15 Best Designer Cardholders
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
If you’ve had the same wallet since you were 15 years old, it might be time for an upgrade. But this time around, why not try out a cardholder?
Wallets can be heavy and unless you have a large bag with you, they’re inconvenient. In essence, cardholders are the perfect handsfree solution to carrying your cash around.
Streamlined enough to put in your pocket or to fit into a trendy mini bag, cardholders are 100% unisex. Cardholders also offer you a way to travel lighter, especially in the summertime when you just want to take the basics with you and get outside.
Let’s not forget that designer cardholders are priced very reasonably, so if you are looking to dip your toes into the expensive world of couture fashion, purchasing a designer cardholder is a great place to start. With prices as low as $150 on our list of the best designer cardholders, you can have a luxury item for less.
How to Choose the Best Designer Card Holder for You
If you are a first-time luxury shopper, want to switch from a wallet, or simply want to upgrade what you already have, it’s important to remember that a designer cardholder is an investment, and that the products mentioned on our list of the best designer cardholders are considered ‘luxurious’ for a reason.
If you’re going to spend as much as $715, you will want to pick a cardholder that is tailored specifically to your needs. So, consider the following while you browse:
Price
A number of factors affect the price of designer cardholders, including brand and the materials, which we’ll expand on shortly. Basically, the most popular brands and highest quality materials will drive up the cost, but either way, the median price of a designer cardholder is approximately $250. On the lower end, you can find a designer cardholder for as low as $147 from MCM.
Brand
When it comes to choosing a brand to shop from, it all depends on personal preference. If you love Dolce & Gabbana, there is a logo-emblazoned cardholder for you. Major players like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Balenciaga, Prada, Saint Laurent and Off-White also make cardholders.
That said, when it comes to durability and quality, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Gucci, three brands that are known for their leather goods, are the best choices.
Material
Cardholders can be found in a variety of materials but they are mainly made out of leather or vegan leather. This is because leather and tough synthetic leathers can hold up against the rigid corners of plastic of cards.
That said, we decided to include options that are only made out of real leather on our list of the best designer cardholders, since vegan leather tends to be less durable and cheaper-looking. Cardholders often end up at the bottom of your bag, getting scratched and scuffed, so a hard-wearing material is a bonus.
Pebbled, grained, or embossed leathers make for the most resistant materials, and they can be seen on the Chloé Walden Card Holder, Balenciaga Cash Large Long Coin And Card Holder, Yves Saint Laurent Monogram Fragments Zippered Card Case in Grain De Poudre Embossed Leather, Valentino Rockstud Grainy Calfskin Card Holder, Burberry Vintage Check and Leather Card Case, and the Maison Margiela Paris Card Sleeve.
Going off of that, embossed and shiny leather options such as the Alexander McQueen Skull Card Holder will stay clean and disguise scratches, whereas smooth leathers on the Acne Studios Lanyard Card Holder and Off-White Quote Card Holder are most likely to scratch. Plus, lighter colors will get dirty faster and show stains easier.
Additional Features
Though these cardholders are small, some will hold everything you need. If you like to carry a lot with you, you may want to consider a designer cardholder with a zip pocket for change. The Dolce & Gabbana Large Vertical Dauphine Calfskin Credit Card Holder has 9 slots and will store all of your club cards.
On the other hand, if you are a minimalist, you may prefer a cardholder with as little as 2 slots. If you’d rather not worry about your cardholder in your pocket, you may want to think about purchasing a cardholder that can also be worn over your shoulder or around your neck for safekeeping, like the Acne Studios Lanyard Card Holder.
Resale Value
The great thing about purchasing a designer cardholder is that you can always sell it for a comparable price. If you want to sell it for the highest possible price, we suggest caring for it properly to keep it looking pristine.
There are also a number of top brands to consider for their resale value, including Louis Vuitton. LV’s classic monogram never goes out of style and some products have been valued at more than their original purchase price because they were part of a limited or discontinued collection.
Other classic brands retain their value include Prada, Gucci, and YSL, while trendier brands such as MCM may not.
- Alexander McQueen Skull Card Holder
- Chloé Walden Card Holder
- Balenciaga Cash Large Long Coin And Card Holder
- Off-White Quote Card Holder
- Acne Studios Lanyard Card Holder
- MCM Mini Coburg Card Holder in Injection Leather
- Yves Saint Laurent Monogram Fragments Zippered Card Case in Grain De Poudre Embossed Leather
- A.P.C Paris Demi Lune Card Holder
- Maison Margiela Paris Card Sleeve
- Prada Saffiano Leather Card Holder
- Louis Vuitton Gusseted Card Holder
- Gucci Black Leather GG Marmont Card Case
- Burberry Vintage Check and Leather Card Case
- Dolce & Gabbana Large Vertical Dauphine Calfskin Credit Card Holder
- Valentino Rockstud Grainy Calfskin Card Holder
15 Best Designer Card Holders
A cardholder is the take-everywhere accessory that is worth splurging on because you will use it everyday. It won’t weigh you down, it will help keep you organized better than a wallet, and it will fit in every purse or pocket you have.
In addition, all of the cardholders featured on this list are gender-neutral and suitable to sport in any season. They are made from high-quality materials and are a great way to treat yourself without getting into the thousand-dollar price range.
Why be a traditionalist and keep using your basic bi-fold wallet? Take the modern route and choose your new companion from one of the best designer cardholders.
#1 – Alexander McQueen Skull Card Holder
Fashion is about breaking the rules and Alexander McQueen has been doing so for years. The designer was known for his impeccable tailoring and his ability to juxtapose the idea of death with delicate fabrics that ooze glamour.
From 1992 on, McQueen incorporated skulls into his designs, a trademark that his namesake brand is now recognized by. The Alexander McQueen Skull Card Holder is covered in tiny skulls which are embossed in shiny black calfskin leather.
This designer cardholder has 4 credit card slots and one central compartment, and if you love the edgy, rocker-chic McQueen aesthetic, you can purchase this product for $250.
#2 – Chloé Walden Card Holder
When you think of Parsian luxury, Chloé is probably top-of-mind. The French fashion brand was started by Gaby Aghion in 1952 and continues to put women first by creating the chicest boho ready-to-wear pieces.
The Chloé Walden Card Holder looks more like a piece of art than a functional cardholder. It features a unique curved design with overlapping panels made of grainy calfskin. The raw edges and contrasting colors and textures are things the brand has become known for, and these little details make this card holder even more special.
The mix of sandy beige with pops of yellow and bright blue make up the perfect spring-summer color combination. Featuring one central pocket with 4 card slots, this designer cardholder rings in at $240. It even comes with its own dust bag!
#3 – Balenciaga Cash Large Long Coin And Card Holder
Balenciaga is a constantly evolving brand that was founded by Spanish couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga. Known for bold modern pieces including the infamous Triple S sneakers, Balenciaga consistently finds ways to stay relevant in the fashion world.
The Balenciaga Cash Large Long Coin And Card Holder is a perfect example. This designer cardholder comes in a neon yellow color and it’s covered in grained calfskin. It’s larger in length than most of the cardholders on this list, as it can hold cash, coins, and cards with ease.
Interestingly, this product’s 4 card slots are on the backside, which makes them quick and easy to access. There is also a zippered compartment included to hold change. Priced at $250, it’s a must-have for anyone who loves bold colors.
#4 – Off-White Quote Card Holder
When it comes to luxury streetwear, Off-White is the destination to shop thanks to designer Virgil Abloh’s idiosyncratic take on everyday clothing and accessory staples. If you love the quirky quotation texts on Off-White runway pieces, exclusive sneakers, or expensive sweatshirts, you’ll be sure to swoon over the Quote Card Holder.
This isn’t just any plain black cardholder. It is made from black leather but has white printing on the front and back that reads “For Cards”. The labeling not only makes this item super easy to find in your overcrowded purse, but makes it feel less serious and more fun.
Priced at $230, you can also use this cardholder as a conversation starter.
#5 – Acne Studios Lanyard Card Holder
Swedish fashion has become increasingly popular over the years thanks to its modern, sleek, and simple designs. Acne Studios is known for creating clothing, shoes, and accessories that aligns with that aesthetic, on top of being a Stockholm-based brand.
The Acne Studios Lanyard Card Holder stands out from the rest of the items featured on this list because it’s attached to a lanyard, and who knew a lanyard could look so cool?! The cardholder is made in smooth dark brown or black leather and features 2 slim card slots as well.
If you misplace everything when you’re on the go, this $230 option is for you.
#6 – MCM Mini Coburg Card Holder in Injection Leather
You may have seen luxury German brand MCM’s logo before, which actually stands for the initials of founder Michael Cromer Munich. In fact, MCM gained notoriety for pasting its logo all over its products, particularly their famous backpacks which have been seen on the likes of Justin Bieber.
The MCM Mini Coburg Card Holder in Injection Leather is a compact cardholder that is small enough to fit in your back pocket. The front is black and has an embossed MCM logo, while the back is painted in a dark green. The center sleeve has 3 card slots and the cardholder itself is currently on sale for $147, down from $245.
#7 – Yves Saint Laurent Monogram Fragments Zippered Card Case in Grain De Poudre Embossed Leather
Whether you know the brand as Yves Saint Laurent, YSL, or Saint Laurent, you have definitely heard the name. Founded in 1961, Saint Laurent started as an haute couture house. Today it is still a leader in the industry thanks to its expansion into everyday luxury products.
The Yves Saint Laurent Monogram Fragments Zippered Card Case in Grain De Poudre Embossed Leather is the mini version of the brand’s cult classic crossbody bag. In fact, YSL decided to create more products that were inspired by it, considering its popularity.
Made out of 100% calfskin leather which is quilted on the front and smooth in the back, this cardholder has gold-toned metal hardware that’s shaped into the YSL logo. It also has one zip pocked on the inside and 5 card slots on the back.
Available in black, khaki green, rouge legion, rouge opyum, dark natural, dark beige, sea salt and blanc vintage, you can get this unmistakably chic YSL cardholder for $375.
#8 – A.P.C Paris Demi Lune Card Holder
When it comes to all things minimalist and understated, A.P.C. is the brand to shop. The French company’s name stands for ‘Atelier de Production et de Création’, and it focuses on clean, simple designs. A.P.C. has even gone as far to do collaborations with Kid Cudi and Kanye West.
This cardholder has a design that is different from the others on this list. It has rounded corners and extra smooth lines, which are only enhanced by its buttery calfskin leather. On the front of the cardholders, A.P.C.’s gold-toned madame logo shines.
Plus, there is space for 2 cards in the frontside, 1 in the back, and there’s even a middle pocket for larger pieces of ID or receipts. The A.P.C Paris Demi Lune Card Holder comes in black and brown and retails for $140.
#9 – Maison Margiela Paris Card Sleeve
French fashion house Maison Margiela is the perfect mix of high-end couture and ready-to-wear. The brand creates everything from fragrance to footwear and is beloved for it’s gender-neutral designs by models, celebrities, and even rappers like Future.
The Maison Margiela Paris Card Sleeve has two slots and an unusual peekaboo window that makes it easy to spot your ID or credit card. It is made out of grainy black bovine leather and the logo is printed in white. Better yet, this cardholder is on sale for $133 from $190.
#10 – Prada Saffiano Leather Card Holder
Prada is another major luxury Italian fashion label that is known for its fine leather goods including handbags and shoes. Amazingly, the brand hasn’t had to do too much innovating with their designs since they’ve remained in style for so long. Prada has also won the hearts of many celebrities including Chiara Ferragni and Nick Jonas.
If you’re looking for a newer Prada item though, the Prada Saffiano Leather Card Holder is a compact take on a classic design. It features 5 visible card slots as well as a button strap on the front to keep everything in place. There is also a zipper closure to hold any change you may have.
Scoop yours up in black or fiery red for $440.
#11 – Louis Vuitton Gusseted Card Holder
As mentioned above, Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram on coated canvas never goes out of style. From the Neverfull to the Speedy handbag, the LV initials are like a stamp of immortality, and they also grace the Louis Vuitton Gusseted Card Holder.
This accordion-style holder is compact, but it opens up to fit all of your cards. It’s secured by a colored leather tab and a gold press stud closure. The pink detailing makes this cardholder more fun than a standard monogram piece, and you can get it for $715.
#12 – Gucci Black Leather GG Marmont Card Case
Gucci is one of the oldest Italian fashion houses in existence, but ever since Alessandro Michele became the brand’s creative director in 2015, he brought his eccentric taste and style to the table, reviving the glamour and excitement it once possessed.
The Marmont collection is one that Michele brought back in 2016 as his way of paying homage to 70s style. Now, Gucci Marmont products are a mainstay, including the Gucci Black Leather GG Marmont Card Case.
This card case matches the bags in this collection perfectly with its antique gold hardware. It features matelasse chevron stitching and comes in black, hibiscus red, dusty pink, and brown leather. It has 4 card slots and a middle compartment, and it rings in at $250.
#13 – Burberry Vintage Check and Leather Card Case
Trench coats and tartan plaid, what could be more English, or more Burberry? Burberry’s tartan print is never out of season, and the Burberry Vintage Check and Leather Card Case is covered in it.
Featuring a combination of grainy black leather and vintage check print, it includes 4 card slots and a center compartment so you don’t lose cash or receipts. At $190, it’s the preppy accessory you’ll want to show off or gift to a friend you love.
#14 – Dolce & Gabbana Large Vertical Dauphine Calfskin Credit Card Holder
Since Dolce & Gabbana’s founding in 1985, the brand’s been recognized for helping women look and feel their best. D&G has continued to create sensual, exotic, and feminine products from lingerie to makeup. The Dolce & Gabbana Large Vertical Dauphine Calfskin Credit Card Holder is another accessory to come out of the process.
With a vertical design, this product is thin, functional, and small enough to fit into mini bags. It is made of dauphine calfskin and comes in black, fuschia, orange, azure and red. What makes this cardholder feel extra special is the crystal D&G logo, which adds a hint of glamour to a functional accessory.
With 9 individual card slots and a flat back pocket to hold receipts, the Large Vertical Dauphine Calfskin Credit Card Holder also has a zip-up compartment that will hold change. It comes in at $325.
#15 – Valentino Rockstud Grainy Calfskin Card Holder
From Naomi Campbell to Kate Hudson to Jennifer Aniston, the world’s biggest beauties have been seen sporting Valentino fashions. Founded in 1960 by Valentino Garavani, the brand sells everything from couture gowns to small leather goods, like the Valentino Rockstud Grainy Calfskin Card Holder.
The Rockstud collection came out in 2010 and was inspired by Roman architecture. It has become one of Valentino’s most notable collections to date, and it includes shoes, bags, belts, and cardholders.
The Rockstud Grainy Calfskin Card Holder comes in a stunning opal grey color. There are 4 card slots (2 on both sides) and one flat pocket in the center. Plus, it rings in at $385.
Why should you downsize your wallet to a card holder?
Trends may come and go, but the designer mini bag trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Every time a new collection comes out, the bags seem to be getting smaller and less practical, but don’t fret – most of these mini bags can fit a cardholder.
If you’re ready to downsize your wallet to a cardholder, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice practicality. You can take all of your essentials with you in your mini bag as long as they don’t include a full makeup bag or sunglasses case.
A cardholder can fit credit cards, debit cards, some essential loyalty cards (Starbucks), and even some cash and change. So, why shouldn’t you downsize to a cardholder?
What kind of designer card holder is most worth the purchase?
When deciding what cardholder is worth the purchase, consider what your needs are. If you’re looking for the best value for your money, lowest price, or most timeless design, there’s a designer cardholder to correspond. Use these suggestions as a starting point:
- Best value for your money: Gucci Black Leather GG Marmont Card Case, $250
- Lowest price: MCM Mini Coburg Card Holder in Injection Leather, $147
- Most timeless: Burberry Vintage Check and Leather Card Case, $190
How should you care for a designer card holder?
When you splurge on a designer item, you want to do your best to take care of it. If you properly care for your designer cardholder, it could last you decades, which means you shouldn’t overstuff it.
If you are looking to clean your designer cardholder, simply use a dry cloth to wipe it off, then apply a leather cleaner to remove stains. Lastly, tuck it away in its dust bag and call it a day.
