RFID blocking isn't what keeps your stuff safe. Where you carry it is. Keep your passport and backup card where a pickpocket can't reach them and your daily cash where you can, and for busy city days, get an anti-theft crossbody that holds your phone, cards and passport.
Our picks
Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech Crossbody
A small anti-theft crossbody that keeps your phone, cards and passport on you and hard to get at on busy streets and transit.
Pacsafe Coversafe X75 Neck Pouch
A slim RFID neck pouch that keeps a passport and backup card against you in crowded stations and airports.
Pacsafe Coversafe V100 Waist Wallet
A waist wallet that hides your passport and spare cards under your waistband on long travel days and overnight trains.
Bellroy City Pouch
A slim zippered pouch for an inside jacket pocket that keeps passports, tickets and cards flat on city days.
Bellroy Passport Cover
A slim wallet with a passport slot, so boarding passes and ID stay together through airport lines.
Bellroy Travel Folio (Second Edition)
A leather passport folio that keeps documents from creasing, though most bags already do that job.
Bandolier Emma Crossbody Phone Case
Hands-free phone access on city walks, but the strap adds bulk and snags, and a regular case and pocket work just as well.
What makes a good anti-theft travel wallet?
Look for things that slow a thief down: a steel-wire-reinforced strap, lockable zip pullers and an inside zip pocket. On crowded streets and transit, those count for more than leather or style.
For documents, go slim. A flat pouch or under-clothing wallet should hold a passport, a backup card and tickets without a bulge.
Crossbody, neck pouch or waist wallet?
A crossbody like the Pacsafe GO replaces your wallet and phone pocket on city days, and it's easy to reach. It's too small for water or an extra layer, so don't expect it to be your day bag.
Under-clothing pouches hide a passport and spare card against your body. A neck pouch is easier to reach. A waist wallet suits long transit days and overnight trains but gets sweaty in hot weather. Either way, keep daily cash in a regular pocket so you aren't digging under your shirt in public.
How do you choose an anti-theft wallet?
On a busy city break, take a crossbody, or a slim pouch in an inside jacket pocket. Long transit days, airports and overnight trains call for an under-clothing pouch for the passport. Somewhere calm, a zippered inside pocket or the hotel safe is often enough.
Which anti-theft features aren't worth paying for?
RFID blocking gets a lot of marketing, but it's mostly insurance against a low-probability threat. Fine to have. Not a reason to buy.
Skip extras your bag already covers. A separate document sleeve only helps if your bag has no flat inside pockets, and a crossbody phone strap tends to snag on backpack buckles and jacket zippers.
Questions people ask
Do anti-theft bags really work?
They don't make theft impossible. Reinforced straps, lockable zips and hidden pockets make you a harder target in a crowd, but staying aware of your bag still matters most.
Is RFID blocking necessary for travel?
Not really. It's mostly insurance against a low-probability threat, so treat it as a bonus, not a reason to buy.
Where should I keep my passport while traveling?
On travel days, in an under-clothing pouch or a zipped inside pocket. Somewhere calm, the hotel safe works for a lot of trips, though some countries expect visitors to carry ID, so check local rules.
Is a neck pouch or a waist wallet better?
A neck pouch is easier to reach. A waist wallet hides under your waistband but gets sweaty in hot weather, so it's better for transit days than all-day wear.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.