What Is a Money Clip? Are Money Clips Worth It?

If your wallet has grown thick with receipts and cards you never use, a money clip is the simplest way to slim down. But what is a money clip exactly, how do you use one, and are money clips worth it compared with a normal wallet? This guide explains the practical side of carrying a money clip, the different types, including designer money clip wallets, and who they suit best.

What is a money clip?

A money clip is a sprung clip that holds folded banknotes together, so you can carry cash without a full wallet. The classic version is a single piece of folded metal. Today the most popular type is the money clip wallet: a slim card holder or bifold with a clip fixed to the outside or centre, so cards sit in slots and notes sit under the clip.

Types of money clip

• Plain clip: just the clip, for notes and perhaps one or two cards folded inside. The most minimal option.
• Money clip card holder: a flat card holder with a clip on the back. Good for a few cards and some notes.
• Money clip bifold wallet: a slim bifold with card slots on both sides and a clip in the middle instead of a note compartment. The best balance of slimness and storage.
• Designer money clip wallet: a money clip wallet with a more considered finish, such as leather or a carbon fibre style texture, and extras like RFID blocking.

How to use a money clip

1. Sort your notes by value, largest on the outside or inside, whichever you prefer.
2. Fold the notes in half once, with the fold facing the closed end of the clip.
3. Slide the folded edge into the clip until it sits snugly; do not force a thick wad, as overloading can loosen the spring.
4. Keep cards in the wallet's slots, or tuck one or two cards inside the folded notes if you use a plain clip.
5. Carry it in a front pocket, where it is comfortable and easy to reach.

Why carry a money clip?

A money clip is slim and light, so it sits comfortably in a front pocket without the bulge of a full wallet. Cash is quick to reach without fumbling through compartments, and notes are held firmly so they do not slip out. Because space is limited, a money clip also encourages you to carry only what you need, which keeps your pockets tidy and your essentials organised.

A money clip wallet adds card slots to that simplicity. Our carbon fibre style money clip wallet with RFID bifold card holder holds cards in RFID blocking slots with a clip in the centre for notes. If you prefer a warmer look, the brown leather designer money clip wallet pairs leather with a clip and RFID blocking.

Are money clips worth it?

For the right person, yes. A money clip is worth it if you:

• Carry a handful of cards and a few notes.
• Prefer a front pocket to a back pocket.
• Want a smart, slim look with suits or tailored trousers.
• Are happy to keep receipts and loyalty cards elsewhere, for example on your phone.

A money clip is less practical if you carry coins, lots of cards or a large amount of cash. In that case a bifold or a wallet with a coin pocket is a better fit; our guide to what a bifold wallet is compares the options.

Do men still carry money clips?

Yes. While contactless payment has reduced how much cash people carry, that has made the money clip more appealing, not less: if you carry fewer notes, you need less wallet. Money clip wallets that add card slots and RFID blocking have brought the style up to date, and the classic look still suits both formal and casual outfits.

Designer money clip: what to look for

• A firm clip: the spring should grip a few notes securely and return to shape when empty.
• Enough card slots: four to eight is plenty for most people.
• RFID blocking: useful if you carry contactless cards. See how RFID blocking works.
• Finish: leather for a classic look, or a carbon fibre style finish for a modern, easy-clean texture.
• Size: it should slip into a front pocket without stretching it.

If you only want cards and no cash, a slim card holder such as the carbon fibre style designer RFID card wallet is an even more minimal alternative.

Questions and answers

What is a money clip?

A money clip is a sprung clip that holds folded banknotes. Many modern versions are built into a slim wallet with card slots.

Are money clips worth it?

Yes, if you carry a few cards and notes and want a slim front-pocket option. If you carry coins or lots of cards, a wallet suits you better.

How do you use a money clip?

Fold your notes in half once and slide the folded edge into the clip. Keep cards in the slots, and avoid overfilling so the clip keeps its grip.

Can you put cards in a money clip?

Yes. A money clip wallet has card slots, and with a plain clip you can tuck one or two cards inside the folded notes.

Which pocket should a money clip go in?

Most people carry a money clip in a front trouser pocket, where it is comfortable and easy to reach.

Shop money clip wallets

Compare money clip, card holder and bifold styles in our men's wallets collection, or browse RFID blocking wallets for men.

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