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Do you use rfid blocking wallets, bags, inserts, or sleeves?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I like my wallet just fine, but I keep hearing about these so starting to think I should buy one. Quick glance shows many styles. I have to admit I don't feel like taking the time to research the heck out of it. I think I'd like the sleeves maybe. What I'm not getting - you're taking your card out to swipe and pay so couldn't the info be stolen then?

If you use one, do you like it?

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Comments (8)

writersblock (9b/10a)
8 years ago
I researched this quite a bit last summer and the general consensus seems to be that most people were able to use cards even when inside the sleeves, so they aren't worth much. Things like ID badges to unlock doors unlocked 'em even when inside the blocking sleeve.
bpath
8 years ago
I have a CC in a sleeve. I think they are really intended to protect you when standing around nefarious folk. But yes, at a checkout you might be at risk. Aren't the new chip CCs supposed to not need RFID sleeves? Or am I mistaken?
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
8 years ago
I have a metal lined one that I use and yes I like it. Of course you could line your wallet with aluminum foil lol.
justgotabme
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
My hubby travels a lot so he uses one. We also have a paid protection plan. Our cards all have the new chips, but sadly not every store uses them and even the ones that do, their readers don't always work.
You might find some helpful information in this video too.
http://abc30.com/shopping/keeping-holiday-shopping-fraud-free/1097034/
I also watched another video showing how aluminum foil can block a cell phone getting a call. Supposedly they can't get the radio frequency they need to receive calls. Not sure if that's how the RFID readers work, but if so I'm thinking good old aluminum foil might be the easiest way to go.
maire_cate
8 years ago
I have 2 - one is a passport holder with 8 credit card slots on one side and an id slot on the other for a driver's license. The other one is a wristlet that will hold my cell phone too I didn't purchase them because they claimed they were RFID blocking but because of their features.

Unfortunately the opinions as to whether you need one or if they really work seem to vary widely. One of the things that confuses me is that the chip cards are advertised as offering greater security - but all of the ones I have also have the swipe feature - so doesn't that still make them less secure?

I thought this article from Slate was interesting;

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/travel_explainer/2015/08/credit_cards_passports_and_rfid_fraud_are_special_blocking_wallets_necessary.html
Annie Deighnaugh
8 years ago
I ordered a bunch of cc sleeves from amazon...very inexpensive.
justgotabme
8 years ago
Maire, I noticed that too about them having both the swipe and the chip. I think it's because not all businesses are set up for the chip, and as I mentioned above, even the ones that do, they don't always work.
rococogurl
8 years ago
I have an expensive little metal card case/card wallet that is a blocker. It has an accordian inside where the cards fit. Something like $8. Does the job. I keep money and id separate.

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