Wallet guide Card holder or wallet: choosing a slim wallet

5 min read
Short answer

If you carry fewer than ten cards and little cash, a card holder is slimmer, lighter and easier to pocket. If you need room for flat notes or coins, choose a slim wallet instead. Every AKIELO collection has RFID blocking built in.

How many cards do you really carry?

Most people use three or four cards day to day. Empty your wallet and count the ones you used in the last month. If it is eight or fewer, any of our card holders will take them, with room to spare.

ALPHA card holder with cash and cards on a desk
ALPHA fans out up to 8 flat cards at the push of a button.

Do you need cash or coins?

  • No cash: ALPHA or CHARLIE keep things smallest.
  • A few notes: a Clip edition of ALPHA or CHARLIE adds a money clip.
  • Flat notes: OSCAR is a bifold that holds every UK note without folding.
  • Coins: BRAVO Zip has a zipped pocket for loose change.

How do the six collections compare?

CollectionBest forCardsCashSize
ALPHACards at the push of a button5 embossed or 8 flatClip editions10.4 x 6.6 x 0.8cm
ALPHA LEATHERPop-up cards with room for notes5 to 8, plus outer pocketsFolded notes11.1 x 7.7 x 1.3cm
BRAVOThe most cards in a flat shapeUp to 10Notes, and coins in Zip editions11.2 x 8.2 x 0.8cm
CHARLIEThe smallest pocketUp to 8Folded notes, or Clip editions10.7 x 7.1 x 0.5cm
ECHOQuick access to one main cardUp to 8Folded notes10.7 x 7.1 x 0.6cm
OSCARTravel and tapping inUp to 8Unfolded notes10.5 x 8.1 x 1.7cm

Metal or leather?

Aluminium, as on ALPHA, is tough, keeps cards from bending and makes it quick to find the card you need. Vegan leather is softer, quieter in the pocket and wears in with use. Both block contactless signals, so the choice comes down to the look and feel you prefer.

CHARLIE card holder in a jeans pocket
Six collections, all with RFID blocking

Slim wallets and card holders

From the 5mm CHARLIE to the Tap & Go OSCAR, each comes in a gift box with our hallmark.

About this guide

Written by the AKIELO team, makers of everyday carry since 2017.