We’re at a watershed moment. With the introduction of titanium on the newest iPhone 15 Pro models, the iPhone phone case cottage industry is getting thrown on its head. If you have a titanium iPhone, you don’t need a case anymore. The back won’t crack, and the front won’t crack unless you take a hammer to it. When was the last time you even rocked a caseless phone? Probably not within the last decade. Now that it’s not a protection thing, we’re looking at a new era of iPhone case. These days, the case is more a tool. Whether it’s a tool to show off your personality or a functional tool, it’s its own thing now. One of the most popular functions is as a wallet—or at least a part-time wallet.
Gone are the days of wallet phone cases being reserved for teens carrying fake IDs and Wendy’s Frosty cards. Plenty of adults are ditching their card holders and chunky bifolds (at least part-time) for sleek back-of-the-phone wallet cases. This isn’t for the peace of mind you’d get from an AirTag compatible wallet. It’s more about convenience, serious minimalism. Everything is together and condensed, and I can get behind that.
The Most Stylish Wallet Phone Case
Mujjo Leather MagSafe Wallet Case
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The Most Functional iPhone Wallet Case
Bellroy 3-Card Phone Case
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To help you make the jump, Esquire has done yet another tech deep dive—like we did for Apple watch bands, smart home devices, Apple VR, and those weird f*cking air-purifying headphones that Dyson made. The result: A definitive list of the 11 best iPhone wallet cases on the market in 2024.
The Most Stylish Wallet Phone Case
Mujjo Leather MagSafe Wallet Case
The Most Stylish Wallet Phone Case
Mujjo Leather MagSafe Wallet Case
Pros
- Beautiful leather construction
- Doesn't hold a ton of cards
- Gives you the flexibility of when and where to use the MagSafe wallet
- Works for MagSafe charging
Cons
- Limited model choice
- Case and wallet are technically separate here
A good-looking wallet case probably should fall somewhere in the spectrum of minimalist and luxury, not colorful and gaudy. This handsome wallet case with a satin finish has that minimalist luxury feel that’ll catch your eyes at first glance. And it’s very durable, made with tanned vegetable leather and microfiber lining.
Of all the iPhone wallet cases I’ve held, Mujjo’s has the most luxury feel, and it got the most questions or compliments.
Compatibility: All iPhone 15, 14, 13, and 12 models
Card Slot | Up to 3 cards |
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MagSafe Compatibility | Yes |
Protection | Raised camera and screen edges |
The Most Functional iPhone Wallet Case
Bellroy 3-Card Phone Case
The Most Functional iPhone Wallet Case
Bellroy 3-Card Phone Case
Pros
- Simple look
- Inconspicuous design
- Great colors
Cons
- No options for older models
- Doesn't work with MagSafe charging
Bellroy’s three-card case tucks the cards into the side and hides them from sight—it’s inconspicuous, shall we say, which is a very good thing here. Even more enticing is the eco-tanned leather, which comes in shades from lagoon to lemon to terracotta—a welcome break from all the neutral leathers of the iPhone case world.
It does’t look as low-key as the Mujjo case, but Bellroy’s option is undeniably the most functional on this list. If you’re worried about having your stuff displayed on the back of your case, this is the best case for keeping it all tucked away.
Compatibility: all iPhone 15, 14, and 13 models
Card slot | Up to 3 cards |
---|---|
MagSafe Compatibility | No |
Protection | Eco-tanned leather and polymer |
The Simple MagSafe Wallet
Native Union (Re)Classic MagSafe Wallet
The Simple MagSafe Wallet
Native Union (Re)Classic MagSafe Wallet
Pros
- Premium plant-based leather
- Simple, timeless look
- Slim and easy to pack
Cons
- Case-plus-wallet ends up with a $100 price tag
- Some might not prefer how a MagSafe wallet can separate from their phone
I’d be remiss to not mention my favorite MagSafe wallet, which becomes a proper wallet phone case when paired with the matching case. It looks classy—with premium materials, no bulky components or loud branding—and it gets the job done. You really don’t need anything more than this.
In terms of those classy looks, I was actually a huge fan of the green colorway. In person, it falls somewhere between Jade and Hunter green—it’s a nice swerve to the typical black or navy iPhone accessory.
Compatibility: all MagSafe compatible iPhones (15, 14, 13, and 12)
Card Slot | Up to 3 Cards |
---|---|
MagSafe Compatibility | Yes |
Protection | Solid plant-based leather |
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Pros
- Options for older phones
- Great price
- Enough space for cash
Cons
- Colors and designs are lacking
- Looks a bit cheap
Smartish’s simple iPhone case holds three cards—even a few bills, because cash is still king—while protecting your device from everyday use.
Functionally, this guy is great, but I’ve got issues with the look. The black version shown here is fine, but the patterned options are...a choice. For my money, I’d just spend a bit more for something that looks a bit more put together.
Compatibility: All iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, SE, and X models
Card Slot | Up to 3 cards plus cash |
---|---|
MagSafe Compatiblity | No |
Protection | Extra grippy sides |
For a Classic Look
Tumi iPhone 14 Folio Wallet Case
For a Classic Look
Tumi iPhone 14 Folio Wallet Case
Pros
- A lot of card and cash storage
- Great quality leather
- Wallet is detachable from phone case
Cons
- Only fits iPhone 14 models
- TUMI appears to be phasing out its folio case
Sure, a tall folio phone case makes you look like somebody’s uncle, but you’ll at least look like a rich uncle. This number from Tumi comes in a beautiful deep red leather, and the phone case actually detaches from the wallet. So you can use them separately or together.
There is the issue that TUMI appears to be phasing out its wallet cases for more fashion-y options on the iPhone 15.
Compatibility: iPhone 14 only
Card Slot | 5 pockets, with 1 slip pocket |
---|---|
MagSafe Compatibility | Yes |
Protection | Leather |
Pros
- Leather tones down the aggressive OtterBox look
- Back models to iPhone 12
- Incredibly slim
- Looks great for a folio wallet
Cons
- Only two color options
- Bulky
- Folio wallets will always make you look like someone's uncle—similar vibe to a bluetooth headset
Anything but bulky, OtterBox’s folio folds open to reveal a slot to hold a couple cards or money. And when the transaction’s over, a magnetic latch holds the flap closed over the screen for extra protection.
It’s tough to make a folio case actually look good, but OtterBox has done it. Dressed up in black leather, it looks really sharp. Add to that OtterBox’s military-standard drop testing and you’ve got an incredible folio wallet.
Compatibility: 15 Pro Max, 15 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus, 14, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 12 Pro Max, 12, 12 Pro
Card Slot | 2 card slots and 1 cash slot |
---|---|
MagSafe Compatibility | Yes |
Protection | Military-grade drop protection |
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Pros
- A ton of model options
- Inconspicuous design
- Futuristic look
- Keeps cards hidden
Cons
- Doesn't fit a ton of cards
- Not really any space for cash
Polycarbonate cases can be much more sustainable than leather ones. Here we have it in a futuristic-looking “armor” for 360-degree iPhone protection (minus the screen, that is). And the exterior card slot has a sleek, slim, slide-and-go design that doesn’t scream “Hey, look at me, I’m a card holder case!”
Compatibility: 15 Pro Max, 15, 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14, 14 Plus, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 12 and 12 Pro, 12 Mini, 12 Pro Max, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, Xs, Xs Max, XR
Card Slot | Up to 2 cards |
---|---|
Protection | Dual layers and air cushion |
Pros
- A lot of storage space
- Back models to iPhone 12
- Option for nicer Horween Leather
Cons
- Regular model is a bit lacking compared to more expensive options
Nomad’s Modern Folio is very nearly a wallet itself, what with all the space for up to three cards and a pocket slot for cash (or whatever else you need to store). But it keeps it all compact in dandy leather casing, with a ten-foot-drop protection to boot. You’ll love holding it in your hands and feeling the texture. And it is compatible with MagSafe, too.
Card Slot | 3 card slots and 1 cash slot |
---|---|
MagSafe Compatibility | Yes |
Protection | 10-foot drop protection |
Pros
- Nice little kickstand
- Better than most MagSafe performance
Cons
- The slide to get your cards can be a bit inconvenient
- Looks a bit too tactical for some
This case is minimalist design exemplified—even more so because you won’t be able to see much of the cards you tuck inside the back pocket. But we’re here to highlight how it’ll work with Apple Pay, wireless charging, magnetic car phone mounts, and how it can be folded up to a kickstand at multiple angles while surviving drop after drop.
Compatibility: Every model from iPhone X to 15 Pro Max
Card Slot | Up to 3 cards |
---|---|
MagSafe Compatibility | Yes |
Protection | Military-grade drop protection |
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Best Quality Leather
Bullstrap Portfolio iPhone Case
Best Quality Leather
Bullstrap Portfolio iPhone Case
Pros
- High quality calfskin leather
- Two card slots hold more than expected
- Simple
Cons
- Simplicity means not much in the way of features
- Wallet is not detachable
There’s something about carrying glossy, leather-y stuff. It says I know something you don’t, or I give a damn about looking the part. Hence, most options on this list are leather-y. But this particular calfskin wallet case stands out: No sliding or flipping open and close, you insert your cards and go.
Compatibility: Every model from iPhone 7/8/SE to 15 Pro Max
Card Slot | Up to 2 cards |
---|---|
MagSafe Compatibility | Yes |
Protection | 1.5mm-thick protective layer |
The Outdoorsman's Case-Wallet
Pelican 1050 Micro Case
The Outdoorsman's Case-Wallet
Pelican 1050 Micro Case
Pros
- Just about indestructible
- Carabiner keeps it attached to your gear
- Fits any iPhone model (since it's just a case)
- IP67 tested and certified
Cons
- Not practical for everyday use
- Bit of an event to get your phone out—though that is the point
Not technically a phone case...or a wallet, but if you’re bringing valuables into nasty situations, nothing will keep them safer than a pelican case. This mini version is crushproof, dustproof, watertight, so you can drop it in a river, off a cliff, whatever, it’ll be all right. And it’ll fit every iPhone model, though any of the Pro Maxes will be a bit of a squeeze.
Compatibility: Universal
Card Slot | Single 6.3" x 3.7" x 2.8" interior |
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MagSafe Compatibility | No |
Protection | IP67, watrertight, crushproof, and dustproof |
Will You Even Use an iPhone Wallet Case?
Generally, we say yes. An iPhone wallet case is a great accessory to have, as it bridges those gaps between when you don’t want to bring our your full wallet or just don’t need anything besides a credit card and ID. If you go for a run, head to the gym, head to the pool, etc., you don’t need a full wallet. Having a way to reasonably bring essentials only is always convenient, for literally anyone.
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What Should You Look for in Wallet Phone Cases
- MagSafe Compatibility: If you insist on using MagSafe accessories or any newer-gen device equipped with Qi-enabled charging, keep in mind that a wallet case might get in the way of your wireless experience. But thankfully, quite a few iPhone card holder cases on our list do not interrupt with MagSafe’s magic and thus pave way for wireless charging even with the case—and cards—on. But for others, those magnets are just too big for both, and you’ll have to detach the case for wireless charging, or just charge with a cord, which isn’t that repulsive of an idea.
- Card Slot Capacity: Some manufacturers straight-up provide a limit as to how many cards you can put in there, and some just tell you the amount of card slots for you to test the limit.
- Looks: Even the most Function over Form of us care about style deep down. It’s not the biggest part of your look, but getting a nice looking iPhone wallet will give you a little treat every time you pull it out.
- Build Quality: But if you really do only care about function, consider the materials of your iPhone wallet. Is it plastic? Rubber? Leather? If it’s leather, where is it from? Are there tiered options? Etc. etc.
- iPhone Model: Apple insists on the subtlest twists for each of its new releases—a decimal difference in dimension or camera bump. That’s something we just have to put up with. Hence, never be so innocent and think you can just carry your iPhone 13 wallet case over to an iPhone 14. Always check the size in each model—you’d be surprised by how they’re often a small world apart.
Why Trust Esquire?
We've testing products for years—or decades, collectively—and it allows us to recommend the best tech worth your hard-earned money. Simply, we know what's good. More complicatedly, we know all the weird jargon and do all the testing that you don't need to worry about. We compile our guides by performing heavy research and testing, and the gadgets we choose to award are what we'd spend our own money on.