"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion) 05/21/2019 at 15:52 • Filed to: None

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What’s your wallet situation? Do you lean more minimal, or go for the “everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach?”

A friend recently mentioned that he got a “beach wallet” aka a compact wallet, to take up less space. This is the same friend who I seem to recall having a “party wallet” back in the day, which essentially served the same purpose. Generally though, he has a massive old leather wallet stuffed full of literally every single card he has, along with various paper products and a bunch of cash.

I’m a wallet minimalist.

It started out as a way to move my wallet from my back pocket to my front pocket. You see, to improve the ergonomics of my Miata seat, I removed the bottom padding. Sounds crazy, but sitting about 1.5 inches lower really did improve overall comfort quite a bit.

The only problem was if I sat longer than 15 minutes, due to zero cushion whatsoever on my backside my wallet would make my butt go numb, followed by the corrosponding leg. My hipster skinny jeans wouldn’t work well with stuffing the wallet in a front pocket, so for awhile I just removed my wallet and put it in the center console whenever I drove the Mazda.

After leaving it in the car multiple times I finally tried a new approach. A skinny, front-pocket friendly minimal wallet! I removed everything from the didn’t use on a daily basis and boom, my life was forever changed. Or something.

One external card pocket, and two internal card pockets. Each pocket holds 2 cards tightly, and with time could be stretched to hold 3 cards per pocket.

TThe current load out? 3 credit cards for 100% of any and all spending, my drivers license because duh, an electrical trainee card that I don’t actually need to have on me until I start training at jobsites but I’m being optomistic, and a priority pass membership card that will likely be replaced with another credit card in the wallet as soon as I fall under Chase’s 5/24 rule. Priority pass shouldn’t require a physical card anyways but that’s another issue....

My AAA membership is an absolute godsend, but the card itself is useless when any operator can look you up via last name. I’ve got debit cards for various accounts but it would physically pain me to use one for a purchase, let alone carry it throughout the day. There are a couple starter credit cards I used to build initial credit which are kept at home and used every three months or so for a pack of gum to keep the accounts open. A CPR card that I don’t have use for. An America the beautiful card that gets me into any federal park for free (might just leave that in my car...). And... That’s basically it. Some insurance cards that I definitely don’t need to have on me. I don’t carry cash either, unless I’m traveling internationally or going out for a long night of bar hopping, and even then nowadays there’s often no difference between a cash and a card tip at local restaurants due to the way the employers pay out tips.

Anyways, that’s how I do things. What about Oppo? Who can claim the gold medal for biggest, most stuffed pocketbook? Bonus points if you can stick it in the passenger seat to offset your weight.

5 speeds of turbo wagon jump-seat goodness joining the Volvo tradition of leaving my condo on a flatbed

CB > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 15:57

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My wallet is big, but that’s because I keep all my membership cards, credit/debit cards, cash, ID, health card, and work ID in it.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 15:59

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For years I used a big ol’ leather wallet. C ouple of years back switched to this-will never go back

https://www.ebay.com/i/132744188137?chn=ps

Tripper > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:01

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Also a wallet minimalist. I currently rock this from saddle back leather . It is still honestly bigger than I like. However I rarely carry it. It stay’s in a car or in my gym bag. Even my phone stays behind at this point. I use my watch to pay for pretty much everything.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:04

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I bought a card holding phone case for my beach wallet. It holds two cards and my ID. Since I got this about two years ago, I basically never carry my real wallet, unless I’m traveling and need cash/more than two cards. (I typically keep it in a bag, though.) The two cards I carry depend on what my rotational 5%’s are. Right now, it is my Freedom and my Disco, but I try to keep my Ink in there if at all possible. But the first two quarters, both these cards have stayed in for their current rewards. One more card would be nice, but I like my case and do not want anything thicker.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:04

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i have a nice leather old wallet wich has me id and other cards i consider non essential in it... its been sat in me cupboard for about 10 years now... occasionally handled when i need my insurance details or something...

i have my pincard in me coats chesty pocket and i dont carry cash other than some emergency shrapnel

i also dont currently have a car so i leave the wallet and all thats in it at home

and 100 more > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:04

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I’m similar in mindset, but a bit more ghetto in process.

I bought a bi-fold wallet, one with one of those ID-window flaps in the middle. I literally cut out and kept the flap, and pitched (or saved? can’t recall) the rest of the wallet.

So, I have my ID in the plastic window, my SS card folded up behind it, and my office RFID key behind that; on the opposite side I have a debit card, a credit card, and an insurance card. If in the rare instance that I carry cash, it’s in my front pocket.

All in all, it’s not much bigger than a credit card, and not super thick.

RPM esq. > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:05

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Priority pass doesn’t require a physical card—there’s an app and if you have an iP hone you can have a digital one in your Apple wallet.

My approach is similar to yours: a slim card case type wallet with four or five credit/debit cards on one side and a couple of ID type cards (driver’s license, health insurance , CCW ) on the other. A little cash in the middle. The only thing that complicates this arrangement is a slightly thick office key card, but it works OK crammed in behind the IDs.

fintail > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:05

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I have a well-worn thick leather wallet I use on normal/w orkdays, which has every kind of ID card, work related junk, membership cards, etc. Not quite a George Costanza wallet, but it gets cleaned out now and then. Other days, I use thin Hugo Boss wallet I bought in Germany ages ago as a souvenir, just a few cards and a little cash, nothing else - it also has a change compartment which is usually only used abroad.

nermal > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:06

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Mine is heavily vajazzled, and never un-chained.

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:06

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I’ve used the same bifold leather one from Land’s End for the last 25 years. It keeps all my cards, cash, receipts, a few photos, and now my K900 key.

RPM esq. > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:07

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Priority pass doesn’t require a physical card—there’s an app and if you have an iPhone you can have a digital one in your Apple wallet.

My approach is similar to yours: a slim card case type wallet with four or five credit/debit cards on one side and a couple of ID type cards (driver’s license, health insurance, CCW) on the other. A little cash in the middle. The only thing that complicates this arrangement is a slightly thick office key card, but it works OK crammed in behind the IDs.

RPM esq. > Tripper 05/21/2019 at 16:09

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I have one of those Saddleback ID wallets sitting around too—very nice leather, but too big. Maybe I’ll switch to it when my current wallet wears out, but I’m not convinced.

DutchieDC2R > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:12

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I cant be arsed to add a video/gif here, but, imagine me inserting a gif/video of George Costanza’s wallet snapping in half and then, imagine me making some snarky comment about how my wallet looks like that.

Tripper > RPM esq. 05/21/2019 at 16:13

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They’re stuff is awesome, and the leather gets to look even nicer with use. However that boot leather is just too thick.

Your boy, BJR > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:15

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MonkeePuzzle > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:16

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simple

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QF5QBVQ/

it holds some things, and the slots open to the inside so there is no way of them leaking out (something my old wallet did if it didnt carry an excess of cards to keep eveything tightly squeezed into place)

Darkbrador > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:18

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Wallet phone case ... holds 5 cards easily. Consolidation is the way to go. 

AestheticsInMotion > RPM esq. 05/21/2019 at 16:18

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Huh, looks like I’m setting up the app. For some reason I was thinking that the app only gave you access to a small number of the lounges but I’m not seeing that verified anywhere online so.... Thanks!

I remember years ago my mom had a square key card that had each dimension slightly larger than the length of a standard card. Would have driven me nuts

bob and john > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:18

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I rock this little guy:

https://secrid.com/en-global/collection/miniwallet/miniwallet-prism-black-red

6 cards in the slot (RFID protected)
Credit card, debit card, tim hortons car,firearms permit, health card, drivers permit)

the slots in the back can each hold 3 cards. I have 2 gifts cards in there, CAA, gar points card, and my OMVIC permit. 

AestheticsInMotion > Tripper 05/21/2019 at 16:19

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I haven't used a digital wallet yet, have you ran into any issues? 

AestheticsInMotion > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 05/21/2019 at 16:21

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I regret not grabbing all the Chase cards when I first started t o pay attention to rewards.

Phone wallets are neat. I could see myself going that route someday

AestheticsInMotion > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 05/21/2019 at 16:21

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I regret not grabbing all the Chase cards when I first started t o pay attention to rewards.

Phone wallets are neat. I could see myself going that route someday

AestheticsInMotion > and 100 more 05/21/2019 at 16:22

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“built not bought”

I like it! Just curious, what's the reasoning behind keeping you SS card on you? 

AestheticsInMotion > MonkeePuzzle 05/21/2019 at 16:23

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Huh, you look different than I expected 

Tripper > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:26

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Some g as pumps will only let me use apple pay via credit. If I choose debit, it prompts me for my pin then fails. That is the only thing I can think of. However, I live in an area where even the vending machines at the local YMCA are compatible with digital payments.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:26

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American bison, nearly 20 years old.

AestheticsInMotion > bob and john 05/21/2019 at 16:27

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I want to feel your wallet

and 100 more > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:27

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I have no idea. I think i needed it once.

In other words, i guess, “ reasoning” is being generous. :)

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > bob and john 05/21/2019 at 16:28

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That looks cool. The design is very familiar but I cant quite place it.

CompactLuxuryFan > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:29

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It used to be that the Priority Pass membership you got through Chase required the physical card, but that changed at some point within the last year. Now the app works for those.

412GTI > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:29

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Love the minimalistic approach. Switched back in college and haven’t looked back. I just keep two CC’s a debit, health insurance card, & grocery store rewards cars along with a little cash on the bottom. Oh and my license, duh.

I’ve been itching to get something new since I’m coming up on 5 years with this cheap Amazon example. 

AestheticsInMotion > fintail 05/21/2019 at 16:30

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I remember I used to really want a zipper pocket on my wallet so coins didn't end up all over the place. Do you think we’ll end up ditching the penny soon?

AestheticsInMotion > nermal 05/21/2019 at 16:32

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Woven leather or bust

KnowsAboutCars > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:32

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I used to have all my cards with me all the time but when I got my current wallet I downsized. Now I have driver’s license, id, bank card, public transport card and two or three work related cards I don’t actually need anymore. Gone are bunch of work related certificate cards and two id cards.

AestheticsInMotion > Chariotoflove 05/21/2019 at 16:32

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K900 key? 

MonkeePuzzle > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:33

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sorry, corrected.

that money shouldn’t be in my wallet either :S

CompactLuxuryFan > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:35

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A zippable pocket is a must for me in my wallet, and that narrows down options considerably . For some reason trifolds almost never have one, much less the smaller ones. Right now I’m rocking a “leather” Pull & Bear trifold that more than gets the job done but I’m thinking I’ll probably go back to a cloth (with velcro ) one I have at home once this one gives out. This looks pretty appealing, actually: https://www.pullandbear.com/us/man/accessories/see-all/cotton-wallet-with-color-zipper-c1030004114p501314957.html?cS=800

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:35

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I keep trying to branch out but their rewards are too solid. I don’t have a sapphire yet, but next planned big ticket item I’ll snag it. I’m consistently under 5/24 so it shouldn’t be an issue.

The phone case is great. I hate having shit in my pockets so it is very convenient for me. Plus it fits in the pocket of board shorts.

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:37

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Has a transmitter in it. I never have to take it out. Also has an emergency hard key that slides out.

CompactLuxuryFan > CompactLuxuryFan 05/21/2019 at 16:37

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MattHurting > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:38

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AestheticsInMotion > Chariotoflove 05/21/2019 at 16:38

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You people and your fancy keys that I’m totally not jealous of.

arl > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:39

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If you keep both your dog and your wallet on a chain - you might be a redneck. 

bob and john > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:41

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it got flattened pretty quick, but I dont mind it. 

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:43

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Haha!

Really, this key makes me so happy. Sitting down all the time means I always had to carry my keychain in a pocket that was kind of hard to access, or else carry it on a spring loaded chain like a janitor. First world problem, I know, but it is really nice to have that tiny  problem solved, and it’s one of the little things I take pleasure in.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 16:44

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Man purse, full of keys for 4 cars, my home, PO box, letter box and office. Also in the bag are cords/chargers, external battery/memory and whatever medication I need.

Always packed!

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 17:04

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I did the front pocket wallet for a long time, but eventually I needed too many things for the front pocket wallet to accommodate . After waffeling for a while, I went with a SlimFold wallet . They way it holds the cards means it isn’t as rigid as a normal wallet, it can hold a lot of cards (I have 10) and it is big enough to carry a boarding pass, which is neat. They make a smaller version that my friend ended up with that is also pretty cool.

Pich, with Z32 now featuring Civic [Si] / No > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 17:11

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I’ve had this bad boy for 5 or so years now still works like a champ.

although it is extremely big its not a big deal to just take it out of my pocket and set  it in a cubby while driving

TheRealBicycleBuck > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 17:18

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I had one of the fancy “minimalist” wallets with aluminum plates held together with large o-rings acting as rubber bands. Those o-rings made it hard to get the wallet in and out of my pocket. So, I switched to something similar to this:

Three pockets for cards and an ID window on the other side.

Perfect.

vicali > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 17:24

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I’ve been carrying around the same bifold for almost 15 years, but I’m looking closely at a few of these TrayVax;

https://www.trayvax.com/collections/be-prepared/products/element

https://www.trayvax.com/collections/travel-light/products/ascent

MrDakka > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 17:29

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What about prison wallets? The ultimate minimalist wallet

Sovande > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 17:38

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https://www.filson.com/bridle-leather-front-pocket-cash-card-case.html

And a very similar one made by Tanner Goods. It's not as nice but it's smaller and half the price of the Filson wallet. The Filson will easily outlast me. 

and 100 more > MrDakka 05/21/2019 at 17:50

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Never lose your stuff. Might just have to wait a bit to retrieve it...

ihm96 > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 18:37

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https://www.walletwerks.com/collections/credit-card-wallets/products/4

Yall are doing it wrong. My wallet is a card holder wallet made out of genuine BMW E36 M3 M-Tech fabric. Gotta have car themed everything lol

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 20:32

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One piece kangaroo leather (no tint) bifold from Honore in Australia.

Folds up only a fingertip wide...

fintail > AestheticsInMotion 05/21/2019 at 22:17

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I think the big penny lobby has its claws in government, no reason to keep it around.  As you probably know, Canada did away with it.

MrDakka > and 100 more 05/21/2019 at 22:32

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Thats why you attach strings to your stuff before you put them in. No fuss with losing items. Plus you can label the strings for easy identification.

and 100 more > MrDakka 05/21/2019 at 22:36

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LOL! I would hate to be complimented on  my highly-organized prison wallet. 

Longtime Lurker > AestheticsInMotion 05/22/2019 at 03:38

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I have 2, a big fat bi-fold with everything in it that I rarely use and  a minimalist bi fold for taking to work: 1 credit card, 1 debit card, drivers license, work ID, SGI signing officer card, between $20-40, and maybe a gift card incase I need to use it to but lunch. But the leather on both wallets are now starting to disintegrate, so I'll be looking for new ones.

i86hotdogs > AestheticsInMotion 05/22/2019 at 08:04

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I switched over to one of these after my last cheap bi-fold bit th e dust

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BV8SL2L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Able to fit my license, insurance “ card” (card sized piece of paper), and my work badge in the clear slot, one credit card in each back slot, cash on the clip, and one open pocke t for miscellaneous things like hotel key or the Missus’ ID when she doesn’ t want to carry her purse.

My father famously rocks the rubber band method. One band to secure everything together, then smaller bands to divide the cash, credit cards, rewards cards, and coupons into different sections. His “wallet” is over an inch thick.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 07/02/2019 at 01:46

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I have been carrying in my front pocket for at least 20 years now. I currently use a Radix One slim “wallet” that replaced my ultra-classy binder clip. It’s big enough for all my cards and pretty cheap; it was a gift from my wife and the first slim wallet that has met my expectations. Still way more expensive than a binder clip, though.

What’s up with hitting the 5/24 limit? You only have two Chase cards there, did you close some? Even with an Amazon Prime card, you should still have a couple available. Always convert any unused Chase cards t o a Freedom if possible to get that sweet 5% on more than $1500 spent in a quarter. For example, I converted a Slate that I didn’t use...

Just keep the Priority Pass card with your passport. I always use it for ID when traveling anyhow, plus it clears up some space in the wallet.

Good tip on the AAA card. I have been asked to show it before, which is why I still carry it. It’s on my phone, though, so you’d think I could go without it...

My wallet is packed compared to yours: License, medical card, AAA, debit card (bank), debit card (CU), Quicksilver (just because I need to remember to use it; I use Chase cards instead of it now), Freedom 1, Freedom 2 (really should keep only one on me at a time), Freedom Unlimited, and CSR. 10 cards plus an emergency $40 just in case I need cash for some reason.

Humorously, I keep my wallet in my backpack on work days because I can pay for food with my phone.

AestheticsInMotion > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 07/02/2019 at 02:05

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The 5/24 counts all cards opened, not just Chase unfortunately :(

I’ve got my two starter cards I used to build credit that a basically useless to me for anything besides raising the average account age, a credit card with my credit union that is the same, the two chase cards above and I just hit spending requirements for the newest-to-me Alaska Airlines card. It’ll be another year until two cards fall off and I can pick up another chase card. I’m trying to decide if I want the freedom or one of the business cards first. That 5% back sure looks nice...

Especially now that I basically have an external battery with me at all times, I should really think about putting all my cards on Google or Samsung's payment system. 

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 07/02/2019 at 02:40

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I didn’t realize they counted all cards, I thought it was just cards with Chase...

Hate the way those starter cards end up useless. Can you convert them to anything useful with those banks? It keeps them open, doesn’t result in a hard pull, and keeps the account opening date the same.

Unless you own a business that will benefit from the Ink, get the Freedom. My in-laws use the Ink, but it doesn’t make much sense if you already carry a CSR unless you spend a really large amount on office supplies and telecom utilities (or you have few cards and can just use this card for these two obscure categories).

The major bonus to the 5% is that with the CSR you can make it virtually 7.5%. The downside to the Freedom’s 5% categories is that they change every quarter and they have such a low spending limit in these categories ($1500, meaning you get at most $75 (or $112.50 if spent on travel through the CSR)). This is why having multiple is useful...

The only caveat is that there are still a lot of places that don’t have the equipment for touchless payments. I just happen to be in an environment where they’re consistently available, which is rare...

AestheticsInMotion > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 07/02/2019 at 03:12

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My credit union card, no. The two starter cards are Capitol One, so.... Maybe? At the moment though I don’t spend enough to make diversifying my points portfolio worthwhile, and if I did I think I’d want to dip my foot into the AmEx ecosystem... I forsee most of my travel in the next few years to be in Asia, and AmEx seems to have better partners for that.

I was actually looking at the ink business cash, not the one that’s basically a business version of the SR. 50,000 point bonus, good cell phon e/cable bill return, and good returns on giftcards purchased at office supply stores, if I ever decide to step to that level haha. $0 annual fee so I’ll pick it up eventually...

Did you have to do something tricky to get multiple freedom cards? Apply for one and downgrade another card or... 

Anyways, until I drop under 5/24, I’m basically just doing nothing in this space. Hopefully I can at least g et started with investing in the meantime

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 07/02/2019 at 12:51

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Nothing at all for the Freedom cards. I had an old (really old) card that was originally with WaMu, then they were sold to Chase, then Chase renamed it to something generic, something else generic, then rebranded it a “Slate”. It’s my second-oldest card, so I asked what I could do with it and they said I could convert it into almost any consumer card, rattling off the list and explicitly excluding a Sapphire product (apparently they only allow one card of this group per person), so I asked if they could do a Freedom and they said that was fine. You don’t get the new account bonus, but I think keeping old ones alive and being able to exploit the 5% categories more is easily worth it.

I totally do the gift card thing at drug stores and grocery stores when those are the categories, although watch Chase closely, as sometimes they have better deals than the categories with specific merchants.

I’m not sure that the Business cards apply to your personal credit, but I could be wrong. Also, be careful, as business cards have very different rules.

I have done a lot of comparison of the different points programs and haven’t yet found one that beats Chase UR if you are willing to pay the $125/year (after the $300 travel credit and $100 Global Entry fee every 4 years) fee for a CSR and if you always redeem them for travel . The CSP is almost a wash compared to the Capital One cash back and requires less spending for those with lower expenses (I have often questioned why people will ask for a recon on CSPs and CSRs when their incomes are far too low to possibly earn more than these straight cash back cards will give them .)...   I spend a ridiculous amount across all my Chase cards every month and rarely buy much that doesn’t have some kind of bonus above my FU, so your actual results may vary . Based on my rough spending, after the fee, my point earning rates are approximately:

Freedom: 7 (5% categories)
CSR: 4.2 (dining & travel)
FU: 2.1 (everything else)

That’s essentially impossible to beat...