Choosing a wallet is a highly personal, surprisingly difficult task. Of course there’s style to consider, but then equally (if not more) important is functionality. This is our 5-step guide for determining the best wallet for your needs.

Determine What is Working

Take your current wallet, dump it out on the table, and then analyze what’s there. Put everything you’ve used in the last three days in pile #1. Things you haven’t touched in the last three weeks go into pile #2. And lastly, things you haven’t touched in three months go in pile #3. Here’s the shocker - only pile #1 should be going into your new wallet. The things in the second pile, rarely used credit cards, gift cards, etc., should be kept in a safe place at home. Things from the third pile should either be thrown away (old receipts, we see you), or redistributed (business cards, for instance).

Size Matters

Now that we know what will be going into your new wallet, the next component to consider is the capacity. Are you looking for something that holds just cards, or some other things, too? In our hands-free world, we recommend keeping things as streamlined as possible. Count the cards you need versus the card slots in the wallet you’re looking at. Will there be plenty of space, or will you have to double a few cards up? We recommend putting no more than two cards in each card slot so they don’t become stretched out and less secure. 

Cash is King

Do you carry cash and coins regularly? If yes, do you actually use them, or is it just out of habit? If they’re essential, then you’ll need to find a place for them in your new wallet. While cash can easily be folded up into any number of wallets, don’t let a lack of coin pockets determine your new wallet choice, as many modern wallets no longer have this element at all. We suggest leaving your change in the car and at home so your daily load will be as light as possible.

Easy Access

What kind of wallet closure do you have now? A snap? A zipper? Whatever it is, does it make you feel like your things are secure? On the other side of the coin, ask yourself, what’s the easiest way for you to access your things when in a rush? While it may seem like a small detail right now, closures can often be the most difficult thing to adjust to when using a new wallet. 

I Need to See Your ID

Do you regularly need to flash your driver's license, school ID or work ID? Then we’d suggest a wallet that has an easily visible ID window. 

You’ve Got Great Style

Once all of these other elements have been decided, now comes the fun part - choosing a style. First think about texture. Want something chic and embossed, or classic and smooth? Next, color. A neutral works year round, whereas a fun color can add a pop of fun to your everyday look (and can sometimes make it easier to find when lost)!

Good job! You’ve made it through your 5-step wallet analysis. Compare your answers to the elements of our best-selling wallets below to determine which one is the best for you.

Ossential Leather ID Case

Card Slots: 1 interior card slot

ID Window: 1 interior ID slot, 1 exterior ID slot

Holds Cash: Yes, folded

Holds Coins: No

Closure: Snap

Materials: Smooth leather, embossed leather

Colors: Gold Rush, Rose Gold, Quicksilver, Back in Black, Tickled Pink, Cherry on Top, Tuxedo Snakeskin


Ossential Silicone ID Case

Card Slots: 1 exterior card slot

ID Window: 1 exterior ID slot

Holds Cash: Yes, folded

Holds Coins: No

Closure: None

Materials: Silicone

Colors: Tickled Pink Marble, Blue Me Away Marble, Rose Gold Confetti, Gold Confetti, Silver Confetti, Rainbow Confetti

Ossential Leather Card Case

Card Slots: 1 exterior card slot

ID Window: None

Holds Cash: Yes, folded

Holds Coins: Yes

Closure: Zipper

Materials: Smooth leather, embossed leather

Colors: Gold Rush, Rose Gold, Quicksilver, Back in Black, Fifty Shades Lizard, Mocha Ostrich


Big Ossential Wallet

Compartments: 1 exterior card slot, 2 interior card slots, 1 interior divided

ID Window: None

Holds Cash: Yes, flat or folded

Holds Coins: Yes

Closure: Zipper

Materials: Smooth leather, embossed leather

Colors: Gold Rush, Rose Gold, Quicksilver, Back in Black, Fifty Shades Lizard, Mocha Ostrich

Organizer Wallet

Compartments: 5 interior card slots, 1 interior divider, 1 exterior loop to hold sunglasses

ID Window: 1 interior ID slot

Holds Cash: Yes, flat or folded

Holds Coins: Yes

Closure: Snap

Materials: Smooth leather

Colors: Gold Rush, Back in Black