Are RFID Blocking Wallets Worth It?

What is RFID blocking?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology uses energy from an electromagnetic field to power a small chip that sends out a response message. For example, an RFID chip in a credit card contains the information needed to authorize a transaction, and an RFID chip in an access card has a code to open a door or a restricted system.

Certain materials, especially conductive metals, prevent electromagnetic waves from passing through them. The card holder (or sometimes the entire wallet) of an RFID blocking wallet is made of a material that does not let radio waves pass through.

That way, the chip doesn't boot up, and even if it does, its signal doesn't go through the wallet. The bottom line is that you cannot read RFID cards through your wallet.

Why should your card be blocked?

RFID tags are passive devices that will happily transmit their information to anyone who will listen. It might sound like a recipe for poor security, but RFID tags that can be scanned at long distances are often not loaded with sensitive information. For example, they are used to track inventory or packages. It doesn't matter who reads the message because it's not a secret.

Concerns about RFID cards are growing as more and more NFC reading devices find their way into the hands of the general population. NFC (Near Field Communication) is a technology very similar to RFID, the main difference being range. NFC chips can only read ranges in inches. NFC is essentially a special type of RFID.

This is how "swipe to pay" cards work with payment terminals equipped with NFC readers. If your smartphone is capable of contactless payments, it can also be used to read NFC cards. So how do you stop someone from using their phone to copy your NFC card?

This is exactly what the RFID blocking wallet is supposed to prevent. The idea is that someone can simply hold their NFC reader close to your wallet and copy your card. They can then have the device replicate the RFID information for payment.

Are RFID Protected Wallets Worth It?

There is no doubt that the concept behind RFID blocking cards is solid. In 2012, a demonstration of how an Android phone could wirelessly steal credit card details left no one in doubt of the threat. The problem is, these kinds of attacks don't seem to happen in the wild.

It makes sense that NFC skimming could be used against specific high-value targets carrying valuable information, but it's not worth walking around a crowded mall stealing credit card information from random strangers. Not only is there a real physical risk to committing this particular heist in public, but it's also much easier to steal credit card information using malware or phishing techniques.

As a cardholder, you are also protected against credit card fraud from card issuers, none of whom, to our knowledge, require an RFID blocking wallet to qualify. So, at best, you can avoid a little inconvenience when stolen funds are replaced.

If you are a high-value target, such as an employee with an access card to access valuable or sensitive assets, it is wise to use an RFID blocking case or wallet.

So, an RFID blocking wallet is worth it because this low-probability attack could be used against you. But we don't think this should be the deciding factor when choosing your next wallet unless you're high risk. Then again, the best RFID blocking wallets are also great wallets. So why not?