Testing RFID Wallets, Cards, and Sleeves

[@michaeltalens9947]

As an engineer for 40+ yrs, I deeply appreciate the level of actual attenuation testing you performed! Two comments: 1 my practice has been to cut the cheap sleeves into two pieces so I can line the front/back of my wallet to protect all cards within. 2 you could've tested your card in the billfold area of wallets (I sometimes put cards there to minimize bulky stacking of cards, especially if I'm sitting on them). Keep up the technical reviews - I'm subscribing to your channel! - Slim

[@jonmajarucon51]

thank you. all of the other sites and video presentations have told me NOTHING. They NEVER show how effective the RF stuff actually is.

[@stubby1122]

Dr. Bradley you should have several million view for the things you cover. I thank you for all your hard work showing us what works and what doesn't.

[@disasterprepper]

Thank you!

[@MaryGrimes-zp8tb]

Thank you so much for taking the time to demostrate how all these products work to protect the credit cards.

[@nealrutgerskid]

This video deserves more views. Thank you for taking the time to test these products thoroughly.

[@erickenn96]

This is how a review should be done. Thank you sir!

[@dmfleming]

This is so helpful for 2024. Thanks

[@shelley595]

I sure appreciate you, Arthur - good to see you back at work, providing useful information.

[@disasterprepper]

Thanks so much!

[@gregorythomas333]

That 1st Amazon one kind of impressed me...didn't think the outer slots would prevent the reading...though I think the front-most slot is for folded cash to be easily removed so pretty good! Especially the fact that the ID slot is also protected...some of today's ID cards are RFID functional so having them protected as well is a big plus. I'm not too hip to sitting on a plastic box or metal box so the leather ones are probably going to be my primary choices. Thank you for doing these experiments!

[@disasterprepper]

You are most welcome. Glad the video was helpful.

[@williambuck5617]

you really should not put your wallet in your back pocket for a great many reasons.

[@gregorythomas333]

@@williambuck5617 My wallet attaches to my belt with a chain

[@jamessotherden5909]

Thank you for this test Dr. Very informative. I can rest easy knowing my wallet is really RFID proof.

[@disasterprepper]

Yep, RFID wallets seem to do a great job.

[@jcloudz9964]

I just watched a video stating that RFID wallets are useless. Good thing I'm a research junky and found this video💪😎

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

I use the sleeves. Easy fix to make them more durable is tape the edges. The tape I used provides friction that keep the sleeve in the wallet when I pull cards out.

[@disasterprepper]

Good suggestion. Thanks!

[@DKonigsbach]

This was exactly the kind of review I was looking for and you did a fantastic job of it. Thank you so much!

[@Njkk66-user93]

Excellent review, this is how product reviews should be done. Thank you for showing us all the options.

[@ruthlarkins4367]

I appreciate you sharing this information to ALL. Last, I had heard sometime ago of the stores actually scanning ppl cards (upon entering).

[@MauiXoXo]

Thanks for the review. I'm sending an authorized user card & HMO for a family member. The sleeve works well.

[@pbdye1607]

Thanks for this - bought the Slimliang cards as I just got a Visa Debit card with an RFID chip built in, and I kinda think skimming is going to become way more popular very soon.

[@OhioPrepperOne]

I have the Flipside and love it........ great topic !

[@disasterprepper]

I thought it was pretty cool myself.

[@matthewdavis9437]

I got an ad for the Ekster wallet on this video. Glad you checked it. Haha

[@JasonL_Hawaii]

Thanks for the comprehensive showcase of these RFID blocking products.

[@CarolineMAdams]

Thank you! this was amazing. I wish there was affiliate links because if there ever was a video where someone earned to get commission it would be this one!!

[@jeffkerr3891]

Thanks for the test review, The HIMI wallet is very similar to my wallet and i believe that will be my next one. You do a awesome job on your videos! I've learned a lot from watching. Keep up the good work. Jeff Kerr

[@disasterprepper]

You're most welcome. Glad it was helpful.

[@shelley595]

So glad you tested the Alpine River sleeves. I've been using those for a year or two, wondering if they are actually effective. Hurray! I like the multi-colors, because I know which card I'm pulling out because of the colored cases.

[@disasterprepper]

I liked those the best of the sleeves. They seemed better constructed.

[@danc2014]

The outside exposed sleeve is not a library cardholder... Some people want an RFID card easy to scan but when placed back towards your body ..it is protected. thus you do not need to remove it from your wallet . but if you do the side cut makes it easy.

[@janleoung7237]

Thank you so much. I was searching on Amazon looking for one & you helped me decide.

[@Inkling777]

Thanks for these reviews. I already had a stainless steel multitool card in my wallet, so I moved in alongside my credit cards. It does have openings in it, so it may not be perfect, but it might improve the protection. When I get a chance, I'll add some foil in the multitool case.

[@RussCR5187]

Valuable service. Thank you!

[@JohnNorris411]

Thank you for the video, I was looking online for something to get to protect my cards but did not know what was real and what was BS.

[@ACardFan]

Thank you so much for this video and thorough experimenting! I’m on the market for a new wallet and I figured while I’m upgrading I might as well get some RFID protection finally. I found one that I really liked, but a reviewer conducted a similar test and said it read the cards through the wallet! Can’t trust advertising, but I like to think I can trust what you’ve presented here.

[@disasterprepper]

Thanks. I tested the cards as carefully as I know how. For a cool new RFID card, folks might also check out survivorsymbols.com. It worked extremely well and is less expensive. Plus it has cool symbols on it.

[@6thstanza700]

Are you saying my precious library card isn't important!? /s Great job! Time to make a new purchase!

[@deborahfischer5708]

Great job on this video!

[@disasterprepper]

Thank you!

[@fiazmr]

that was a really homeworked video, really appreciate it and thanks for the detailed demo. I`m gonna buy one anti theft RFID wallet

[@disasterprepper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MinMin-jr2js]

Oh wow! Very impressive! Thanks for testing, you just got a new subscriber

[@fara.r.8181]

A simple research that is well- done.

[@Mr_emv-ms6kt]

We gat to make these money regardless. X2.5 is doing a great job lately

[@dentron2]

Excellent video, thank you for the test.

[@sgtbananas3521]

Awesome video!! Just received a bank card and I don't like the RFID chip. Now I know what to get!!

[@garytillman9380]

Thank you for information on the Vault card because I I have a contour a wallet I'm going on vacation so that's a good thing to do I got one thank you very much

[@glenh2159]

I recently tried one that left 1/4 inch of card exposed. The part covered by the jacket was protected, BUT turn the wallet around and try with the slightly exposed end and the card was read. Seems like you could try this a little differently and see some les than ideal results. Example: time stamp 14:30 the body was tested but you didn't try swiping along the exposed end.

[@anonimouse8918]

Thanks ...interesting result re vault card ....vault card blurb says its a jammer not a shield ( it responds with g a r b l I n g signal ) and this proved more effective in one of your tests..

[@lawrenceroycemanapsal7741]

Hi. I was just thinking of investing on rfid wallets and blocking cards. Thank you for this review on some products. Will go buy the slimliang and just those amazon rfid wallets. 😊

[@rainerrain9689]

Excellent video review , this video should have way more views, it's that good, thanks !

[@mwngw]

EXCELLENT info. Just the answers I needed.

[@Info4all108]

Thanks for the efforts and knowledge sharing.

[@Ruben-8689]

Good job and video. Very interesting data. Greets from Buenos Aires

[@vancekeith5642]

Thank you for the thorough testing

[@jackt6112]

Interesting! There are only two that make sense to me, the HMI leather wallets due to their flexibility to store a changing variety of things, or the VaultCard. Everything else seems either bothersome or "Look, I'm smart" except they are only meant for specific things

[@kevinkasimov651]

Very interesting. Thank you!

[@sambrazeal2464]

Fantastic test, say, what’d you do with the wallets afterwards 😬

[@bmannering]

Great video. Thanks for making the investment to help us all. Your testing method was very consistent; however, some wallet designs position cards in a staggered formation. I'd be very interested to see how some of the products work in that condition. Additionally, what would happen if you had a stack of multiple cards (aligned and offset) where the outer two cards are in a protective sleeve, but the inner cards are not (having all your cards in those sleeves is ANNOYING.

[@jinjerjunkie]

great video, I would like to know if the wallets like the amazon basic and himi with the flip out part, if that is protected when it is flipped out. I would actually prefer that it is not so you can use tap to pay without having to take the card fully out of your wallet.

[@Socal_Geo1]

I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that if you put a rfid blocking wallet with a phone in the same pocket you’re also blocking your cellphones signals. You should do an experiment where you take some of the Faraday fabric and wrap it around the phone and then check to see your cell signal strength to see if it’s dropping and if so by how much. Also Bluetooth might be getting shielded.

[@craigpalmer9196]

I likw what you are doing very much. any plans for solar cell testing?

[@disasterprepper]

I'm glad that the videos are helpful. I do plan to look at solar power generation systems some more in the future. Solar cells would be a part of that.

[@craigpalmer9196]

@@disasterprepper thank you

[@Slipeasy88]

Awesome an very detailed video you did everything I wanted you to do ty

[@FalconWing1813]

Very cool video, thanks!

[@michaeldietzen8613]

Was wondering if you have happened to test the trayvax ascent for rfid compliant? I was thinking about the contour. I'm glad I found your video. I'm surprised they say it's an rfid wallet.

[@disasterprepper]

I haven't tested the Ascent, but it would have a much better chance of being RFID protected. From what I saw, the Contour doesn't claim to be RFID protected, only resistant.

[@FriedrichLadegast1818]

There seems to be a lot of BS on KZbin about these RFID blockers, with many people declaring that they're useless. But when put to the test, they're very effective! There are also larger blocking sleeves for passports, and I use one.

[@shelley595]

Too funny - the last wallet you pulled out, I was thinking, "That is a really UGLY wallet!" and you said, "This is really a BEAUTIFUL wallet." So, in this case, beauty is in the eye of a a scientific guy.

[@disasterprepper]

That is funny! Everyone likes different thing, which is probably a good thing. :)

[@king-sal]

I wanted to see a protection test for the sides of the ridge wallet.

[@markymark9359]

This was a really good review, but is the RFID scanner that you were using similar/same as criminals would use?

[@Doomsdaypress]

Does putting more then 1 RFID cards together in the same slot also protect, because you have more then 1 RFID signal?

[@yourremarkablyaveragepal781]

up!

[@user-kp7ge8vc9l]

Seriously thank you!

[@ehaw]

The HIMI. I’m interested to know if you flip the flip out is it guarded? I’d like my rfid to enter at work by flipping out but guarded when flipping in

[@timd5597]

Since posting this video which was great have you tested XSTO wallet for RFID?

[@halamars7721]

Thank you for producing such an informative video! I’m looking at purchasing an RFID minimalist style wallet for future traveling. I came across the brand BS Wolf - The wallet I’m specifically looking at is the: Minimalist Credit Card Holder Slim Front Pocket Genuine Leather Wallet. Is this a brand you’re familiar with or would recommend?

[@disasterprepper]

Sorry, that's not one that I'm familiar with. Nearly all RFID protective wallets worked well though.

[@halamars7721]

disasterprepper I completely understand. Thank you for your honest response.

[@lianahebert549]

What is the brand of sleeves at 21:33?

[@LabGecko]

Just FYI, current pentest RFID readers are more powerful so while these are great tests, more testing is warranted for more secure needs. I've seen tests that could read cards up to 3 ft away.

[@Slavulienka1]

Are you able to advise if there are any wallets or rfid cards available to protect against those new rfid readers? I had my cards in sleeves provided by my bank and my cards were still stolen. I am not sure how can I protect myself … I agree that I am not sure if any of these would help me…

[@testchannelone6616]

Just bought a Dockers wallet with RFID. It uses "...special inner lining...keeps info safe when the wallet is closed." There is that enclosed card which states that it is a RFID secure wallet as well as a little 1" square sticker with a printed square and a diagonal line. My question: Can I discard those two items and the wallet will still have the security feature? Thanks.

[@dasfahrer8187]

Regarding the Ridge, does its efficacy decrease the more things you have in it?

[@choosen2preach320]

I bought a rfid wallet called mundi rfid wallet do you think I should put foil in it to make it more secure or a rfid card that looks like a credit card? The wallet is like a medium size wallet that can also hold a phone. Do they also have protection for phones? I see other people using their phones as credit cards.

[@remixermatosis]

Would anti-static bags used for shipping sensitive computer components do the same job ?

[@woodydroneson]

Great video, one minor observation, some of the card readers you tested for partial exposure of the cards and they all failed. Assuming that the tests where the protection card was held directly over the face of the cards being protected, if the cards are partially exposed, do they still work? Especially The Vault Card :) Can it still beat the Amazon Basics Wallet? Also, it would have been beneficial if the card was scanned full width. Still a great video :)

[@disasterprepper]

It depends on how much of the credit card is exposed. If it's much more than about 20-30% many of the wallets and protective cards start to fail. The card I recommend now is the Survivor Symbols card, although the Vaultcard is also great. disasterpreparer.com/product/survivorsymbols/. Both provide outstanding protection.

[@Steve-hu8px]

Great RFID testing on alll those wallets. But hopefully you've learned to tuck that mic cable in over the years lol

[@1mw4tch1ng]

for men who place their wallet behind pockets the hard case wallet will be not the best for use. you will feel the wallet on your pocket when sitting down on hard chairs or car seats for a while. I like to know the difference between RFID blocker and jammer which one is best to place one RFID card in a wallet and woman's purse?

[@sushantbahadure]

Can simple folded Aluminum foil works? Can you please test it? Anyways great video...

[@D3ATHxRATTL3R]

Do a Dango T-Series Bifold wallet burnt horizon version

[@gravit8]

That is a pretty neat comprehensive experiment. With the contour wallet, is it possible the rfid card and credit card were not "hugging" each other tightly, like there were some loose space between them that it was able to be read.

[@redcoralstrand]

Thanks so much for a great video!!!

[@disasterprepper]

You're most welcome.

[@juda-one]

Hey man you need more subs, this is terrific!

[@aaahhhchew8028]

why do i have a feeling this dude returned everything right after finishing this video.........

[@disasterprepper]

Actually, I gave nearly all of it away. I kept a couple of the wallets though, one of which I'm still using (the Trayvax Contour).

[@colleenfletcher389]

I have safesleeve iPhone cover with rfid. Have you tested it?

[@TheOriginalLed]

Great video 👍🏻

[@cuciotak5051]

thanks for this video!

[@whiteeye2121movalik]

if I wrap my card in aluminum foil - will that also work as a blocker?

[@maich3lbio]

Hi. Can the slimliang blocking card be placed in the middle of the credit cards? Still effective?

[@Davidbritton01]

Great video and very informative. Have you tested the Trayvax ORIGINAL 2.0 wallet?

[@disasterprepper]

Hi, no, I haven't tested the 2.0. Maybe I'll see if they'll send me one.

[@lillianaz6552]

Thank you for the video. Not sure if you will even get this message but have you tried any of the Travelon purses, or any brand? Do you think that all pockets in the purse would block scanning or just the slots labelled RFID? The tags/websites are not very clear.

[@disasterprepper]

Sorry, but I'm not familiar with Travelon products.

[@GreenestGanja2]

Does rfid protection only matter with contactless cards? (i.e. tap pay)

[@Daygomadebrian]

Which one is best for travel? I had those plastic easy open type wallets but broke so fast.... I travel a lot in airports etc

[@keithroy5928]

Thank you for this video. You convinced me to purchase the vault card. Would you mind clarifying what frequency your reader uses? I have an RFID card that I use to access elevators and doors in my residential complex. Sadly the vault card doesn’t support protection.

[@disasterprepper]

Credit cards use 13.56 MHz, which is what my reader worked at. For a cool new RFID card, folks might also check out survivorsymbols.com. It worked extremely well and is less expensive. Plus it has cool symbols on it.

[@kimstone3667]

Great video. I have a couple of questions. Is the simulated card you are using a contact or contactless card? Where is the embedded chip located in that card? (The chip location would make a difference on some of the wallets you demonstrated that have openings).

[@disasterprepper]

These are contactless cards. Those are really the only ones that I could see worrying about skimming over.

[@jaimedoyle6102]

I don't see the kinks to the products. Can you provide them?

[@baccaratwinningstrategy4sale]

Great video !!! Can you do the same but with Passport and credit card slots RFID protector cases PLEASE , from Amazon also . I think Canadian Passport Passport RFID protector leather cover around $ 12

[@disasterprepper]

Hi Joe, I'll try to do this, but at the moment, I'm knee deep in investigating a way to disinfect N95 face masks.

[@Barkingspider]

Appreciate all the info. I was going to buy the slimliang cards after your review but some people on Amazon are saying they tried it with their work door cards and it did not stop the NFC. Is that possible after your review that shows total blockage?

[@disasterprepper]

When I tested them back in 2019, they worked well. Perhaps they've changed their product, not sure. You can also check out the Survivor Symbols card or the Vaultcard, both very good products.

[@scottadkins36]

I just read about LF (low frequency) and HF (high frequency). Door cards and key fobs generally use LF which is not blocked by the products reviewed. More modern door cards are switching to HF. C/C use HF.

[@algerienaucanada]

Thanks for sharing this. Banks are claiming that their card are RFID protected, is it true? Which tool are you using for testing please? Thanks

[@disasterprepper]

I don't know if those claims are true. As for testing, I used an adafruit PN532 RFID/NFC card reader connected to a computer. It takes a little knowledge to get up and running.

[@YetiKNation]

Thank you!

[@mmmhhh.]

would a faraday cage work

[@tellmestraight]

Other videos have said that criminals do not take advantage of whatever vulnerability the credit card chips have. There are much easier ways to be a criminal because even with the older chip technology the criminals reader would have to be inches or a at best couple feet away. In fact, walletopia youtube channel says the newer chips do not have this problem at all. Do you agree with this?

[@disasterprepper]

I'm not sure about older chips, but new chips can be read at inches (or perhaps even a foot or two with an amplifier). Cards like my Survivor Symbols Card (see disasterpreparer.com/product/survivorsymbols/) prevent this.

[@METHUSELAH-dx4mt]

GREAT JOB THANKS

[@MrMiketheTank]

Can you test trayvax element?

[@kenoliver7279]

which one holds the most cards?