Your wallet holds some of your most important personal items, but carrying the wrong things can put you at risk of theft, fraud, or even identity theft.
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10 Items You Should Never Carry in Your Wallet
Here’s a guide to items you should never carry in your wallet—and why leaving them at home (or in a safer place) is a smarter choice.
1. Social Security Card
- Why Avoid It: If stolen, your Social Security number can be used for identity theft.
- What to Do Instead: Memorize your number and keep the card in a safe place, like a locked drawer or fireproof safe.
2. Multiple Credit Cards
- Why Avoid It: Losing your wallet could mean losing access to all your credit lines.
- What to Do Instead: Carry only one or two cards for daily use and leave others at home unless you specifically need them.
3. Large Amounts of Cash
- Why Avoid It: If your wallet is lost or stolen, cash is impossible to recover.
- What to Do Instead: Use cards or mobile payment apps to minimize the cash you carry.
4. Checks or Deposit Slips
- Why Avoid It: These contain your bank account number and can be used for fraudulent transactions.
- What to Do Instead: Store personal checks securely at home and only carry them when necessary.
5. Passwords or PINs
- Why Avoid It: Writing down passwords or PINs makes it easy for thieves to access your accounts.
- What to Do Instead: Use a secure password manager app to store this information safely.
6. Gift Cards
- Why Avoid It: Gift cards are like cash—once stolen, they’re gone.
- What to Do Instead: Only carry them if you’re planning to use them that day.
7. Receipts with Sensitive Information
- Why Avoid It: Receipts with your credit card details or other personal information can be used by fraudsters.
- What to Do Instead: Shred receipts with sensitive information as soon as they’re no longer needed.
8. Your Passport
- Why Avoid It: Losing your passport can create major headaches, especially if you’re traveling.
- What to Do Instead: Carry a copy of your passport for identification purposes and leave the original in a safe place unless you’re traveling internationally.
9. Unnecessary Membership or ID Cards
- Why Avoid It: Membership cards, such as Costco membership cards, often have personal details that could be misused.
- What to Do Instead: Digitize membership cards using apps or carry only the ones you frequently use.
10. Spare House Key
- Why Avoid It: If your wallet is lost along with your ID, someone could easily locate and enter your home.
- What to Do Instead: Keep spare keys with a trusted friend or family member.
Conclusion
Your wallet should only contain essential items like a government-issued ID, a primary payment card, and a small amount of cash. By decluttering your wallet and leaving unnecessary items at home, you can reduce the risk of loss or theft and protect your personal information. For extra security, consider using a slim wallet or RFID-blocking wallet to further safeguard your valuables.
What’s in your wallet? It might be time to do an audit and make it safer.
