Gen-Z doesn’t carry wallets — so I asked our editors what they’re carrying instead

Wallets were once considered a necessity — that’s not exactly the case today. In fact, in 2022 over 41% of American adults reported not using cash for purchases during a typical week. Gen-Z — of which I am a member — have forgone the wallet in favor of back-of-phone cardholders, wristlets, or just sticking with Apple Pay. Not only are these alternatives convenient, they’re also less bulky and much easier to grab and go than traditional wallets.

If you’re ready to break up with your wallet too, I rounded up some of our staff’s favorite alternatives, along with top-rated options guaranteed to fit in your mini bag.

Selected.Our top picks

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  For someone always on the go

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  For the mini bag warrior

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  $75.00

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  For a personal touch

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  $42.00

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  For a minimal vibe

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This list includes editor picks and highly-rated options from our favorite retailers.

NBC Selected senior editor Nikki Brown received a courtesy sample from Bandolier, and hasn’t picked up a wallet or purse since. It’s made from 100% top grain leather and includes a detachable, crossbody strap for easy carrying, along with up to six feet of drop protection, according to the brand. Brown uses it to hold up to eight or nine cards at a time — “I love that they’re hidden away and the leather is incredibly durable given the amount of cards it can hold at once,” she says.

A wristlet is the perfect blend of fab and functional, and this option from Coach is great for grabbing and going without any extra bulk or heft. It’s made from the brand’s signature jacquard leather blend and includes a zip-top closure with metal hardware and a cotton interior lining to hold your cash, keys, lip gloss and more, according to the brand. The interior also includes two card slots, and the wrist strap is detachable for easy conversion to a clutch.

When Moleskine initially sent me this card holder earlier in the year, as a big fan of Issey Miyake’s work, I was excited to try it out. Now, months later, I’m still using it as my go-to cardholder. It has a hard cover and an expandable inside, which includes an accordion-style pack of pages for notes while on-the-go. The banded design makes it easy to fasten closed (and to hold it together in case you rip the pages, as I found out through experience). I also love the color — the bright red hue infuses a bold pop of brightness to any bag I add it to.

NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin says she can’t even remember the last time she used cash — instead, she opts for this phone wallet from Popsocket. It attaches to the back of her phone using strong magnets that she says have only ever fallen off when she “violently drops” her phone. She also loves the Popsocket grip handle — “it makes holding my phone much more comfortable, adds stability when I take photos and videos, and lets me prop my phone up on tables,” she says.

This wallet has a sleek design that allows for quick card access while on-the-go. The wallet is Magsafe compatible, so you can charge your phone wirelessly while it’s still attached, and has a built-in shield to protect your cards from magnetic damage or accidental scans and taps, according to the brand. It has a glossy finish and is water-resistant. You can also customize the case with your initials in the font and color of your choice for no additional fee.

Satechi’s phone wallet is not only handy, but versatile, since it doubles as a phone stand (perfect for watching your favorite shows, movies or podcasts while out and about). It’s made from scratch-resistant vegan leather, and securely snaps to your phone with a magnetic grip, according to the brand. It’s also Magsafe-compatible and comes with a two-year limited warranty.

If you’re looking for a simple, minimalist wallet alternative, look no further. You can stick this cardholder right on the back of your phone — it uses 3M adhesive stickers for a long-lasting effect, and has a non-slip design that won’t migrate or fall off, according to the brand. It has a double card slot that can store up to four cards and cash, and is compatible with all Apple and Android phones that are larger than four inches.

To find the best wallet alternatives, I asked the shopping experts on the NBC Selected staff for their personal recommendations. These picks have been tested for weeks, months, or in some cases, years and have held up to our standards of durability and usefulness. Each top-rated option has been selected from trusted retailers and websites and has at least a 4.0 star rating from hundreds of reviews.

I am an associate SEO reporter for NBC Selected who regularly covers skin care, lifestyle, apparel and accessories and more, including reviewing the Tank Air Studio Tank. For this article, I gathered alternative wallet picks from NBC Selected staffs and trusted retailers across the web.

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