Everything You Need To Know About RFID Wallet—An Ultimate Guide

Today we're delving into the RFID wallet, technology and protection.

A cash free economy has become the norm with the advancement of technologies, especially among developed countries across the nation. However, this increased prevalence of non physical payment methods has raised a new security concern for many people.

Of course, you know it is essential not to share passwords or other related information about your bank cards with any strangers. But did you know that skimmers can breach your information directly from your pocket without you knowing it? It is where an RFID wallet can come in handy, also referred to as an RFID blocking wallet.

If you have credit cards or other devices with RFID chips, this write up is entirely for you. Here, we will discuss all the essential aspects concerning the RFID wallet. Continue reading if all you want is to protect your information and save the figures in your bank account.

What is RFID?

Before diving further, we first need to understand what RFID technology is. After all, the need for an RFID wallet comes from the introduction of this technology.

RFID is the acronym of Radio Frequency Identification that utilizes electromagnetic fields for tracking and identifying objects that have tags. There are two essential components of an RFID system. The first is the RFID tag, which comprises of chip and antenna and contains the encoded information. The second is the reader, which decodes the tag’s data and sends it to a connected RFID computer system.

The functionality of this technology is that it allows for contactless payment. There is no need for you to swipe or insert your card into a terminal. All you need to do is bring your credit card into contact with a scanner to make the transition.

In case you are not familiar with an RFID enabled card, you can look for the Wi Fi kind of symbol on the side of the card. Besides, there will be a small rectangular RFID chip on the card. If you see these signs, then your card has RFID technology.

What is RFID Skimming?

Although RFID credit cards save time and make payments hustle free, it has its disadvantage. One major downside comes from RFID skimmers. RFID skimming is the process by which hackers use illegitimate RFID scanners to scan and download your card information from a distance. This information can include your card number, CVV codes, and expiration dates.

Since RFID technology works through electromagnetic fields, the skimmers do not need to touch your wallet with the RFID reader. So it means you will not even be aware that this skimming activity was carried out on your wallet.

Once they have all the information from your card, they can transfer the data into a new card and leave your account with a zero balance. However, you can secure this skimming activity by using an RFID protection wallet. Nowadays, several options are available, ranging from RFID wallets for men and on the other end RFID wallet womens products. All in all, it means that there are plenty of options out there regardless of gender.

What is The RFID Blocking Wallet And How Does It Work?

As mentioned, the RFID wallet’s primary function is to prevent skimmers from stealing your card details and information.

Just a glance, this wallet looks quite a regular wallet, but do not let its appearance fool you. It has built in RFID protection that keeps away criminals and hackers.

An RFID wallet contains a special layer made from metal or carbon fiber. When a skimmer tries to read your card secretly using an RFID scanner, this layer blocks the incoming electromagnetic field from reaching your RFID enabled card.

The reason is that metal or carbon fiber is a conductive material. When electromagnetic waves come towards your RFID enabled cards, this protective layer spreads the waves throughout the wallet but stops reaching your RFID enabled card. It is how an RFID protection wallet keeps skimmers away and ensures safety for your cards.

Things to Consider When Looking For The Best RFID Wallet:

Here are some essential things that you should consider before blindly choosing a new RFID blocking wallet:

• Material:

These wallets come in a wide range of materials, such as carbon fiber, genuine leather, faux leather, aluminum, etc. If you are looking for an affordable RFID wallet, then faux leather wallets will be ideal. But they are prone to cracking and tearing over time.

For more durability, you should consider genuine leather wallets. However, you will need to pay a little extra for a genuine leather wallet.

• Style:

Style is another essential thing that you should consider before buying an RFID wallet. One of the most popular styles is bifold, which you can fold in half. Another great option is the cardholder wallet, which comes with a single sleeve with built in RFID protection. It also features several pockets to hold your cards or other related items.

However, if you have many cards, then we recommend the trifold style wallet. It can house not only several cards but also adequately compact to carry in your pocket. 

• Other accessories:

RFID wallet also comes with several accessories to make your wallet more appealing and useful. One essential accessory is coin pockets, where you can store coins. The benefit of this feature is that you can quickly access the change when in need.

Another essential accessory is ID windows. With this feature, you can easily show your ID card without the need to remove it from your wallet. Besides, if you want to ensure maximum safety for your wallet’s items, you should consider a wallet with locking clasps.

How Do You Know If Your RFID Wallet Works?

Buying an RFID wallet is one thing, but what matters most is whether it works or not. The only best way to check the reliability of your RFID enabled wallet is by testing it. Try scanning your wallet while the card is inside it at a PayPass terminal. If the scanner can detect your card, then your RFID wallet is not working.

To sum up, an RFID wallet has become a necessity to keep your RFID enabled cards safe. Without it, your card information is susceptible even when it is inside your pocket or bag.

Remember, skimmers can easily scan your wallet without you even knowing it. Once they have all your card information, they can copy your RFID card data onto a new card, thereby leaving you in zero balance. So if you have RFID enabled cards, we recommend grabbing an RFID protection wallet.

You can always take additional precautionary steps, such as placing your wallet in the front pocket or making transitions through a secured gateway too.

Hopefully, the information contained in this article helps to reinforce the necessity for RFID enabled wallets especially if you’re traveling or just want to have the best protection against skimmers going after your information tucked away in your purse or pockets on a daily basis.