It’s not too difficult for hackers to access your financial and personal data these days. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, which is supposed to make your cards and passports safe, can actually expose you to identity theft — All that’s needed is a simple scan. An RFID-blocking wallet may sound like a scam, but it can potentially be a good thing to have — especially if it also helps you cut your wallet down to a normal size.
Big Skinny’s latest wallet lineup promises to block RFID signals, while also making your wallet at least 50 percent thinner. The RFID layer is just 0.08mm thick. It’s also flexible and durable, so you don’t have to worry about it falling apart when you accidentally put it through the wash. Big Skinny says the thin layer protects against most RFID frequencies, though it doesn’t say which ones it’s ineffective against. Theoretically, though, your most sensitive information should be kept safe by the wallet.
Previously, Big Skinny offered several regular wallets, whose main function was to cut down on card clutter. Its customers were so interested in RFID protection that the company decided to launch a Kickstarter campaign to help it raise funds and incorporate the technology into their existing wallet designs. Luckily, the company offers a wide range of style options, including a standard bifold, trifold, and envelope, clutch-style design. There are more unorthodox wallet styles on the Kickstarter page, too, like one that’s curved to fit your pocket shape, one that doubles as an iPhone case, and one that has a passport slot.
Some of the wallets are made with nylon and others are made with high-quality leather. Of course, the prices range from $20 to $45 on the Kickstarter page, which was more than successfully funded. The cheap campaign price ends tonight at midnight, though, so if you want to get a good price, Big Skinny’s says there’s no time like the present. The wallets should ship in March, too, so you won’t have to wait too long to get your hands on one.
