Different Wallet Types Compared

Nearly every company insists they offer the best products. However there can only be one product that’s truly the best. While some features are subjective, there are objective elements (based on functional design criteria like comfort, speed, efficiency, durability, etc.) which make for better design.

Below are the main types of wallets with a comparison of how they stack up against each other.

Tri-fold and Bi-fold wallets:

These are the most typical wallet designs and often what people think of when the word wallet comes up. They generally open and close with buttons or Velcro, unfolding in a manner similar to a book. They can store and organize your cards and cash, but is this really the most effective way to do it? A closer look and we find a few challenges. Usually, there are just a few quick-access slots, meaning your less frequently used cards get piled together. This can make it a hassle to find and retrieve them when you need them. Some versions can also be quite thick hence not lending themselves to a minimalist carry.

Ejector Wallets:

These have become more popular in recent years and they work by pressing a button or pulling a lever which then pushes the cards out. The main issue with this design is when the cards are ejected, they are often bundled close together - something that is even more apparent when you carry many cards. This makes it difficult to take the cards out and put them back into the same spot. A structure issue also resides with the mechanism itself which is more complex as it needs to push out the cards evenly. This makes it more prone to wearing out quicker and breaking. The Fanning Wallet doesn’t have the issue since the mechanism used is just a pivot point which is much simpler and naturally more durable. Additionally, the cards can be fanned out as wide as you want.

Pull Tab Wallets:

These wallets have cards placed on a tab. The tab is attached to a cord which you then pull out. This mechanism is usually durable due to its simplicity and lack of moving parts. The issue is 2 hands are needed to operate while Fanning Wallet can be opened with one hand. Additionally, when taken out the cards are placed on top of each other hence need to be spread out separately to access your desired card. Compared to the Fanning Wallet where the cards are automatically separate when you fan open the wallet.

Sandwich Wallets:

These wallets are also quite popular owing to their small size and simplicity. However, once you dig beneath the surface you’ll find a host of problems. One of the biggests issues is it’s difficult to take out and separate the cards you want. People often report fumbling for their cards. Additionally, the notes in these wallets are often exposed which present clear problems with pickpockets. On top of this, how are you going to tell your kids you don’t have any money on you when it’s as clear as day!

Card Holders:

These are simple minimalist wallets with space for a few cards and possibly some notes. They are slim and easy to carry. There’s nothing wrong with them - the only issue is limited capacity and lack of organization.

Fan Wallets:

These are our wallets and open like hand fans. They are based on card sleeves like those used in Pokemon and Yugioh. Unlike other designs, these wallets open by spreading out the sleeves. Since each sleeve holds one card, this gives the best possible optimization of organization and accessibility. Additionally, they also have the advantage of being taken out and opened at the same time plus the ability to be opened one handed - thus giving these wallets faster access than others.

Material Choice:

Wallets can be made from a variety of materials. As you’ll find out, there’s one that stands out above the rest (hint - it’s the last one):

• Leather can be durable and has a classic appearance. The biggest issue is ethics and they degrade over time and are generally bulky.
• Synthetic (PU) Leather removes the ethics from the leather but still suffers the drawback of degradation and bulkiness.
• Nylon/Cloth is lightweight, often water-resistant, easy to clean and slim. The main issue is they are less durable and often show wear and tear quicker.
• Metal (such as aluminum and steel) is highly durable, can provide RFID protection, and has a sleek appearance. On the flip side, they are heavy, limited in flexibility, and may scratch or dent easily.
• Carbon Fiber is Extremely lightweight, very strong, and has a modern appearance. They are also naturally RFID resistant and don’t have functional downsides for wallet based applications.