Wallet or Card Holder? Bifold vs Trifold Explained

The short answer

Choose a card holder if you carry a few cards and little cash and want something that sits flat in a front pocket. Choose a bifold if you carry notes, receipts and more cards and want everything in one place. A trifold folds twice, so it is the thickest option and the one we'd choose least often. We don't sell trifolds: our range is two card holders and one bifold.

Card holder, bifold and trifold at a glance

• Card holder: a small case for cards and a few folded notes. Ours measure 107 × 72 mm (navy) and 108 × 84 mm (black saffiano). The navy one is about 3 mm deep when empty and the black saffiano one about 10 mm.
• Bifold: a wallet that folds once. Ours is 118 × 89 × 24 mm closed, with 6 card slots, 3 interior pockets and 2 full-length notes sections.
• Trifold: a wallet that folds twice, giving it extra sections but a thicker, squarer shape when closed.

Bifold vs trifold wallet

Both hold cards and notes. The difference is the folds:

• Thickness. Each fold adds layers of leather and stitching. A trifold is usually thicker than a bifold with the same contents.
• Capacity. A trifold fits more sections and often a photo window, but most people don't use that space.
• Comfort. A bifold is easier to sit on and to slide into a jacket pocket.

For everyday use, a bifold is the sensible full-size choice. That's why we make one: the Black Saffiano Leather Bifold Wallet in genuine saffiano leather, £39.99.

Slim wallet vs bifold

A slim wallet (really a card holder) wins on size: it sits flat in a front pocket and makes you carry less. A bifold wins on capacity: notes lie flat, receipts have a home and you can carry more cards without stacking them in one slot.

• Pick the Navy Blue Genuine Leather Card Holder if you carry four to six cards and the odd note.
• Pick the Black Saffiano Leather Card Holder if you carry ten or more cards but still want something compact: it has 6 card slots, 2 side pockets and a central notes compartment.
• Pick the bifold if you routinely carry notes, receipts and a full set of cards.

A two-minute test

Count what you carry:

1. Cards: under six, card holder; six to ten, larger card holder; over ten, bifold.

2. Cash: a few notes, card holder; regularly more, bifold.

3. Pocket: front pocket, card holder; back pocket or jacket, either.

If you're still undecided, try the one-week test in are slim wallets any good?. For our full range, see genuine leather wallets, or read best slim wallets for everyday use.

Wallet or card holder FAQs

Is a card holder better than a wallet?

Neither is better in general. A card holder is better for carrying less and for front pockets; a wallet is better for carrying notes and receipts.

Can a card holder replace a wallet?

Yes, if you carry few cards and little cash. Our navy card holder holds 4 to 6 cards plus a few folded notes, and the saffiano card holder holds 10 or more cards.

Is a bifold or trifold better?

For most people a bifold, because it's thinner and easier to carry. A trifold suits people who want many separate sections.

Do you sell trifold wallets?

No. We sell two card holders and one bifold, all in genuine leather.