Wood Wallet vs. Cardholder | Which is Better?

Deciding between a wood wallet and a cardholder really comes down to your daily life, what you need to carry, and what you like best. Both are great for holding your cash, debit cards, and ID, but they’re designed and used differently, offering various levels of convenience.

This guide will help you understand the main differences between cardholders and wood wallets so you can pick the one that’s right for you. We’ll look at what makes each one unique, their pros and cons, and by the end, you’ll know if a wooden wallet or a cardholder fits your lifestyle better.

What’s the difference between a Cardholder and a Wood Wallet?

Cardholders:

A cardholder is a thin, organized item specifically made to hold just a few important cards. Cardholders are perfect for holding your credit cards, ID, or business cards. 

This makes them ideal for people who prefer to keep things simple and mostly pay with cards. You’ll find most cardholders are crafted from strong and attractive materials like:

• Metal
• Leather
• Synthetic fibers

Wooden Wallets:

A wood wallet, however, is a more classic choice that comes with multiple sections for cash, coins, and other small items. A wooden wallet also offers extra space for personal items, such as receipts, mini photos, and even a spare key. While a wood wallet generally provides more functionality compared to a cardholder, it can become quite bulky if it’s overfilled.

Ultimately, selecting between a cardholder and a wood wallet really depends on your personal preference. If you prefer carrying something lightweight, a cardholder might be more your style. However, if you need to carry more items, a wooden wallet could be a more practical choice.

Pros And Cons Of Wood Wallets & Cardholders

Now, most of you are quite familiar with what a wood wallet is and how valuable it can be for those who use one. Historically, they’ve been used to carry cash, cards, and even photos of family and friends before phone cameras became common. But how does a wood wallet compare to a cardholder? It’s time to explore their advantages and disadvantages.

What are the top benefits of a wood wallet?

• Wooden wallets offer greater capacity:

Wooden wallets come in various designs and sizes. For example, even a modular bi-fold wood wallet can be slim and light, yet still let you carry more than just your basic essentials. Generally, they can hold around a dozen cards or more, along with cash and other small items. If your main goal is to have a good number of cards and other items, a wood wallet is definitely the preferred option when comparing it to a cardholder.

• Wood wallets typically include a cash pocket: 

Most wood wallets also feature at least one open pocket specifically designed for paper money. Keep in mind, though, that stuffing too many bills inside can make it a little bulky.

Cons of Wood Wallets:

• Wood wallets aren’t always water-friendly:

Many people work in demanding jobs where they might sweat a lot. Eventually, some of that moisture can seep into your wood wallet’s material. This usually won’t destroy the wallet, but it can make it feel a bit sticky and difficult to slide out of your pocket. Plus, any moisture can transfer to your cards or cash inside.

• Wood wallets can get bulky: 

Since a wooden wallet can hold a lot, it’s easy to overfill it. This can make it feel heavy and even wear out your pocket faster.

Top Benefits of a Cardholder:

• Most cardholders have a firm design:

It’s quite clear that metal doesn’t bend or break easily. So, it makes sense that cardholders made from metal, like the GOWOOD Cardholders, will keep your cards safe from bending or breaking. This helps you avoid that frustrating moment at the checkout when you pull out a card only to find it’s no longer working.

• Cardholders are slim and sleek:

Cardholders are generally much smaller than traditional wood wallets. They’re usually just a little bigger than the cards they hold, which makes them more comfortable to carry in your front pocket and less awkward overall.

Cons of Cardholders:

• Cardholders have limited space for cards: 

While cardholders securely hold the cards you insert, each one has a limit to how many cards it can hold before you simply can’t fit any more. So, before you buy a cardholder, consider how many cards you typically need to carry and choose one that can accommodate that amount.

• Cardholders can potentially cause damage: 

If you choose an all-metal cardholder, be aware that it can damage other items if kept in the same pocket. For example, if you put a metal cardholder in the same pocket as your cell phone, it could easily scratch the screen. It might even break the phone if you accidentally bump into something and they hit together in your pocket.

Cardholder vs. Wood Wallet | When to Choose Which

Generally, a minimalist cardholder is the best option if you rarely carry cash and really value minimalism and lightweight accessories. They’re also great for specific situations, like formal events or when you’re doing something outdoors. 

However, there are also times when a cardholder might not be the ideal choice. For example, when you’re dressed for a formal occasion, a bulky item in your pocket can look out of place, and stuffing a thick wallet into a small bag can be inconvenient. In these scenarios, a cardholder is highly recommended because of its sleek, minimalist design. The same goes for activities like going to the gym or enjoying the outdoors, where carrying less simply means more comfort and convenience.

On the other hand, wood wallets might be the better choice for:

• Every day use, especially if you carry both cash and cards regularly.
• Traveling, as they provide extra space for boarding passes, coins, and emergency cash.

Here at GOWOOD, we understand these different needs…

That’s why we craft both wood wallets and minimalist cardholders, both designed to be slim and lightweight, offering a significant upgrade from those oversized, traditional styles. You’ll really enjoy the ease and freedom that comes with carrying less, whether you keep it in your pocket, pants, coat, or a small clutch.

Even our wooden wallets are carefully made to stay sleek, ensuring they don’t become bulky even when you have more essentials to bring along.

Explore our collection of 6 Wood Wallets & Minimalist Cardholders today!