Non-bendy card-safe wallet?

September 29, 2009 12:15 PM

Another wallet question!

I have a problem with my credit cards breaking: after about six months they snap along the top. This is getting expensive since I have to pay to replace the cards.

I'm looking for a wallet, leather preferably, that will prevent the cards from bending. I realise these two wants might be mutually exclusive. The wallet lives in my jeans.

From previous questions, I've seen the ACM wallet, which seems very thick and looks a little chunky, and the jimi wallet which seems to be a lot better: except I have to fold up the money, and it only takes 4 cards (I need 8).

I'm looking for something that looks like a wallet, but protects the cards from bending. I'd like to be able to see which card is which too if possible.

posted by devnull to shopping (13 comments total)

I've had this generic chain-wallet for well over a decade now, and never had anything bend inside it.
posted by Greg Nog at 12:21 PM on September 29

Your cards are regularly and repeatedly breaking while they're in your wallet, which you keep in your pants pocket? Are you wearing really, really tight pants, or doing anything else that might subject your wallet/credit cards to unusual stresses?
posted by box at 12:35 PM on September 29

> Are you wearing really, really tight pants

Nope. But I live in Europe :)
posted by devnull at 12:47 PM on September 29

Btw I found the flipside wallet but it seems a little bulky and doesn't handle euro bills.
posted by devnull at 1:10 PM on September 29

The criss cross version of this wallet looks like it will hold at least six cards and it is made out of microfibers of stainless steel. Is steel cooler than leather?

Otherwise, find a leather wallet that you like (and will hold 8 cards) and put a piece of rigid metal that is just a bit larger than a credit card in it.
posted by soelo at 1:25 PM on September 29

The only time I've had this problem with a wallet is when I kept too much crap in it. self-reflection time: how slim is your wallet?
posted by Think_Long at 1:26 PM on September 29

> microfibers of stainless steel.

Interesting. Would this make the wallet strong in the right way though?

> self-reflection time: how slim is your wallet?

I have four euro notes, seven plastic cards, and three business cards.
posted by devnull at 1:33 PM on September 29

I had one of the stainless steel wallets, and it fell apart after about 1 year. I've been carrying a dosh wallet for a year now and it still looks new (and no card breakage). I have the dosh wallet that has 6 card slots and carry 7 cards plus 5 business cards in it.
posted by gregr at 1:39 PM on September 29

I use a small wallet and keep it in my front pocket. No damage to contents - and pretty much pick-pocket proof too.
posted by COD at 4:53 PM on September 29

I use a small wallet and keep it in my front pocket. No damage to contents - and pretty much pick-pocket proof too.

Seconding. Or in a jacket pocket if you wear sport coat or the like. Sitting on the wallet is what does the damage — to the pants, the wallet, and the contents thereof. Nix the back pocket and all three problems are solved.
posted by beagle at 5:40 PM on September 29

What about one of those metal business card holders - you know, the snazzy ones business people keep extra cards in? There are probably some out there that are the right shape (I know business cards are a little longer).
posted by media_itoku at 8:58 PM on September 29

I've had a Slimmy (in black) for several years now - I love it and it still looks pretty much like it did the day I got it.
posted by joshuaconner at 1:41 AM on September 30

http://www.flipsidewallet.com/features.html can't vouch for this one, but it looks close to your needs
posted by pyro979 at 10:10 AM on September 30 [1 favorite]