Apple practically reinvented the wheel when it launched MagSafe, creating an entire ecosystem of handy snap-on accessories ranging from wireless chargers to MagSafe battery packs and even MagSafe wallets. From the iPhone 12 up to the latest iPhone 17, the slew of available MagSafe accessories can change the way you use your smartphone. A MagSafe wallet, in particular, can turn your phone into your purse or pocket, letting you carry cards and cash without having to bring anything extra.
If you’re not sure what MagSafe is or if your phone supports it, there’s a simple way to check. If you have an iPhone 12 or later, your phone has MagSafe. Next, take a look at your phone case. On either the inside or the outside, you’ll see a ring with a short line underneath it, which will indicate you have a MagSafe-compatible iPhone case. As long as you have both an iPhone 12 or newer with a MagSafe compatible case, you’re good to go.
We found MagSafe wallets that are ideal for carrying cash, cards or both from top tech accessory brands our editors love. Plus, a MagSafe wallet makes for a great tech gift if you’re in the market for something ahead of the holidays.
Best MagSafe wallets
You can't go wrong with grabbing one of Apple's own accessories for their device. Made from the brand's proprietary FineWoven material, the soft wallet feels like suede in your hand while keeping your cards easily accessible. It's available in 12 colors so you can match with your phone case or opt for something different.
A handful of wallets on this list double as a phone stand, just like this one from Satechi. This phone wallet can hold up to four cards and can be opened to prop your phone up while you're watching movies or hopping on a FaceTime.
I've loved using Moft's case as a kickstand for my phone, and it's even more convenient that it'll hold my ID and credit card easily. When it's collapsed, the wallet still keeps a slim profile on my phone too. I chose to coordinate mine with my Moft phone case, but with 26 color options, the choice is yours.
Smartish's accessories (and cases) are affordable, easy to use and durable. Their MagSafe wallet is no different. It can hold up to three cards and even some cash, while solid magnets keep it from sliding off your case as you tuck your phone into your pocket. Your cards slide in and out of the side for quick access.
I love Casely's fun patterns and colors, and the fun extends to their accessories too. You'll have access to up to three cards from the bottom of the wallet, and it's RFID-blocking as well, adding another layer of protection to your cards.
Pelican's cases and accessories are designed to be extra durable. If you like knowing your cards are supremely safe tucked away, this open-close MagSafe wallet does just that. It has a strap for cash too, making it extra functional. It's also IPX4 military-grade rated, so you're safe from not only drops and dings but water and sweat.
Nomad's leather cases are some of my favorite, since they feel so luxurious and add a sense of sophistication to my tech. Its leather MagSafe wallet is an extension of the sleek look and comparable to the leather wallet you've been carrying around in your pocket. It'll hold up to four cards and you can add the wallet case to your FindMy devices, making it easy to find if you lose it.
PopSockets give you a solid grip on your phone (and with the large iPhone 17 Pro Max, I need the extra hold), so tacking that extra grip onto a MagSafe wallet just makes sense. The brand says it can hold up to five cards, depending on card thickness, and it comes in a range of colors so you can add a pop of personality (pun intended).
RFID-blocking technology, the ability to double as a phone stand and add-on personalization options are just a few of the features that make this Mark & Graham MagSafe wallet an incredibly functional accessory. It's made from a faux leather for a luxurious finish and has two card slots for holding everything you need.
Another phone stand option, Quince's case offers three pockets for holding up to five cards and comes in a fun red, classic brown or standard black. It has a simple design, an affordable price point and RFID-blocking tech for extra security.
I've used OtterBox's wallet case for years now whenever I'm heading to a concert or event and I don't want to bring too much else with me. It holds to my MagSafe cases well and is slim enough to fit in a pocket. In my experience, it easily holds two cards and my ID, and while it says it has room to hold cash, it's a tight squeeze if you have any cards in there.
What to look for in a MagSafe wallet
MagSafe wallets work by connecting to the MagSafe magnet ring built into your iPhone and/or the magnets built into your phone case. This is what will keep everything connected while you’re on the go, and the stronger the magnetic connection, the stronger the hold your wallet will have on your iPhone.
MagSafe wallets are at their best when you’re using a MagSafe iPhone case and potentially an additional magnet ring. If you don’t have a MagSafe-specific case, you’ll want to look for a MagSafe wallet that comes with the additional magnet ring. This will give the wallet a stronger attachment to your device to make sure it doesn’t fall off or get lost. If you are using a MagSafe case, you can still add the ring if your wallet comes with one, but it won’t be as necessary.
You’ll also want to take into consideration how many cards you’re looking for a wallet to hold and if you also want access to cash. MagSafe wallets aren’t meant to hold as much as a traditional wallet does, with the average card capacity coming in around three cards. I personally use mine for my ID and two credit cards for convenience. Cash tends to make most wallets a bit bulkier, since it has to be folded a certain way to fit inside. That said, there are cases like the option from Pelican that have a designated spot for cash if you need the versatility.
One bonus tip: While MagSafe wallets are technically designed for the iPhone 12 and newer, they’ll also work with the Google Pixel 10 range, thanks to those phones’ new PixelSnap magnetic accessory support.
FAQs
MagSafe wallets will not drain your phone battery. The wallets simply attach to the MagSafe magnets the way traditional magnets do; they don’t draw any power.
Whether you think MagSafe wallets are worth it is truly a personal question. For our team, a handful of our editors have found success using MagSafe wallets for taking a few necessities along when we don’t want to carry too much. But if you’re someone who likes to carry a good number of cards and a bit of extra cash, MagSafe wallets might not be as functional.
MagSafe wallets won’t work with cases that don’t have a MagSafe ring built into them. That said, a lot of MagSafe wallets will come with an additional magnet ring that can be used to provide connection to your case. It might not be as strong as the connection to a MagSafe case, but it adds a bit of strength to the magnetic connection.
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and we ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. For this article, writer Ellen McAlpine tested and researched top brands’ MagSafe wallets, as well as tapped CNN Underscored’s electronics writers for their top picks.
Ellen McAlpine is a writer for CNN Underscored, contributing to updates across the site's many verticals — from lifestyle to tech — as well as writing the occasional original piece. In her free time you'll find her cheering on the Yankees, testing new recipes and trying the latest fitness classes.
