10 Best Wallets to Keep Your Cards, Cash, and Sanity Intact
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As far as accessories go, we love a great bag and a major jewelry moment, but nothing works quite as hard as the humble wallet. Used not only daily but multiple times per day, it's a go-everywhere essential, with practical features to consider. Style obvi matters, too–because, yes, you’re going to get the most use (and enjoyment!) out of a wallet that looks incredible, you (literally) won’t want it out of your bag or hands. Luckily, we've scoured around for the best wallets for women, and as our 10 cute AF picks prove, good looks and great functionality do co-exist.
So, how should you go about picking a wallet? Start with size, since that'll determine how (or if) it fits in different bags and pockets. If you haul around a Mary Poppins-esque bag with everything you could possibly need (...and might need but probs don't), a bigger continental wallet may work best; it'll fit in any bag, and is easier to find in that bottomless pit.
If you're more of a minimalist, a card case, rounded silhouette, or trifold style are more practical–and more likely you’ll actually use it–than bigger, bulkier ones. Always rotate between different bags? (Same.) Consider a streamlined style that migrates from tote to a mini bag to a crossbody. Or, go for a wallet that ingeniously moonlights as a clutch or shoulder bag (especially clutch for travel when packing space is limited, BTW).
Our top picks for the best wallets for women of 2024:
For more accessories inspo, don't miss our fave weekenders, cute work bags, chic laptop bags and backpacks, and designer belt bags. But first, check out these standout wallets worth spending and storing your hard-earned cash, plus more helpful wallet shopping tips.
Telfar Wallet
Pros
- pocket-friendly shape
- comes in tons of colors
- secure zip closure
Cons
- won't fit passport or any larger items
Behold: a pint-sized companion for your beloved Telfar tote that doesn't just look so damn adorable, it's packed with practical details. Think: a semi-circle shape designed to fit in pockets way better than a square or rectangular wallet, plus looooooots of card slots and a secure, chunky zipper closure.
Material: Leather
Closure: Zipper
Size: 4.25" x 4.125" (9.25" L when open)
Compartments: six card compartments, cash pocket
Kate Spade New York Brynn Continental Wallet
Pros
- so many card slots
- it's stunning
- amazing quality
Cons
- no display shield for driver's license
Maybe your idea of a proper wallet is the opposite of the minimalist, how-little-can-I-carry M.O. As in, you wanna have the most storage possible for alllll the things (ya know...credit cards, gift cards, coffee shop punch-cards, spare change, crumpled six-foot-long CVS receipts, maybe an old fortune cookie fortune, etc.) if that's the case, go for a continental style like this sensible burgundy-hued option with a dozen card slots, ample space for bills, and wraparound zippered closure.
Materials: Faux leather
Closure: Zipper
Dimensions: 8" x 4" x 1"
Compartments: 12 card slots, billfold section, and zippered interior change pouch
Baggu Nylon Wallet
Pros
- low maintenance material
- loop for clipping to keys or bag
- playful hues and prints
Cons
- velcro closure is kinda loud
If spills and stains are a daily reality (I mean, same; how does my cold brew manage to splatter...everywhere?!) you'll appreciate this durable, easy-to-clean recycled nylon style. The trifold design has a couple card slots and a spot for cash, and comes in fun patterns and colors. The heavyweight nylon material means no stress about scratching or scuffing like with leather...and, unlike leather, this cutie is machine washable.
Material: Recycled heavyweight nylon exterior, recycled polyester lining
Closure: Velcro
Size: 3" x 4.25"
Compartments: 4 card slots and 1 bill fold
Benho Frida Wallet
Pros
- clean, minimalist look
- expandable base for extra storage
- comes in such gorge colors!
Cons
- no exterior pockets or slots
A zip-top wallet keeps things secured better than a card case, but without the extra material and thickness of a snap or velcro closure. This ethically-made, buttery-soft pebbled leather beaut has three pockets inside, with a stealth expandable base so you can even fit keys, gum, and more.
Materials: Pebbled leather exterior, cotton twill lining
Closure: Zipper
Dimensions: 5.25" x 3.75"
Compartments: 3 interior pockets
Cuyana Duo Small Zip Wallet
Pros
- detachable cardholder
- pebbled, croc embossed, and shimmer options
- pieces can be used together or solo
Cons
- no coin storage
Okay, this elegant modular two-piece from Cuyana is low-key genius: Use the duo together for max storage in a curved, compact silhouette, or just the removable, smaller cardholder solo, for when you wanna carry a tighter edit and lighter load.
Materials: Italian leather
Closure: Zipper (main wallet); snap (detachable cardholder)
Dimensions: 4.4" x 4.7" (main wallet); 3" x 3.7" (detachable cardholder)
Compartments: Billfold and 4 card slots (main wallet); 4 card slots (detachable cardholder)
Rave Review: "This is my second wallet purchase—actively sought out because the leather and craft of Cuyana products is in a league of its own. I previously owned a larger size wallet, 10+ years old, and remains in excellent shape. However, I purchased this since I was wanting a smaller wallet (so much more on our phones these days, don't need as many cards or cash)."
Ganni Gold Banner Envelope Chain Wallet
Pros
- v versatile design
- perf for dressy 'fits
- vegan materials
Cons
- limited storage
This party-ready metallic beaut works hard: the envelope-style wallet also moonlights as a sleek clutch or shoulder bag (thanks to that edgy detachable ball chain strap) to hold just the essentials for nights out.
Materials: glittered twill exterior, faux leather lining
Closure: snap
Dimensions: 4" x 8" x 1.5"
Compartments: 1 zip pocket and 1 interior patch pocket
Bao Bao Issey Miyake Gray Gloss Mix Card Case
Pros
- slim silhouette
- vegan, easy-to-clean materials
- comes in fun metallic (and bright) hues
Cons
- only fits cards, not cash
Slim, sleek, and sci-fi chic, this bifold style has a duo of pockets to stash a few cards and a slim profile that's ideal for small pockets and clutches. Plus, you can easily wipe spills or rain drizzles off its shiny PVC vinyl material.
Materials: Mesh and PVC vinyl
Closure: None
Dimensions: 3" x 4.25"
Compartments: 2 patch pockets
Jacquemus Khaki Le Raphia 'Le Pitchou' Wallet
Pros
- can be worn as a crossbody or belt bag
- gorgeous leather
- holds coins, keys, lipstick, etc.
Cons
- no billfold or card slots
Here's another ingenious multitasker that's perf if you're somewhat wallet-adverse (say, if you use Apple wallet to tap to pay via your phone versus actually using physical cards or cash). This adorable designer pick is technically a coin purse, but it's also perf as a wearable, hands-free way to carry the bare minimum at concerts or other crowded situations. Extra style credit if ya layer it with another cute mini bag (or two).
Materials: Buffed leather exterior, faux leather lining
Closure: Zipper
Dimensions: 4.5" x 4.5"
Compartments: 1 zippered pouch
Brandon Blackwood Bamboo B Card Holder
Pros
- jewelry-like hardware
- perf for fancy occasions
- quality leather
Cons
- no cash or coin storage
Obsessed with the glam gold bamboo-shaped hardware on this supple leather card case. It's so chic, and a compact option if you tend to be cashless and just need a secure spot for your cards.
Material: Cowhide leather, brass hardware, nylon lining
Closure: none
Size: 4.25” L x 3.35” H
Compartments: six card compartments
Not only will you know where your passport is at all times while on the go with this sleek bolo style bb with an adjustable strap; it's got a couple card slots, too, and can fit some bills and even a lip balm, as well. But it's too cute to only use when you're traveling, TBH!
Materials: Leather
Closure: Snap
Dimensions: 3.5" x 6"; adjustable 5"-20" strap length
Compartments: passport slot, 2 card slots
What to look for in the best wallets:
Durability
More than most accessories, your wallet's gotta put up with a lot of constant use and handling on a daily basis, so a durable material is ideal. That could mean a thick, sturdy leather (like Saffiano or embossed variations) or vegan options like ripstop and heavyweight nylon (aka, stuff that holds up in hardcore conditions and settings, like camping or sailing) or a well-made faux leather.
Compartments
Besides dimensions, there’s another key size factor to consider–the types and capacities of the compartments and card slots. Think: how much cash and change do you tend to carry? Do you typically use one or two cards 90% of the time, or are you rotating between a full stash of cards on the reg?
Design and Closure
A great wallet needs a safe and sturdy way to close–and stay closed. For example, snap and magnetic closures can be quickly opened or closed, but a zippered version is usually more secure; velcro is another solid option, though louder, FWIW.
Tech features
Functionality doesn’t end with a secure closure and durable material–many wallets these days have RFID (radio-frequency identification)-blocking technology, which helps thwart identity theft attempts from contactless payments on credit and debit cards when you tap (instead of swipe or insert) to pay. Granted, general consensus is mixed on just how effective RFID-blocking tech really is, so though many styles have it built in, it’s a feature that’s nice to have, not need to have.
Why trust Cosmo:
Cosmo’s team of fashion experts—which includes fashion director Cassie Anderson and fashion features director Rachel Torgerson, senior accessories editor Andrea Zendejas, and fashion editors Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien and Danielle Flum—have decades of experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we've curated a chic little corner of the internet for you like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!
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