The Wallet Shoppe
The Ridge Wallet - tips to get the most out of it, plus a few Ridge products beyond the wallet itself.
Admit it: there was a time when you thought having a bulging, ripped-at-the-seams bulky wallet filled with cash and credit cards was a symbol of status. Not terribly practical, huh?
Nowadays, the design, durability, and materials that go into producing your wallet are far more important than how many bills or business cards it can hold.
That’s the thought process behind the products offered by The Ridge Wallet - the wallet itself, and the other accessories the company has built around it.
The Ridge Wallet Review
The classic Ridge design comes with aluminum, titanium or carbon-fiber outer plates, among other finishes. The same card-stack idea runs through all three.
Dimensions and Weight
Ridge lists the classic empty frame at 86 × 54 × 6 mm (3.39 × 2.13 × 0.24 inches). Card and cash loads increase its thickness.
Aluminum: Aluminum models are listed at about 2 oz.
Titanium: Burnt Titanium is listed at 2.5 oz, with Grade 2 titanium outer plates.
Carbon Fiber: The lightest of the three, though not by much.
Color Selection
Ridge offers solid colors, printed designs and limited editions. Aluminum gives you a broad range of colors; titanium includes sandblasted and gradient finishes; woven 3K and forged carbon have different patterns.
Aluminum has the most fun, with prints and patterns as well as solid colors. Ridge adds new colors and limited editions all the time, so whatever we list here will be out of date by next month.
Durability
On either side of the wallet, you’ll find an elastic strap that is as tough as it is expandable. It keeps your cards in place, whether you’re carrying one or ten, and when it eventually wears out you can replace it, along with the screws.
Aluminum: Finishes include anodizing and powder coating, depending on color.
Titanium: Choose it for the finish and feel, with more weight than aluminum.
Carbon Fiber: Woven 3K and forged carbon look different because their fibers are arranged differently.
Ridge owner c0horst preferred their carbon-fiber finish after finding that keys scuffed the titanium one. Owner zawShwa described working elastic after nearly two years but a pilling cash strap.
Warranty and Returns
Ridge’s Built for Life policy applies to eligible wallets bought from authorized sellers on or after October 14, 2025. It provides free defective-part replacements; full replacements have processing fees and a two-replacement limit. Cosmetic damage that does not affect function is excluded. Earlier wallets have the Standard Lifetime defect warranty, with different exclusions.
Ridge advertises a 99-day direct-purchase trial. Orders from other sellers follow that seller’s returns policy.
Overall Functionality
The Ridge Wallets cater to those who, simply put, are tired of bulk, of not being able to fit their wallets in their pockets, or who have lost money because of a faulty or a loose money clip.
Your preference comes down to card access, finish and how you carry cash. Ridge has one main stack, so it suits someone happy to fan cards instead of storing each one in its own pocket.
Ridge Wallet: Money Clip vs Strap?
There are some who prefer to go the traditional route and choose the money clip. Plenty of people have been put off clips by older wallets, where the clip weakens over time and the cash starts to slip. That’s not a problem we’ve had with the Ridge clip.
I have the money clip myself and I’ve seen the same thing other people have commented on: sometimes the clip makes it a tad difficult to move the wallet in and out of your pocket, as it can catch on your pants. It’s not a huge deal, but some people have swapped the clip for the cash strap for exactly this reason. The strap sits flatter and practically hugs your money.
In both cases though, your dollar bills aren’t going anywhere.
TIP: You can outfit the wallet with a cash strap, a money clip, or both. There is no need to buy another wallet just to change your cash setup.
RFID
RFID blocking shields compatible contactless cards inside the wallet. A card tucked under the money clip is outside the plates, of course.
Card Access
On all of the wallets, you will notice a half-moon shaped cut out. This cut-out is important in that it allows you to push up your cards over the top of the wallet. The cards will appear at the same height, which is easy if you need the first or the last card in the “deck”, so to speak.
TIP: If, however, you need to access a card that is in the middle, all you have to do is press the cards out at an angle by pushing more towards the back of the cards than at the front. This will create a sort of fan shape (below), and then you can extract just the card you need.
Repeat this step when you go to replace that card into the wallet in its original position.
Buyer’s Guide
If you’re drawn to sleek, minimalist wallets, want the best materials, and care about the safety and security of your cards, IDs, and money, then this is the wallet for you.
Which Ridge Wallet is Right For You?
Since the wallets are all the same dimensions, and even the lighter-weight carbon fiber isn’t that much lighter than the others, which wallet is right for you comes down to aesthetics.
Your choices will come down largely to:
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Looks. There are a wide range of styles and colors. Want a sleek, subtle look? Try the Navy Aluminum. Want something bold to grab attention? Try the Forged Ember carbon fiber.
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Cash-strap or money clip. Choose the cash strap if a slim form factor is a priority. Choose the money clip for a more traditional look that holds your cash crazy tight (see more in this cash strap or money clip article)
Ridge Wallet - The Background
Daniel Kane and his father, Paul, launched Ridge on Kickstarter in 2013. The entire concept is based around carrying only what you need every day, in a sleek carrier that will last. And voilà: the Ridge Wallet collection.
It’s done pretty well for a Kickstarter project: Ridge says its wallet now sits in the front pockets of over 2 million people. You can buy direct from its website or from retail partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does The Ridge Wallet Come with a Screwdriver?
Each wallet you purchase will come with a small screwdriver for two main reasons : (i) this will help you to tighten the screws used to manufacture your wallet should they become loose for whatever reason, but also (ii) the screwdriver also allows you to take apart your wallet if you want to change out, for instance, your money clip for a cash strap.
What Type of Screws Does The Ridge Wallet Use?
The Ridge Wallet uses Torx “star” screws. A Torx screwdriver is provided with purchase.
Does The Ridge Wallet Scratch Easily?
Easily, no. It can of course be scratched like any flat piece of metal (or leather for that matter) but I’ve dropped mine plenty and it’s never been an issue.
Is The Ridge Wallet Uncomfortable To Sit On?
I find it uncomfortable to sit on. Front-pocket carry suits this rigid design better, and slimming your card load helps reduce bulk.
How Much Cash Can The Ridge Wallet Hold?
Like all minimalist wallets, the idea is to carry less cash! Nevertheless, Ridge lists 15–20 folded bills for its money clip, and the strap stretches to hold a similar wad (it just gets thicker).
Does The Ridge Wallet Have a Tracker?
Tracking is an optional accessory. Ridge now sells its own tracker card and AirTag cash attachments. (The AirTag itself is sold separately.) The wallet itself does not contain a GPS receiver.
But Wait, There’s More!
Despite starting on Kickstarter as Ridge Wallets, they have expanded and now sell more than just wallets. We’re very excited about this - read on for more!
Phone Cases
Ridge’s newer cases use MagSafe compatibility rather than the older two-card pockets. The linked model below is an iPhone 17 Pro case with a TPU bumper and aluminum buttons. Pair it with a separately purchased MagSafe wallet if you want cards on the back of the phone.
The Bags
Ridge’s older Commuter and Classic bags came in weatherproof and ripstop versions. The current line is different: the Commuter Pro and the folding Packable Backpack.
The Packable Backpack is a 15L daypack that folds into a small pouch. It has a ripstop shell, YKK zippers, mesh divider, zipper pocket, luggage strap and two bottle holders. Throw it in your suitcase and you’ve got a daypack once you arrive.
Even More!
It doesn’t stop there! Ridge also sells multi-tools, mobile power sources, and some cool miscellaneous gadgets such as a bottle opener, a wallet-sized multi-tool, and some wearable swag.
Then there’s this pen:
The Ridge Bolt Action Ballpoint Pen
And this key chain:
Ridge Leather Key Chain
A leather loop and aluminum clasp give you another way to attach keys to a belt loop or bag.
They also feature some advice on slimming down your wallet and some tips on minimalist travel. We can relate to that!
We’re big fans of Ridge Wallets and it’s great to see them be successful and expanding beyond their roots.
If you’re interested in comparison-shopping though, we wrote an article comparing the Ridge, the Dango and the Trayvax that you might like to browse too. We’ve also gone head-to-head with the two other big names in the category: Ridge vs. Ekster and Ridge vs. Secrid.
For similar plate wallets with different materials and cash attachments, compare our Ridge alternatives.
