably sufficient.  

There are a variety of reasons you should keep more cash in your wallet, from tipping your servers to highway tolls. 

2. 19.95% of Americans Don’t Carry Any Cards

In a world that seems dominated by credit and debit cards, it’s surprising that some people don’t carry any cards in their wallets! Over 20% of Americans living in the Northeastern States reported that they don’t carry any type of credit card or debit card in their wallets.

On the other hand, respondents from the Western states carried the most credit cards, with 11.9% of respondents frequently holding on to seven or more cards in their wallets. The Midwestern region had the least number of people claiming to carry seven or more cards, at only 4.4%.  

3. 24% of Americans Use Cash For All of Their Purchases

A survey by Gallup showed that approximately 24% of Americans used cash for all of their purchases. In 2011, 36% of Americans were using cash only, so cash use decreased by 12% from 2011 to 2016. As you might expect, the survey indicated that young Americans reported the greatest decrease in cash use.

However, more Americans responded that they were making “some” of their purchases with cash than they were 5 years ago.   

4. Cash In Circulation Increased Between 2007 and 2012 

The cash in circulation in the US grew by 42% between 2007 and 2012. That doesn’t mean that the number of cash transactions grew by 42%. It’s hard to examine exactly how many cash transactions take place, but one study found that between 42% and 82% of transactions took place with cash. The researchers analyzed a variety of countries, not just the United States. 

Either way, it’s clear that Americans are still stuffing their wallets with a healthy mix of both cash and cards. 

5. Minimalist Wallets Are The New Trend  

As minimalist lifestyles become more popular in recent years, so do minimalist products. Slim wallets are compact and don’t take up much space in a pocket or bag, but they’re also durable and built to last. 

Minimalist wallets are the perfect compromise for those looking to downsize their wallet but still carry all of the cash and cards that they need to.  

6. Digital Wallet Use Is Increasing  

While many people still use cash, digital wallet use is increasing too. In China, Norway, UK, Japan, and Australia, digital wallet use is increasing fast. American digital wallet use is increasing too, but at a slower pace than the aforementioned countries.

While digital wallets are convenient and fast, they can be cumbersome for some people who aren’t as comfortable using new technology. Like debit cards and credit cards, digital payment methods are traceable, which is a major drawback for those looking to protect their anonymity while making purchases. Of course, cryptocurrency is technically untraceable, but it’s far from being accessible. As of 2020, you can’t walk into the grocery store or gas station and pay with Bitcoin. 

Liz J. from Pennsylvania is the Vice President of Marketing at Faveable. She told us about why her favorite American money accessory trend is all digital:

“I rarely bring a physical wallet with me while out and about in Philadelphia anymore, as nearly every business around me accepts payment by digital wallet! Since I don't want to risk losing my debit card and I always have my phone on me, it's just easier for me to pay with a digital wallet. It's also faster to pay that way as you don't have to go digging for your credit card.”

7. More People Are Starting to Use Rubber Bands as Wallets

According to Justin Garrison from Lifehacker, a rubber band wallet was the best wallet he’s ever had.   

For some people, the idea of adding anything extra to their pockets isn’t ideal. 

Whether you’re looking for the ultimate form of minimalism or trying to save money, a new American wallet trend is simply ditching money holders altogether and opting for a singular rubber band instead.

Daniel H. from New York told us why a rubber band is the only wallet accessory he needs:

“I like to keep things simple, especially when living in a busy city where there isn’t much time to waste rifling through a wallet. I used to have a money clip, but found that if I didn’t have a certain amount of cards or cash, it would keep slipping off. Now, I just wrap a rubber band around whatever I need to bring with me. It keeps everything together and doesn’t add any bulk.”

8. It’s Illegal for Some Businesses to Not Accept Cash 

If you’re one of the 21% of Americans who don’t carry any cards with them, you’re in luck!

Did you know there are several states that had to enact laws to require businesses to accept cash? If you live in one of these American states, chances are you’ll be more likely to stash both cards and cash in your wallet. The progress made with digital transactions - from credit and debit cards to mobile cash apps has come to a point where many establishments do not accept cash at all. This has posed quite a problem for several states, leading legislators to mandate that cash be made an option for payment across the state. 

Most of these laws are very recent and only became official as of 2019. The only states who were early adopters of this idea are New York and Massachusetts. Most laws apply to in-person transactions only for vendors of goods and basic services. Common exclusions include parking facilities, rental car companies, airport vendors, and merchants selling goods through memberships. Fines for offenders range between $2,000 to $5,000.

States with laws around this issue include:

• Massachusetts 
• Connecticut
• New Jersey 
• New York
• Oregon 
• Rhode Island
• Pennsylvania 

Additionally, there are select cities across the United States, like San Francisco and Washington D.C., proposing similar amendments. Fines would range from $50 to $1,000 for each infraction. In San Francisco, the change would affect only the purchase of goods and services, exempting professional services. In Washington D.C., the proposal is to apply the law to all retail establishments. 

9. Sustainable and Hand-Made Wallets Are Gaining Popularity

According to SurveyMonkey, 1 in 3 consumers prefer eco-friendly products, even if the eco-friendly version is slightly more expensive. Many savvy consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about where their products come from.  

Eco-conscious shoppers are starting to rule out leather, faux leather, and plastic wallets in favor of recyclable and long-lasting wallets. Brands like Paperwallet use environmentally friendly materials to create their wallets so that they can be recycled after use.  

If you’re a cash or card carrier, Paperwallet has a variety of minimalist and artistic wallets to choose from. All of Paperwallet’s products are made of eco-friendly Tyvek®, long-lasting, and 100% recyclable.  

We’d bet cash on the fact that cash isn’t dying anytime soon! There’s no need to panic and switch to a digital wallet if you don’t want to. 

There’s no denying that most of the modern world has heavily digitized, and finance is one of the leading industries in which we’ve seen this shift. Credit cards, debit cards, bitcoin currency, cash apps, online banking, and Apple pay are only a few examples of the many ways we’ve become used to, and some might say reliant, on accessing our funds digitally. It makes sense, the digital options now available are convenient and easy to use, and provide multiple ways of completing transactions if you accidentally left your flat wallet at home. 

So does that mean cash is now irrelevant? We were surprised to discover that cash is actually still a very popular, and often preferred option!

The Paperwallet team surveyed 962 people, asking about their most common wallet tendencies. One of the most interesting discoveries was that 87.94% of respondents said that they typically carry cash in their wallets. Additionally, 19.95% of respondents didn’t carry any cards in their wallet at all- only cash!

Cash seems to have a few allures to it that cards and other methods just can’t satisfy. The first, sticking to a tight budget. For people who are looking to be more financially responsible, many budgeting methods often suggest dealing in cash only. That way you’re more tangibly aware of what you’re spending. Another perk of keeping cash in your wallet is being prepared for the unknown emergency situations. If your bank account funds get frozen, or you get a flat tire on a road trip and need to pay a tow truck, you’re likely to find yourself in several cash-only situations.

The final commonly cited benefit of cash is the convenience factor. Those little cash-only moments can add up, and rather than delaying your plans to hunt down an ATM, it’s easier to keep cash on your person. 

Need more convincing? Read on for 12 times in life you’ll need to be prepared for cash only experiences. 

Cover to Bars

Nothing is more frustrating than having your exciting night out on the town with friends delayed because you don’t have cash for the cover fee to a bar or club. Since the beginning, bars have had a consistent cash only policy on cover, so you’re unlikely to have the option to use a card or app service. While your friends may be able to spot you, the other alternative is getting out of line and finding an ATM. Keep your big night out fun; carry cash.

Highway Tolls

We all assume we’ll remember to plan ahead for tolls when traveling by car, but this pesky fee is often forgotten about! Most tolls will accept coins or cash, so consider keeping a special stash specifically for tolls in your vehicle. Carrying cash helps avoid those toll penalties arriving in the mail and keeps your stress levels from spiking. 

Valet 

If you’re using valet for your car on an evening out with a special someone, or while staying at a hotel, you’ll find their cash only policies to be mostly universal. Valets make most, if not all, of their wages from tips so plan accordingly and make sure you have sufficient cash for tipping them in your wallet.

Neighborhood Treats 

Most of us have fond memories of the sound of the ice cream truck making the neighborhood rounds. Remember begging your mother for a few dollars and sprinting outside to order your favorite frozen treat? Whether you’re hoping for a sweet bite from an ice cream truck, wanting to sponsor a neighbor’s lemonade stand, or grabbing a snack from a vendor at your local park or sporting event, you’re going to need cash on hand!

Parking Fees

If you live in or visit any sort of city, parking fees are almost guaranteed. While many newer centers have been updated with the option to use a card or app option, there are still cash only parking meters as well. Plus, what if the card or app option is malfunctioning or it’s a coin meter? Having cash ready to go is crucial to a smooth and stress-free parking experience.

Cash Only Restaurants 

Though it may seem unusual in this day and age, there are still some restaurants out there that only accept cash. While many of these establishments make it very well-known about their cash only policy, sometimes you may not realize until the end of the meal when the check arrives! To avoid an awkward situation after a great dinner, keep some cash in your wallet.

Fairs or Carnivals

Many cities have annual fairs that pass through town, offering games, shows, and food for your friends and family to enjoy. Many schools and charities will also host carnival events and fundraisers. More often than not, these types of occasions are cash only affairs. Avoid waiting in what’s sure to be a long line at the ATM and keep the fun going by arriving prepared with cash ready to go.

Avoid Card Minimum Policies

Nothing’s more frustrating than hearing an establishment accepts card payment, but only over a certain amount. That can put you in a tough spot if you were only interested in purchasing one drink or a small bite to eat. You’ll find situations like this commonly at bars, restaurants, comedy clubs, or other staged performances, often as a sly trick to make more money. Keeping a bit of cash with you helps you outsmart the rule and save your dollars for something you actually want to buy.

Tipping

Those who haven’t worked in the food service industry often don’t realize that most servers prefer cash tips over adding the tip to the card you’re paying with. This is because they will only actually get to keep the full tip if it’s cash. The tip added to a card is further parsed up to the restaurant - cutting down what your hard worker server gets in the end. Be kind to your servers, carry cash!

When You Have Children

Having little ones changes a lot about the way you think about money, particularly in the moments when your kids aren’t with you. If your child is going to a birthday party, sleepover, or want to get an after school snack, they’ll need to have some money on hand. Of course, they can’t bring your credit or debit card with them! So the only alternative is cash. Keeping cash in your wallet is another way to make sure your kids are ready for anything.

Vending Machines

You’d be surprised the number of important moments you’ll be relying on cash for a vending machine. Whether you’re at the hospital, airport, gym, or university campus and in desperate need of a cold drink or snack, many vending machines still only accept cash. Do yourself a favor and carry cash for those unexpected moments in life. 

Emergencies

The most important instance you’ll need cash is in emergencies. Whether your cards have been cancelled or stolen, or you have a flat tire on a road trip, having $100-200 hidden away can really save the day. While you may not choose to carry a high amount of emergency cash money in your wallet every day, it’s good to keep in a safe place in your home. Keeping $50-100 in your wallet for emergencies out and about town is never a bad idea. 

Carrying Cash With Ease

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We know our Paperwallet customers are unique and one-of-a-kind, that’s why we do our best to make sure the accessories you use send that message too. Each of our Paperwallet designs is only produced in small batches. While there may be some competition to snag one of our artist wallets while they’re available, if you do manage to get one, you’ll be of the few in the world with that custom piece. Luckily for you, this means you never have to worry about showing up to the party looking like everyone else.

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