As much as they have been a necessity over the decades, coin purses and bulky wallets are not the chicest when it comes to day-to-day accessories.
In 1958 the first modern credit card was launched by the Bank of America in Fresno, California. The BankAmericard was set to revolutionise the way we keep and exchange money, and revolutionise it did. Come 2023, cash is pretty much obsolete.
‘Cash-only’ restaurants and coffee-shops have exchanged their archaic rule for a far more modern one. Rather than only accepting a physical form monetary recompense, they have turned the opposite way, refusing cash as though it were an offensive exchange.
Street-buskers and Big Issue-sellers are equipped with those handy contactless payment terminals, making even the smaller payments easier than ever. No more counting out 20p coins at your local corner shop for that can of Diet Coke you’ve been craving all day.
Though Apple Pay is yet another revolutionary means of payment, many of us still have a range of cards on file - and where better to keep them safe than a chic, sleek and subtle card-holder? After all, cash may no longer be king – but you still need your ID, work pass and discount cards on file.
Keep scrolling for a round-up of the best cardholders on the market, from the fashionable to the utilitarian.
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Porter Yoshida & Co. Foil Card Holder Gold
Though not immediately fashioned in Porter Yoshida & Co’s signature padded and duffel-like style, this gold foil cardholder is certainly just as chic. The Tokyo based label has been making luggage and accessories since 1935 and continues to manufacture in Japan, where production can be kept a close eye on. As such, you can be sure you’re in the market for top-notch quality in a beautiful gold-tinged casing. This minimalist design only has a total of two main card compartments for your bare necessities.
Buy now £79.00, Couveture & The Garbstore
Goyard Saint Sulpice Black Card Holder
For unadulterated indulgence, look no further than the iconic Goyard Saint Sulpice cardholder in black. If you’re not quite in the mood for queuing outside one of Goyard’s very few global stores, simply add this number to your virtual basket.
Buy now £440.00, KickGame
Maison Kitsuné Leather Cardholder
For those who refuse to let the coin purse go just yet, this Maison Kitsuné cardholder also features a discrete zip pocket for the odd collection of change. Made from 100 per cent calf-skin leather, this isn’t a purchase for the plant-based people among us – but it is definitely a vehicle for some value-for-money luxury.
Buy now £83.00, The Outnet
Personalised Leather Card Holder
For a personalised touch, there’s no better place to search than the online marketplace, Etsy. Choose between six colourways, figure out what positioning works best for you and enter up to four total characters. You can even pick from star, heart and zodiac symbols for a little bit of extra fun. What’s more, this cardholder is made from entirely vegan leather. Win-win.
Buy now £15.99, Etsy
Loewe Repeat debossed leather cardholder
Delicately debossed with Loewe’s signature anagram logo, this tan leather cardholder has four total slots and one central compartment that might fit some coins, but is probably better fit for a small collection of receipts. Made in Spain from soft and supple calf leather, this hypnotising repeat design will be an instant favourite for the brand’s superfans.
Buy now £195.00, Net-A-Porter
Prada Saffiano leather card holder
The Saffiano leather cardholder boasts Prada’s iconic enamelled-metal triangle logo, which has been a feature of the luxury fashion house’s range of accessories since Mario Prada designed the first Prada trunks back in 1913. This folding purse features two roomy card slots and is lined with Moiré and Saffiano leather.
Buy now £330.00, Prada
Mango Lexy Embossed Card Holder, Black
Cheap and cheerful yet sleek and practical, this card holder from Mango has a zip compartment as well as a whopping four slots on either side. Now that’s value for money. The silver embossed logo highlights the subtle, repeat debossed chain pattern for a stylish and understated look.
Buy now £9.99, John Lewis
Whistles Shiny Croc Leather Card Holder, Blue
For a shiny, crocodile-effect appearance, Whistles has got you covered. This cardholder comes in a range of colours including plum, pink, orange, dark green and black. Despite the affordable price, rest assured it has been fashioned from pure leather.
Buy now £25.00, John Lewis
Lavender Phone Case Card Holder
Though not a traditional cardholder, there’s something to be said for a handy two-in-one phone case. Rather than obsessively checking your bags and pockets to make sure you’ve got your keys, phone and wallet, why not remove of those items off the checklist for good? This sustainable, compostable option from Pela comes in a range of colours and is even offered at a range of prices – depending on what you deem to be most affordable.
Buy now £11.21, Pela
Handmade Bifold Leather Wallet - Ice Blue
With a whopping six card slots and even a cash bill sleeve for the rare occasion that you might need some physical dough, this wallet has been handcrafted using full grain leather for the utmost flexibility. Inspired by modern architecture, these cardholders have been designed, sampled and hand cut in the brand’s East London and South India studios.
Buy now £79.00, Wolf & Badger
