Carrying too many cards in your wallet can make it uncomfortably bulky, increase the risk of having your sensitive information stolen if you lose it, and even damage the cards themselves. This article outlines recommendations on what cards not to keep in your wallet for convenience, security and longevity.
Prioritize essential cards
Only keep your most essential cards with you daily to streamline what you need to carry. Consider removing cards you rarely use except in specific situations.
High priority wallet cards
- Primary debit/credit card – Have your top go-to payment card handy for regular transactions
- Primary ID card – Such as a driver’s license or other government-issued ID
- Health insurance card – Important to have on hand for doctor/hospital visits
- Small amount of cash – For purchases where credit/debit aren’t accepted
Low priority wallet cards
- Store cards – Minimize except your very most used
- Old/expired cards – Remove anything no longer valid
- Little used memberships – Consider leaving at home
Avoid carrying these common cards
Some types of cards are handy to have the card information in your phone or stored securely online when needed, but aren’t recommended to carry daily in your physical wallet.
Gift cards
Carrying gift cards until they’re depleted can clutter your wallet unnecessarily. Consider adding the numbers to your phone instead for easy access when you want to use them.
Hotel key cards
Once checked out from a hotel, there’s no need to continue carrying the key card in your wallet.
Business cards
Unless exchanging business cards is a regular part of your day, keep them stored elsewhere. Consider capturing the info digitally by taking a photo or scanning for easy transfer into your contacts list.
Library cards
Rather than carry it with you, take a photo or jot down your library card number to store on your phone or access online when needed.
Choose minimalist wallets
A wallet jam-packed with cards is uncomfortable to carry and can actually damage the cards itself if overly strained.
Ditch the long wallet
Bulky long wallets crammed into a back pocket can cause discomfort and spine misalignment when sitting. Opt for a minimalist front-pocket wallet instead.
Ensure proper storage
Look for small wallets designed specifically to hold only essential cards and IDs without bending or rubbing. Quality leather or metal designs with protected slots prevent damage.
Evaluate capacity
Consider how many cards you really use daily/weekly when selecting a wallet size. Goal should be fitting essentials while limiting unnecessary bulk.
Check thickness
Keep it slim by choosing a wallet that can contain layers of 4-6 cards comfortably to avoid cramming.
Practice wallet security
Criminals using RFID readers to steal sensitive data is rare, but not carrying cards is an extra way to protect information if your wallet gets lost or stolen.
Use RFID protection
Some minimalist metal card cases or wallets lined with material to block RFID offer protection for contactless fraud if that is a key concern.
Carry selectively
When going out, decide if you need all your cards. Leave secondary ones securely at home when possible.
Monitor statements
Regularly review charges and notify issuers immediately about discrepancies no matter how small.
Key takeaway
- Place your most frequently used credit/debit card, main ID, health insurance card, and some cash in a slim RFID protected wallet and leave unused cards at home to streamline daily carrying.
- Skip loose gift cards, extra memberships and library cards to minimize bulk.
- Choosing a well-designed compact wallet with durable slots keeps essentials accessible but undamaged.
- Being selective about what is carried and monitoring statements limits risk if lost. The most useful cards in the best protected format makes for secure and convenient wallet portability.
Conclusion
Limiting wallet contents to only your most essential, frequently-used cards streamlines portability so you can access necessary items quickly while keeping protected. Carrying fewer cards also decreases bulk that can strain alignment when sitting and titling items to damage. Being selective helps better secure sensitive information in case of loss as well since there is less to replace if stolen. Follow these best practices of keeping your daily wallet tidy and you’ll have what you need handy at all times in a portable, protective format.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I empty my wallet daily?
It’s a smart habit at end of day to remove receipts, expired cards or extra items accumulated through the day for a fresh start the next morning.
2. How many cards should a wallet comfortably hold?
The recommended wallet capacity is between 4-6 layers of cards to avoid cramming that causes damage while keeping essentials handy.
3. Can I reuse an old wallet if getting a slimmer one?
It depends if existing wallet has secure slots that protect without allowing bend. If so, old wallet may work for minimal daily carry if has slim, protective fit.
4. Where is the safest place to keep my social security card?
Leave actual social security cards locked at home except when needed, with numbers stored securely in your phone. Never carry the actual card unless absolutely necessary for vital paperwork.
5. How can I identify if my wallet offers RFID protection?
Quality RFID blocking card cases clearly indicate in product details if technology is integrated. Often real metal or composite blocking materials are visible if RFID claim is valid.
6. Do I need my insurance card daily if I have provider app?
Still recommended to have physical insurance card when accessing in-person care until digital ID fully common. But can photocopy/photograph it for wallet to reduce wear if needed.
7. What kind of wallet should I avoid?
Steer clear of long, overstuffed wallets, especially when back pocket carried. Chunky fold-over styles that allow cards to slip out easily are also not ideal for security and protection.
8. How often should I update the contents of my wallet?
Do weekly review clearing any expired cards and removable paper clutter. Check monthly that your most used cards are current and any new essentials are worked into your daily carry.
9. Can keeping too many cards in my wallet be bad for posture?
Yes, thick overfull wallets in back pockets when sitting push against nerves and misalign the spine over time leading to pain. A slimmer front pocket wallet is better.
10. If my wallet is lost/stolen what should I cancel first?Call card providers immediately to freeze accounts against fraudulent use above all else. Next contact agencies to replace government IDs.
11. Is it bad to store cards in phone case instead of wallet?
Yes, loose storage without durable slots subjects cards to more rapid wear, cracks, scratches and magnet damage from devices. A protective wallet is still best for card longevity.
12. How often should I check credit reports when limiting cards carried?
Review reports frequently, at least every few months, when minimizing items carried to catch any unusual activity suggesting identity theft related to lost wallet faster.
13. Is it necessary to carry credit and debit card together daily?
Carry at least one payment card, but consider alternating between debit and primary credit card instead of both to streamline essentials. Use others via mobile wallet when needed.
14. What household identification should stay home always?
Avoid carrying anything with full home address details like utility bills. Have phone/online access only except for occasional vital use to limit exposure if wallet lost.
15. Is it bad for leather card holders to remain empty?
Leaving credit card slots empty in quality leather or metal cases prevents the material from becoming misshapen over time compared to overstuffing.
16. Where should I keep old gift cards that I don’t use daily?
Unlikely to use gift cards can be kept in secure spot at home like filing cabinet (with numbers/values recorded in your phone for easy access later).
17. If I remove extra cards will it reduce risk of wallet theft?
Carrying fewer vital cards can mean less to replace if stolen, but the wallet itself remains a target. Focus instead on precautions like being aware of surroundings when handling.
18. What kind of case will prevent credit cards from being damaged?
Durable metal or quality leather card cases rather than fabric provide structure to protect cards from bending and wear over time in wallet.
19. Can keeping my wallet in my front pocket prevent sciatica?
Yes, keeping wallet slim, light and positioned towards front instead of back pocket alleviates pressure on sciatic nerve reducing pain.
20. How often should I check for fraudulent charges when minimizing cards?
Be vigilant reviewing charges weekly since having fewer accounts and notifications can mean missed fraud. Notify promptly about every discrepancy.