We all want something different in a wallet. Maybe you’re a minimalist who wants to carry the bare essentials or maybe you’re someone who simply can’t pass up a loyalty card. Either way, the “right” wallet is out there, waiting for you to find it.

I’m a purse-switcher, which means I sometimes need to switch wallets, too. Some of my bags are roomy enough to hold my maximum capacity, no-card-left-behind wallet, and others require a pared-down approach. If that sounds familiar, my hope is that you’ll find all your dream cash-and-card receptacles on this list.

No matter your priorities, the key to a good wallet is storage space. Are there enough pockets, nooks, and crannies to meet your needs, no matter what they are? Wallets get a lot of use, so you also want to look for something that can withstand some wear-and-tear and hold all your necessities.

Here are our top picks for the best women’s and feminine-style wallets:

Prices and links are current as of 7/23/20. We also added a list of wallets we’re looking forward to testing.


The best wallet overall

Kate Spade’s Spencer Zip-Around Continental Wallet holds up to 12 cards, plus all your cash and other necessities, and it’s the perfect size for tossing in your work bag.

If my bag can accommodate it, I prefer a larger wallet. They’re harder to overstuff and they typically come with extra compartments that make organization simple. Take the Spencer Zip-Around Continental Wallet by Kate Spade, for example.

It has 12 slots that hold everything from credit cards to the punch cards from your local coffee shop, an interior zippered pocket that makes a solid change purse, two sections for cash, and an outside pocket to hold essentials that you need close at hand. The 7.67" x 4.33" x 0.98" wallet is large enough to store phones up to the size of an iPhone XS Max.

This is a great pick if you're a Kate Spade fan who doesn't want to splurge on one of the brand's quirkier designs. The Spencer Zip-Around Continental Wallet has a timeless one- or two-color body adorned with the Kate Spade logo. You can choose from classic neutrals like black and dark blue or brighter colors like mint and red. The interior style is subtle as well, with a floral jacquard lining.

Its Saffiano leather construction is notable for being both pliable and durable against scratches, so you don't have to be particularly careful when you're throwing it in your bag. However, you'd never think it's this practical and functional when you look at its sleek, composed design. Overall, it's a safe but reliable choice for a wallet you can carry in most day bags.

Pros: 12 card slots, multiple pockets, roomy, quality design

Cons: Might be too bulky for smaller purses, pricey


The best wallet for holding cards

Foto: Source: Travelambo

Do you never, ever turn down a loyalty card? The Travelambo RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is about to be your new best friend.

We've all had that moment. You're in a coffee shop or a big-box retailer or a restaurant. The person assisting you says these eight words: "Do you want to join our loyalty program?" Even though you know the chances of ever stepping back into the store are slim, you nod. And next thing you know, there's another mostly useless card taking up precious real estate in your wallet.

If this sounds like you, consider the Travelambo RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet. It has 16 card slots, a clear slot to hold an ID card, plus two cash compartments that zip shut. This wallet also comes equipped with RFID-blocking technology. As Wirecutter reports, "you're far more likely to be affected by a card skimmer at an ATM, or a breach of a major retailer" than by someone trying to scan your cards while they're in your wallet. Still, it is a cool feature if you're into doubling down on security.

The Travelambo RFID Blocking Bi-Fold Wallet is made of real leather and comes in tons of colors, including a fun metallic rose gold. You're sure to find one that suits your vibe.

Pros: 16 card slots, multiple zipper pockets, RFID-blocking feature, comes in many colors, great deal for the price

Cons: Reviewers noted the card slots are stiff


The best wallet clutch

Foto: Source: Bellroy

If you prefer not to carry a large purse but still want room for essentials, you'll love the spacious and thoughtfully designed Bellroy Leather Clutch.

Carry Bellroy's slim Leather Clutch when you want to travel light. It's a simple clutch that's the easy, practical choice for days spent running errands, nights dining out and dancing, and anything in between.

It has three card slots, which sit side by side instead of stacked on top of each other, so your cards won't get stuck together. There's also a pocket for cash and two roomy main compartments where you can store makeup and other small accessories.

One of my favorite features of the clutch is the central divider that has a magnetic closure. I store my tiny apartment key in here for extra peace of mind, but you can also use it for any valuables or spare change.

To keep both hands free, slip the wrist strap on. This wristlet wallet is comfortable to carry and the strap ensures your valuables won't go flying in case someone bumps into you.

It's made from premium leather that's been certified by the Leather Working Group, which maintains environmental standards for leather products. This leather ages well according to many Shopping team members who have been carrying Bellroy's wallets for years. In case you experience any defects with the clutch, Bellroy offers a reasonable three-year warranty. -Connie Chen

Pros: Comes with a wrist strap, slim design, has a compartment with magnetic closure, made from durable leather

Cons: Limited color options


The best wallet for minimalists

Foto: Source: Madewell

The Madewell Leather Card Case is the perfect choice for anyone who hates clutter and loves a streamlined wallet.

I've always wanted to be one of those people with a perfectly organized wallet that somehow never gets stuffed with two-year-old Starbucks receipts and euros from that one time they went on vacation. I'm not one of those people, but perhaps the answer is simple: less space.

This Leather Card Case from Madewell doesn't leave much room for clutter. It has a few card slots big enough to hold the absolute most important essentials - credit card, ID, maybe a $20 bill or two. The card case will come in handy any time you feel like carrying a really tiny purse. Or no purse at all - It's small and flat enough to comfortably slide into a tight pocket.

Although card cases are a dime a dozen, the Madewell version gets high marks for its quality leather and the fact that you can personalize it with a monogram.

Pros: Sturdy leather, fits multiple cards and cash, fits in clutch bags or pockets

Cons: Leather takes some breaking in, very small so it's just for the basics, colors may vary due to natural dyes (according to the brand)


The best travel wallet

Foto: Source: Cuyana

The Cuyana Classic Passport Case is an attractive, functional, expert-approved wallet that won't cramp your style when you're jet-setting.

I always wonder how bloggers and celebrities look so put together when they travel. My vacation style, no matter the destination, tends to be slightly disheveled. Maybe I just need the right travel wallet, like Cuyana's Classic Passport Case. It keeps all your important documents and money safe without ruining your outfit.

At nine inches long and four inches wide, this case holds your passport, ID, credit cards, even airplane boarding passes. Considering those always wind up crumpled into a ball under my seat on long flights, that's a major plus.

The Insider Picks team loves the Cuyana Classic Passport Case so much that we've featured it twice, in a dedicated review and on our list of the best travel wallets. "I've rarely been so glad so frequently for any item while traveling," writes Insider Reviews senior reporter Mara Leighton.

Choose from four classic colors in pebbled leather - stone, black, red, or navy - or a metallic champagne leather.

Pros: Fits all your travel essentials (including passport and airplane tickets), quality leather, sleek design, monogram option available

Cons: On the pricey side for something you may only use when traveling


The best card case

Foto: Source: Dagne Dover/Instagram

The Dagne Dover Accordion Card Case holds more cards than you'd expect it to, but it's small enough to carry anywhere.

If you hate big wallets as much as I do, but you want something that's more secure than a normal card case, Dagne Dover has the wallet for you. The Accordion Card Case has three card slots inside and one on the outside.

You can fit multiple cards in each interior slot, and the slot on the outside is perfect for your go-to credit card, metro pass, or anything else you need quick access to. All your cards are secured inside the wallet, thanks to the top flap that covers them and closes magnetically on the front.

Dagne Dover uses high-quality leather that's strong and well made. It comes in beautiful colors, too, so you're sure to find one you like.

I've been using the card case daily as my main wallet for nearly a year now, and it's excellent. It keeps my cards organized, takes up almost no space in my bag, and prevents any accumulation of receipts and other non-essential items. The only downside is the price, but this is a card case that will last for decades. It's just that well made.

Dagne Dover also makes a wonderful traditional wallet that's much larger and has many more card slots. It's called the Slim Wallet, because it has a very svelte profile compared to other wallets with the same amount of storage. -Malarie Gokey

Pros: Easy to carry, holds more cards than expected, high-quality leather, durable

Cons: Small, expensive


What else we're testing and considering testing:

We're always looking to keep our guides updated with fresh picks. Here are some products we're looking to try out soon:

  • Herschel Supply Co. Travel Wallet, $25: When you're traveling, you may need room for more documents than your usual wallet can handle. This travel wallet from Herschel Supply Co. seems like a great choice. It's made out of polyester, which is naturally water-resistant, so your belongings should stay dry. It has six card slots as well as two zip pockets to keep items secure. The whole wallet can be zipped up to make sure all of your important cards, money, and documents stay put.
  • Mark & Graham Leather Phone Card Case Sticker, $29: If you're the kind of person who leaves the house with just your cell phone and some cash and cards stuffed in your pocket, a phone case-wallet hybrid may be a good option for you. This card case from Mark & Graham adheres to your regular phone case and gives you two slots to hold cards and other small essentials. We love how you can personalize it with your initials, too.
  • MZ Wallace Metro Key Pouch, $45: I love card cases because they're small, compact, and can fit just about anywhere. The only problem is because of their size, they're easy to misplace. This lightweight nylon pouch has three credit card pockets inside, as well as a good amount of open space for keys, change, and any other small knick-knacks. The zip-top keeps everything secure and there's even a keyring so you can attach this to your bag and make sure you don't lose anything.

Check out our other women's accessory guides

Foto: Source: Senreve/Instagram

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