Minimalist wallets have been a popular trend in the everyday carry (EDC) community for some time now. With the increasing prevalence of digital payments and receipts, many people have started to favor slimmer and more streamlined wallets.

However, many minimalist wallets on the market have a major drawback: they rely on screws to hold accessories in place, such as money clips or even the frame of the wallet. This can be problematic as screws can seize or come loose, rendering the wallet unusable.

Thankfully, there is a solution to this problem: magnetic wallets. These wallets use powerful magnets to hold everything in place, eliminating the need for screws and providing a more durable and reliable option for those looking to downsize their wallets. This is a relatively new concept in the world of men's wallets, but it is quickly gaining popularity as more people discover the benefits of magnetic wallets.

To help you out we have broken this article up into several sections: 

• What is a magnetic wallet
• What to look for in a magnetic wallet
• Why the Axwell magnetic wallet is the best wallet you can buy

Read on and discover all there is to know about magnetic wallets.

What is a magnetic wallet?

Magnetic wallets are a popular choice among those looking for a slim and secure way to carry their essentials. They function by using magnets embedded in the wallet's material to keep it closed and securely fastened. This eliminates the need for traditional closures, such as snaps or zippers, and makes it easy to access your cards and cash.

One variation of the magnetic wallet is the wallet with magnetic cover plates. This type of wallet uses magnets to hold the cover plates in place, which in turn, holds the wallet together and keeps its contents secure. The cover plates can be made of various materials, including aluminum, titanium, brass, copper, steel or carbon fiber and can be swapped out to customize the look of the wallet.

The use of magnets not only makes it easy to open and close the wallet, but also provides added security by keeping the cover plates in place. Additionally, these wallets may also come with features such as RFID-blocking technology, an interchangeable cash strap or money clip, and a slim design for easy carrying in pockets or bags.

What to look for in a magnetic wallet

It's important to be vigilant when it comes to new trends and products, as there will inevitably be cheaper imitations and "upgraded" designs readily available from various retailers and online shops. While it may not always be possible to physically examine a product before purchasing, it's crucial to pay attention to the claims and specifications provided by the manufacturer.

- Magnet Strength - 

When considering a magnetic wallet, it's important to evaluate the strength of the magnets and their ability to keep the wallet securely together. A weak magnet could result in the wallet falling apart, which can be embarrassing and inconvenient. Before making a purchase, it's recommended to research the product and, if possible, test the strength of the magnets. If you're unable to test the wallet, it's important to ask the manufacturer or seller more detailed questions about the product.

- Type of Magnets Used - 

One of the strongest types of magnets available are neodymium magnets. These magnets not only have a high level of strength, but they also retain their magnetism for a longer period of time compared to traditional magnets. Additionally, neodymium magnets do not lose their magnetism when dropped, making them a durable choice for small gear items. It's worth noting that neodymium magnets are ten times stronger than ceramic magnets.

- Card Protection -

When evaluating a magnetic wallet, it's important to consider the protection it offers for your cards. Can the design of the wallet safeguard your cards from the magnets, and does it have any features to block RFID theft? One potential concern is that the magnetic strips on your credit cards could become demagnetized from strong magnets. To alleviate this concern, look for wallets that are made with antimagnetic coatings or materials such as aluminum, which can help insulate your cards from demagnetization and RFID card skimming.

- Durability -

Will the wallet hold up over time? A wallet is subjected to daily wear and tear, such as being carried around, dropped, bumped against hard surfaces, and potentially exposed to moisture. Durability is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a wallet. If you're unable to physically examine the wallet, it's important to research the materials used in its construction. For example, wallets made with thicker or heavier gauge metal will be more resistant to damage from impacts and scratches compared to thinner materials. Additionally, it's important to look at the overall design of the wallet and how it will hold up to everyday use.

- Size / Weight -

When considering a magnetic wallet, the size and weight should be taken into account for several reasons. One, a smaller and lighter wallet can be more comfortable to carry and take up less space in your pocket or bag, making it a great option for those who prefer a minimalistic approach to everyday carry. Additionally, a smaller and lighter wallet can be more convenient to use, as it allows for easy access to your cards and cash without the hassle of a bulky or heavy wallet, which is especially beneficial for those who need to access their wallet frequently.

- Warranty -

When investing in a wallet made from durable materials, it is important to ensure that your purchase is protected by a warranty. This will ensure that if anything wears out or breaks, the manufacturer is willing to replace the wallet or its components, giving you peace of mind and protecting your investment.

Best Magnetic Wallet for Men in 2024

The Axwell Wallet

Considering the requirements, we listed above it’s no surprise the Axwell Wallet is our top pick. We will explain our six focus points as well as a few others that make this wallet a standout in its field. 

Powerful Neodymium Magnets

The Axwell Wallet uses a total of 24 neodymium magnets. 12 magnets on the cover plates (6 on each side) and 12 magnets on the shell plates (6 on each side).  These Mag-Lock™ replaceable Cover Plates allow the user to change out plates for different colors and materials. We touched on demagnetization earlier and Axwell has a whole post dedicated to the research and their findings on the wallet and demagnetization. To sum up these findings we can say that the Axwell Wallets magnets face away from the cards, and any lingering magnetic field is insulated by the wallet’s aluminum body. If you would like to read the report yourself click here.

Built Tough

The body and scales of the Axwell are made from thick 6061-T6 Aerospace-Grade Aluminum. Carbon Fiber and Copper scales are also available for users looking to change up to fit their style. These thick scales result in a wallet so overbuilt that it can even stop a bullet. We hope user will never put that to the test but it is reassuring that we probably won’t damage the wallet in everyday use up to and including a gunfight.

Blocks RFID

The Axwell magnetic wallet blocks RFID, the wallet's metal body and scales act as a faraday cage to protect your card’s information from card skimmers.

Slim Lightweight Design

Despite being bulletproof, this wallet is still a lightweight option. Weighing in at 2.60 oz you can place it in your pocket and not worry about needing suspenders. With an overall size not much larger than that of the cards you carry the wallet's dimensions of 86 x 54 x 8mm is far less than a traditional bifold wallet.

Lifetime Warranty

All Axwell wallets come with a lifetime warranty. While many companies offer 6-12 month warranties, Axwell believes in this wallet so much it carries a lifetime warranty. You can see it for yourself here.

BONUS!

Two more awesome reasons we wanted to include if you aren’t already convinced that this is the best wallet on the market. The amount of research and development that went into it and the modularity of the wallet.

Two Years in The Making

It took the Axwell Team two full years to design, prototype, test, and finally put the Axwell Wallet into production. Magnetic wallets are extremely difficult to build and there are a lot of things that can go wrong. All of this work is the reason why Axwell is the only wallet company (as far as we know) with swapable magnetic cover plates. Swappable magnetic plates lead into the second awesome feature, modular accessories.

Modular Accessories

Axwell wallets offer the ability to customize your wallet to your liking. These upgrades and accessories include the cash strap or money clip.  These features are as simple as lifting the cover plate and inserting the new item. This also makes changing out the elastic retention band on the card keeper a process that takes seconds instead of minutes with screw-secured wallets. 

Interchangeable cover plates were a feature we alluded to earlier. Changing plates gives the user the ability to dress up or down for any occasion or when the mood strikes. This interchangeability and modular design allow for new accessories to be released all the time like the new AirTag Money Clip, so you will never forget where your wallet is again.

Final Thoughts 

Magnetic wallets have become a popular option for men, offering a unique and innovative way to keep their belongings secure and organized. Whether you are a fan of everyday carry (EDC) and seek durable, high-performance gear, or prefer a simple and streamlined design, the Axwell wallet offers a range of options to suit your needs.

If you want to learn more about men’s wallets and everyday carry gear sign up for the Axwell Army Newsletter by clicking here and get a special discount on your first wallet purchase.