Wallet or card case?

[marcci]

What do you use, a wallet or card case?
I’m new to TPF. I have always been a large wallet kind of girl. I’ve been using a WOC the last two years but have just purchased the College bag so need a wallet of some sort again.
I was planning on going with the YSL large zip around wallet but the more I read reviews and watch videos it seems like card cases are super popular. Am I super behind on the times? Should I be considering a card case instead of the large wallet? I’ve been looking at YSL card cases and if I go that route I’m leaning towards the Fragments zip card case.

 

[youngpurselover97]

I personally don’t really like a card case because it can’t fit a lot of cards and cash, but the large zip around wallet seems a little bulky especially if you eventually need to use a smaller bags. I think the monogram trifold wallet is the most practical, you should check it out. It’s been on my wishlist and I’m gonna get it this year.

 

[dove221]

I just picked up a card case, its more compact than all the wallets I used to have to lug around!

 

[thundercloud]

Since I'm lazy & I tend to switch bags, I like using a more compact wallet, so I can use it with whatever bag I select. In rare cases, I'll have to use a cardholder or the cardslots built into my WOC or small bag.

I have this BV card case wallet in a bright blue & I love it! Nice slim profile, but yet can hold quite a bit.

https://www.bottegaveneta.com/us/card-case_cod46677828vd.html

 

[HarlemBagLady]

I used a compact/ short wallet for years and when I tried to move up to a full long wallet it wasn’t for me. I now use a wallet-card holder hybrid. Its bifold like a wallet with card slots but with no designated place for cash or coins. Nice and compact. I’ve been trying to use a flat cardholder in my mini bags but they still take up too much space. I’m better off just putting my cards in the slip pocket inside the purse.

 

[SystarSystem]

I use both.. LV Clemence during the weekdays for work and Saint Laurent fragments zipped card case during the weekends. I could probably just use the card case all the time since it fits everything I need, but for some reason I can't stop using a larger wallet to hold the essential cards plus membership/stamp/gift cards and sentimental things like pictures. I've considered using a key pouch for those other things but for some reason just can't give up a larger wallet.

The zipped card case is great, btw it is longer than a regular card case so it sometimes doesn't fit the way I'd want it to in really small bags (such as the LV mini pochette) but it is still really compact with a handy zippered compartment. With the grained leather, chevron quilting, and ysl logo I feel like it's little a pop of elegance I also feel.. more free.. not carrying around a large wallet for some reason.

If you can fit all the cards you need in the card case it might be refreshing to try it out to see if it suits you!

 

[BlueCherry]

I love a cardholder, especially the flat ones. I had the fragments one but I found that the zip warped a bit when it was full of cards so I sold it. If I was really stuck for space in a small bag I’d just put a couple of cards in the slip pocket.

 

[Grande Latte]

I don’t know about going YSL for a smaller wallet. But I do recommend LV zippy coin purse for cash/ cards and coins. It’s a very useful compact wallet.

 

[ILP]

I use a card case with a zipper compartment (similar to the Fragments) that is large enough for $ to be folded in half and zipped in. I don’t carry many cards (license, insurance card, 3 credit cards, bank card and AAA) and I rarely pay in cash so I don’t have to worry about coins. When I switch from larger bag to smaller bags, I don’t have to worry about big bulky wallet.

 

[maris.crane]

I am someone who switches wallet-cardholder depending on my bag; and my mood. I'm also a bit of a hoarder, and like my bag-wallet to match.

I really like the Monogramme card holders by YSL. They're quite stiff, but they have a nice heft to them and don't feel... chinsy. And I like that they have them in seasonal pretty colours. If you keep an eye out on department stores, or e-tailers, they have sales too. (Card wise, all I really carry is my Debit, VISA, Photo ID and Transit Pass. Most of my rewards cards are either saved on my iPhone, or not ones I need everyday.)

I do have two longer full-size wallets (an older Josephine and the insert from the Felicie) that I'll use in more medium handbags (I really wish that Felicie by LV would be sold separately). Has space for 8 slots; and a bill compartment; I normally keep change in a separate coin pouch (and can stuff the odd bill), anyway so a card case + coin pouch is really enough for me.

Honestly: I think I could survive with just a flat card case, like the Monogramme Saint Laurent for mini bags, and something like the flap/O-Zip card case by Chanel or LV Rosalie when I need more cards but something small enough that can still be used in mini and larger bags.

 

[foxgal]

I think card cases are becoming more popular as less people are carrying cash and mini bags have become so popular. Just my guess... I don’t really have any proof of this, but it’s been my experience.

I use one main credit card for EVERYTHING so am always reaching for it. I also like card cases because I can just pull the card right out easily without having to unsnap or unzip anything. Just got the new iPhone 12 mini and got a case that has a slot on the back for 3 cards, so now my main cards are in that, and I’ll get a card case with zip compartment for the rest of my cards plus cash in the zip part. I was looking at the YSL version but honestly for something that’s just going to be inside my bag I’m going to save the cash and get a Coach one.

 

[cainca]

I don't understand the current card holder craze. They're too small imo and don't hold enough. I also don't like that the cards look exposed and are visible. I have an LV Zippy the largest size and it's too big for my non traveling life now. I plan to get a smaller waller and am searching these threads for ideas. So far my favorites are YSL and the LV Zippy coin purse in the Class Monogram canvas.

 

[ILP]

I don't understand the current card holder craze. They're too small imo and don't hold enough. I also don't like that the cards look exposed and are visible. I have an LV Zippy the largest size and it's too big for my non traveling life now. I plan to get a smaller waller and am searching these threads for ideas. So far my favorites are YSL and the LV Zippy coin purse in the Class Monogram canvas.

People don’t use cash too often these days, have fewer cards and get receipts electronically so big wallets aren’t really needed. Also, the popularity of small camera bags has added to the popularity of card cases. That said, you need to buy what suits your needs, not what’s popular.

 

[mslamlam]

Definitely picked something that suits your needs. Card holders are increasingly popular since the trend is leaning towards cashless stores and contactless deliveries. More and more places are accepting ApplePay and sometimes even Venmo. Additionally, more people are staying home and making purchases online. Of course, trends always can change. At the end of the day, you should get what you love. The photos are some of the bifolds and card holders at YSL.

 

[sharcee]

What do you use, a wallet or card case?
I’m new to TPF. I have always been a large wallet kind of girl. I’ve been using a WOC the last two years but have just purchased the College bag so need a wallet of some sort again.
I was planning on going with the YSL large zip around wallet but the more I read reviews and watch videos it seems like card cases are super popular. Am I super behind on the times? Should I be considering a card case instead of the large wallet? I’ve been looking at YSL card cases and if I go that route I’m leaning towards the Fragments zip card case.

I think it really depends on your needs on a day to day basis. I have a YSL card holder and it has held up incredibly well; I rarely carry cash with me and have a separate pouch for coins. I sometimes use my chanel o zip coin purse for cards/cash if i need. I also have the LV Victorine wallet which I have been using and have found to be very useful. If you are someone who likes to carry a lot of cards (credit card, bank card, loyalty/rewards cards, gift cards etc) + cash + coins then it would make sense for you to go the large wallet route. if you're like me and just carry a few cards with some cash (sometimes), then you could probably get away with downsizing to a card holder of some sort. what works for other people may not work for you and vice versa!