To find the best chain wallets, you’ll need to examine a list of criteria to determine what is most important. We recommend the best chain wallet with an excellent mix of slots and compartments for your cards, coins, and cash. Chains should be adjustable and/or extendable, great for doubling as a clutch or purse. Our preference also goes to 100% genuine leather, full, or top-grain. Which holds up very well under everyday wear and tear. That is what you expect from the best cool wallets.
After analyzing hundreds of reviews, we’ve determined that the Dickies Men’s Bifold Chain Wallet is the best chain wallet you can buy. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more about the best cool wallets available.
Top 10 Best Chain Wallets
#1 Dickies Men’s Bifold Chain Wallet
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This chain wallet comes with a 100% leather construction and a slim, discrete profile, a nice choice for anyone looking for a snug fit inside a tighter back pocket.
- Excellent craftsmanship with tight stitching
- Four credit card slots and two slip pockets for convenience
- Grainy genuine leather for a nice grip
- Less than 10 color options
- Not machine washable; hand washing recommended
This Dickies chain wallet looks and feels goss across the board. Its 100% leather feels very grainy and comfortable to the touch – not too smooth (like sheepskin) or too rugged. Tight stitching around the edges gives it nice craftsmanship, with no frayed or uneven sewing throughout. All in all, we were very impressed with the attention to detail.
One of our favorite features with this chain wallet is its clear ID window, which uses a thumb slider to make it easy to pull out an ID card for a quick reveal. Four card slots and two slip pockets offer more than enough room to stow credit cards and folded cash. An attached keychain loop also allows you to attach your keys to your wallet, reducing the likelihood of them getting lost. If you’re only planning to haul around cash, the best money clip could be a more suitable option.
#2 Levi’s Men’s Trifold Chain Wallet
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This chain wallet comes with nice, smooth handcrafted leather and a trifold closure, a preferred choice for people who want extra security in safeguarding their cards and cash.
- Handcrafted leather for durability
- Removable ID window for convenience
- Grainy genuine leather for a nice grip
- Little hard to remove credit cards from slots; too snug a fit
- No button or clasp to keep wallet closed
This chain wallet is very well thought out. It is very roomy, featuring six card slots, a single bill compartment for longer documents (e.g. boarding passes), and two hidden compartments for miscellaneous items like coins and receipts. A prominent clear ID window also makes it easy to display ID at checkpoints such as traffic stops and custom officers. Kudos for being removable, which is not the case with many of the ID window-carrying chain wallets we’ve researched.
In addition, this checkbook wallet errs on the minimalist side, with the embossed Levis logo and neat stitching around the edges, and no other prominent design details. A plaid red and brown inner lining also gives it plenty of pop. For a well-rounded chain wallet, this one is an excellent choice. If you’re a traveler, you might also like to check out our best passport holder guide.
#3 Luufan Men’s Genuine Leather Long Wallet Chain Wallet
Award: BEST FOR BELTS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This chain wallet comes with a sleek curved design and an extra-long chain (19.7 inches), a great choice for people who prefer to attach it to a belt loop to better prevent theft.
- Extra-long belt loop (19.7 inches)
- Soft vegetable tanned leather for comfort
- Holds up to 15 cards
- Snap-on belt loop could be more durable
- Not the best craftsmanship with seams
This chain wallet offers one of the most unique designs we’ve researched. Made out of 100% full-grain Italian leather with an oiled vibe, one end is curved for a nice hand grip. Combined with an extra-long chain (19.7 inches), this chain wallet can easily be held and hooked onto a belt loop, making it a great choice for avid outdoors people who prefer not to store it in a bag or purse.
Outside of its design, compartments are very well thought out. It is roomy enough to hold up to 15 cards, along with flat cash (no fold) and miscellaneous items in an inner zipper pocket. Its cash compartment is even large enough to hold an iPhone 7 Plus. Consider this chain wallet a neat blend of design and utility. If you need to carry around coins, consider adding the best coin wallet to your collection as well.
#4 Itslife Men’s RFID Blocking Chain Wallet
Award: BEST SECURITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This chain wallet comes with 13 card slots, RFID-blocking functionality, and a three-sided zipper closure, a great choice for people who want extra security.
- More than 15 dedicated slots
- Three-sided zipper closure for security
- Durable, 100% genuine leather
- Limited color variety (black or brown)
- Extra stiff out of the box; loosens up over time
We like this chain wallet’s variety of slots. It is one of our researched picks with the most card slots (13), along with dedicated pockets for SIM cards, debit cards, IDs, cash, and coins. Compartments are well proportioned, with three credit card slots on the left inner fold, an ID window divider, and additional credit card slots, and a zippered compartment for cash on the right inner fold.
What we like most about this 100% leather chain wallet is its bi-fold design with a zipper that wraps around, providing extra cushioning and anti-theft functionality against thieves. Plus, it is slim enough to carry around (4.52 by 3.53 by 0.98 inches). Bonus points for a matching leather pull tag, which gives it plenty of pop. That’s why we’ve named it the best RFID wallet on this list.
#5 Kabana Chain Wallet
Award: BEST BUCKLES
WHY WE LIKE IT: This chain wallet comes with rugged, glossy black leather and two buckles, an excellent choice for people who prefer the biker style.
- Two buckles for extra security
- Extra-long, 17.5 -inch metal chain
- Healthy number of compartments for its small size
- Not the most durable chain
- Edges around plastic windows may fray easily with heavy wear
This leather biker wallet is as rugged as they come. It’s nearly square-shaped (4.7 by 0.98 by 3.5 inches) with an extra-long, 17.5 -inch metal chain for easy hanging and two buckles with oversized clasp buttons. Its glossy black leather surface is pretty smooth and fits well in a front or back pocket.
Inside this high-quality biker chain wallet, it’s very roomy, folding out into three portions with a large clear ID window, two card slots, and a separate hidden coin compartment. It can also accommodate smaller documents like receipts, as well as folded up cash. For more of a biker prestige piece, this chain wallet is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for a feminine touch for the evening, the best wristlet wallet is a wonderful choice.
#6 Distressed Natural Brown Leather Trifold Chain Wallet
Award: BEST AESTHETICS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This chain wallet is made of distressed natural leather and includes a removable 17-inch chrome chain, a neat choice for people who prefer a worn and faded antique-style look.
- Removable 17-inch chrome loop
- Very sturdy buttons
- Rugged and good stitching craftsmanship
- Doesn’t have the most pockets
This chain wallet does an excellent job of blending both utility and aesthetics. A distressed, light brown and faded leather gives it extra vintage styling along with four separate compartments for credit cards, cash, and IDs. It can even hold up to 12 wallet-sized photos.
One of this vintage chain wallet’s biggest calling cards is its removable 17” chrome chain, which clips to a corner rivet for extra security. IT can easily be added to your front belt loop for safekeeping. It is extra useful in active settings (e.g. outdoors), where holding it by hand or placing it in a loose pocket is not as smart. All in all, this chain wallet does an excellent job of evoking biker styling. For an animal-friendly version, check out the best vegan wallets on the market. And to safely store your utility bills, cheque registers, credit cards, and other important documents go for the best checkbook wallet.
#7 CTM Crazy Horse Chain Wallet
Award: BEST FOR CREDIT CARDS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This trifold chain wallet comes with a trifold closure and a whopping 9 card slots, a great choice for people looking to store plenty of credit cards.
- Slim profile (4.25 x 3.5 x 0.75 inches)
- Some dark discoloration for a worn, aged look
- A healthy number of card slots (nine)
- Gold-colored chain looks a bit cheap
- Bit flimsy clear plastic ID slot
We love this chain wallet’s rugged aesthetics, which offers a worn and distressed light brown leather feel. There is some light dark brown and black discoloration on the hide, making it look even more aged. Along with a gold-colored chain, it is quite the looker.
In terms of utility, this chain wallet simply works with a slim profile (4.25 x 3.5 x .75 inches when closed), 9 card slots, a double bill slot, and a clear plastic ID slot for quick displaying of ID at checkpoints. A double snap main compartment also keeps cash and larger paper well like boarding passes and receipts well protected. All in all, we were very impressed with this trifold chain wallet’s versatility. For added security, the best smart wallet is another great option.
#8 Pacsafe RFIDsafe Z100 Chain Wallet
Award: BEST WATER RESISTANCE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This chain wallet is made of textured polyester fabric and RFID blocking technology, a nice choice for boaters and beachgoers looking for extra water resistance.
- Soft polyester lining for comfort
- RFID blocking technology to prevent data theft
- Minimalist design; textured black polyester finish
- More squarish than most chain wallets
- Not the slimmest profile for back pockets
This chain wallet is very durable, made using polyester for extra scuff and water resistance. Sand and dirt easily wipe off clean, a must for adventurers and outdoors people. The organization is decent, with five credit card slots, a cash slot, and a clear ID window.
On the design side, this minimalist wallet with chain is rather modest, with no distinguishable marks other than an opaque Pacsafe embroidered tag on the upper corner and fine-textured fabric. All in all, this chain wallet is an excellent choice for people preferring durability over function with little to carry. If you’re looking for next-level durability, the best tactical wallet should also be on your list.
#9 Tom Barrington Chain Wallet
Award: BEST LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: This chain wallet is made of cowhide leather and only weighs 0.42 pounds, a great choice for people who tend to prefer a lightweight wallet.
- Weighs just 0.42lb
- Very long, detachable 20-inch chain
- Tri-fold snap closure for extra security
- Only two credit card slots
This chain wallet is pretty solid across the board. Its thick bridge cowhide leather is more on the fine side and less on the aged side for a more youthful vibe. Our only knock is that utility is somewhat limited, with only two credit card slots. However, it does hold a cash pocket, ID window, and hidden side compartment for lesser important items like receipts and business cards.
A double snap closure also keeps your cards and cash extra secure from prying hands. This chain wallet also comes with an extra-long, removable 20-inch chain. Consider this one of the best custom chain wallets. Apple Cardholders will also like our best wallet for Apple Card buying guide.
#10 Harley Davidson Chain Wallet
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: BEST FOR MOTORCYCLE FANS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This chain wallet comes with a rugged 100% leather construction and snap closure type, a nice choice for fans of the iconic motorcycle brand.
- Extra-long 19″ nickel chain
- Secure snap closure
- Nice texture with pebbled genuine leather
- Supersized Harley Davidson logo may be off-putting to some people
This Harley Davidson men’s trucker wallet is as Harley Davidson as they come. It is adorned with the orange and white embroidered Harley Davidson MotorCycles logo at the center with a textured, pebbled genuine leather design that’s nice to hold and glide the hand over. Kudos for an extra-long 19-inch nickel chain, which is sturdy and clips onto the front belt loops well.
Despite its heavy Harley Davidson tribute, this biker wallet is best for people who don’t have a lot to carry. Its inside is basically no-frills, with only two credit card slots, a side slot for IDs (no window), and a zipper pocket for coins. However, one can easily carry 10 to 20 bills without the need to fold them. If you prefer a wallet with a zipped enclosure, the best zipper wallet is a great option.
How We Decided
In determining the best chain wallet to buy, we explored aesthetics, durability, and performance.
Aesthetics with chain wallets mainly drill down to type (bi-fold versus tri-fold). They are also made out of different types of materials (e.g. leather, synthetic fabrics), the leather of which falls into different categories, with full-grain leather being the best cut. They also have different closure types, from your simple snap buttons to hook and loop closures. Sometimes, trifold wallets will even carry triple snaps for extra security.
In terms of durability, we are big fans of 100% genuine leather, followed by nylon for increased water resistance. Look carefully at edge stitching for even and tight seams, along with engravable plates, logo emblems, and other accessories. With RFID blocking wallets, we also prefer carbon and aluminum fiber insulation.
Lastly, performance extends to the number and mix of compartments for your credit cards, coins, and cash. Aim for a minimum of five card slots, more depending on usage. Bonus points for plastic ID windows and hidden zippered pockets to carry additional items such as receipts and boarding passes.
Best Chain Wallets Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Aesthetics
Chain wallets come in mainly two configurations – bi-fold and tri-fold. Each has a wide variety of elements that make it pop, including hook and loop closures, zippers, snap closures, and even detachable straps that convert it into a clutch. Deciding on the closure method mainly depends on how fast you want to access your cash, cards, and coins. - Durability
Our preference is for the best chain wallets to be made of 100% genuine leather, highly resistant to everyday wear and tear. Even stitching should exist around edges with no signs of fraying or tearing at the seams. Note, in the leather family, not all leather is considered equal. Full-grain leather is the most durable, followed by top grain leather and lesser versions such as plastic-coated saffiano leather and bonded leather.
Avoid cotton and synthetic fabric whenever possible, as these tend to be the least durable. - Performance
In our opinion, performance translates to capacity. Badass chain wallets have a healthy and diverse mix of compartments to store cards, coins, and cash. Aim for a minimum of five credit card slots and a large and roomy bill pocket, along with a plastic or transparent ID window. Many chain wallets are even capable of holding 10+ cards.
