If you're looking for the best money belt, you've come to the right place.
We all know that travel accessories such as waist bags and fanny packs have made a huge comeback among travelers and the general public in recent years. Money belts may seem like an item your great-aunt will definitely wear on the next family trip. However, money belts have come a long way in terms of fashion, comfort, and valuables protection. Their benefits in terms of safety are hard to beat. What could be more important than keeping your valuables safe during your precious trip?
These new money belts offer so many quality aspects, including RIFD blocking, cut-resistant straps, a barely noticeable silhouette, and moisture-wicking materials, that it would be hard to turn down one of them.
“Money belts are great, I don't know why they went out of style!” says marketing professional and travel expert Jasmine Diaz. “I used a money belt on a recent cruise and it's perfect for spacewalks. It's ideal to pack light when you're in an unfamiliar place.”
Stylist Jordan Toniguez of lookingGLASS believes money belts are making a stylish comeback because they're a “chic, versatile accessory that blends a '90s retro vibe with contemporary design,” adding, “They offer hands-free convenience and secure storage for your essentials, making them perfect for travel and everyday use. Since everyone wants to make their life easier, it's no surprise we've found ways to maintain functionality without sacrificing style.”
Here are 11 money belts that will keep you completely safe and comfortable on your next great adventure.
The Pacsafe Coversafe X100 RFID Blocking Security Waist Belt has two main features we love: cut-resistant straps and RFIDsafeâ„¢ blocking material. It easily holds cash, passports, tickets, credit cards and other important documents. The adjustable waist strap has a side release buckle hidden under the fabric for extra comfort. It's also made from lightweight, water-resistant, PFC-free polyester.
“As a travel professional with nearly 20 years of experience, we were surprised to see the Money Belt making a comeback,” says Cassandra Rena Santoro, an Italian-American dual citizen and CEO and founder of Travel Italian Style, “but if it means peace of mind for travelers, we're all for it!”
Santoro recommends Pacsafe to his clients. For trips to Italy specifically, Santoro feels that “a Money Belt is a smart idea for daytime sightseeing in major cities like Rome, Florence and Palermo. These cities are generally safe, but crowds peak between June and October. With a Money Belt, you can keep your museum tickets, passport and cash safe and close at hand at all times.”
The Bandi Pocketed Wrap has revolutionized the money belt market. Available in six sizes and dozens of fun prints, the four separate pockets hold any size cell phone, passport, keys, cash, credit cards, and even small medical devices. The unique full circle design allows more space than most other money belts. The stretchy, soft fabric wicks away moisture and is antibacterial. Made in the USA, it's perfect for everyday use or travel.
With its elasticated belt, two zippered pockets, and RFID blocking, Peak Gear's Travel Money Belt is an obvious choice. But we really like the $250 anti-theft and lost property recovery service that comes with your purchase. When you buy a money belt, you also get two tags that you can activate before you travel. With personal ID and ReturnMe's 24/7 helpline at no extra cost, you can be sure your valuables will be on their way if they get lost.
The Salomon Active Sling is, as the name suggests, made for active people. If you visit multiple museums or do a lot of walking, this money belt is perfect for you. It has a breathable mesh interior and a very minimalist design that can hold your passport, phone, keys and cash.
“When on holiday or sightseeing, I use Salomon's lightweight money belt to hold extra cash, important credit cards and my passport,” says Daniel Clark, Parklink's director and travel expert. “It has a little strap on the inside to keep your passport (or phone) from moving or falling out. It's small and comfortable to wear under your clothes, and the strap can be adjusted to fit over other clothes if needed. It's also great for when you don't want to carry a backpack when you're out for a run.”
If you want to be discreet so that no one knows you are wearing a money belt, try the Jasgood Travel Security Money Belt, a belt that can also secretly store your cash.
“Unlike a fanny pack or a handbag,” says Echo Wang, founder of Cool Travel Vibes.[money belts] It hides under your clothes, making you less of a target for pickpockets. One great option is the JASGOOD Travel Security Belt. It's designed to be extremely discreet, with no bulky bulges or noticeable fasteners. Plus, it's secured in place with a special fastener, making it nearly impossible to open unnoticed.”
The Raytix Money Belt has two main pockets and an internal divider pocket to keep your belongings organized. RFID blocking is a great security feature as always, and the adjustable elastic belt adds extra comfort. It's waterproof and comes with a handy “Package Checklist” which is a nice touch.
“I think people are starting to realise that the safety of their valuables while travelling is more important than the embarrassment of possibly being seen wearing a money belt,” says Matt Hapgood, an e-commerce expert and avid business and leisure traveller. “Money belts have come a long way and there are now plenty of options to choose from, including waterproof ones (a great feature especially if you want to carry your phone in your money belt) and ones with RDIF protection. [that] It protects not only against cash theft, but also against electronic money theft. At this point, I'm not sure that this kind of protection is necessary in most places, but as society becomes more cashless, I think this feature will become more and more important.”
If you're looking for luxurious comfort, the Silk Undercover Money Belt by Eagle Creek is made from soft silk fabric that won't irritate your skin. The adjustable elastic waistband adds extra comfort. Two zippered pockets hold all your valuables without the bulk of a waist pack. Hapgood rates it the most comfortable money belt.
“Bullhide belts are the best!” says Jordan Tonigues, stylist at lookingGLASS. “They're the perfect blend of fashion and function, so you don't have to sacrifice style to keep your money safe. With so many options and a wide range of price points, there's something for everyone.”
Bullhide money belts come in sizes from 32″ to 52″. Just because it says “men's belt” doesn't mean other people can't wear it. It really is the perfect way to carry some extra cash while on vacation.
If you plan on breaking a sweat on your next vacation, we highly recommend the FlipBelt adjustable waistband, which will keep your valuables safe while you get more steps in. With a zippered pocket and a small keychain carabiner, you can store your phone, passport, headphones and cash in a comfortable, functional and completely discreet belt.
“Its seamless design fits snugly against the body and stays in place, making it a sleek option,” says Tonigues.
For an ultra-budget-friendly option, you can't go wrong with the MoKo Secure Travel Money Belt. Available in six colors, it's always a fun choice. It's also significantly larger than other money belts, but still just as thin. It's made from ripstop waterproof nylon and comes with two pockets, a breathable mesh back, an elastic adjustable waistband, RFID blocking technology, and perhaps the cleverest addition: a headphone hole. It lets you listen to tours and directions while sightseeing, and keeps your phone safe and away from pickpockets.
If you want to keep your valuables safe while also being mindful of the planet, then the Corker Travel Money Belt is made from cork fabric, a sustainable material sourced from cork oak forests. The company is always cruelty-free and uses fully sustainable packaging. The money belt itself has all the features you'd expect from a traditional money belt, meaning a RIFD block, an adjustable elastic strap, and two zippered pockets to hold your keys, passport, cash, credit cards, and more. However, due to the material, it's best worn as a layer over a thin garment, with a second layer underneath.
Looking for a travel credit card? Check out what CNN Underscored Money picked as the best travel credit cards available right now.