Most websites review wallets not necessarily conceived for the cash envelope system. Here we avoid such misleading reviews. This article is the result of reviewing many websites online and 2 weeks of intense research. Then we properly categorized the items found as envelope systems, envelope wallets, or cash wallet systems to give you an understandable classification. Many websites still mention unavailable items or not relevant at all for the cash envelope method. But with this 3 categories classification, you can pick what you really want and need.
Before buying anything, ask yourself Do I really need it? The advantage of these products would be to stick to a budget more easily and avoid the temptation to use credit cards. Always take 24 hours before buying a product. You need to reconsider whether it helps you and fits your requirements.
Start with simple envelopes or with your current wallet or resources. Once you start saving for the one you love and justify the cost, buy it because it makes your life easier.
For instance, you could buy it if:
- You are completely sure you can stick to the cash envelope system.
- You want something that stand the test of time and you do not want to DIY.
- You know it will help you save money in the lon run.
- You choose a design and color that will motivate you to use the system and manage properly your finances.
The Rnairni Cash Envelopes Wallet is the best choice. Not only is it explicitly designed for the cash envelope system but has lots of extras to better manage your finances and even RFID technology for your cards. It is the no-brainer item to choose.
There is no one type fits all wallet. So, in addition to the 3 global categories, a few unique wallets are highlighted as best for extras, for a unique design, or many criteria that make them the best for a specific circumstance or feature.
Let’s start diving into the 3 global categories.
Envelope Wallets
All have envelopes included and their design fits properly as a wallet.
All Planets Cash Envelope Wallet System
Black on the outside with 12 colored space envelopes. They serve as an expense tracker together with 36 dedicated expense tracker sheets.
- Pockets: 3
- 1 outside useful for phone and 2 inside convenient for coupons, tickets bills or others.
- Envelopes 12.
- Sturdy plastic based, tear resistant, waterproof and durable. Velcro tab to secure cash. They have a cool solar system design.
- Their horizontal opening makes easier to access cash.
- The 6 ring binder ensure the envelopes will not quickly fall when you open the wallet.
- Card Slots: 12
- Colors/Designs: 1
- Tab/Label: 60 label stickers.
- RFID: No
- Zippered coin pocket: Yes
- Additions: pen loop.
What we like:
- 36 budget sheets to track expense (covers eventually months or years).
- 2 clear ID pockets for easily access the identification cards.
- Sober design.
What we don’t like:
- Only 1 color.
CrossBody With You
It is quite big (8.3” x 4.7”) and can be carried cross-body style or with a useful wristlet. Its content is ensured by a strong magnetic button. So, it could be easier to open for many who do not like the zippered closure. But if you are in a dangerous place, it also makes it easier for pickpockets. For instance, in a bus, where people could open it without you noticing it.
The binder fits properly 8 envelopes at a time. If you need more it might not be the best item for you. Normally, you will not have to spend in more than 8 categories when you go out at any given time.
- Pockets: Just 1 but big
- Envelopes: 13
- Card Slot: 12 and 2 window IDs.
- Colors/Designs: 2
- Blue normally as the black one runs out of stock quickly.
- Tab/Label: 12 label stickers.
- RFID: No
- Zippered coin pocket: Yes
- Additions: binder, budget sheets.
What we like:
- Budget sheet trackers.
- Lets you choose between cross-body strap or wristlet.
What we don’t like:
- Quite simple design.
- Many warnings to properly check the product before ordering.
- Refund policy is not announced by manufacturer as others do.
- Only 1 color.
Divvy Up The Savvy Spender
This large clutch has removable envelopes. That facilitates the organization as you put inside the clutch only those you need on a given outing. Leave the others at home to avoid the temptation to use them. And as they are magnetic, they are not as cumbersome as zippered envelopes. It has enough space to fit one not-so-big smartphone.
- Pockets: 2
- For budget sheets, coupons, bills, etc.
- Envelopes: 5
- Removable: to easily wash them and keep using them.
- Magnetic: to ensure the cash inside does not get out accidentally.
- Each one in different color for easy recognition.
- Card Slot: 12
- Colors/Designs: 1
- Tab/Label: 12 adhesive labels.
- RFID: No
- Zippered coin pocket: Yes
- Additions: Gift box.
What we like:
- Well designed envelopes properly closing and protecting cash inside.
What we don’t like:
- Pink color might not be nice fit for many.
- Could be too big for some people.
Divvy Up The Great Divide
As an alternative to the pink in the previous version, this one has more sober colors and still has all the good features in the previous version.
If you want more envelopes, you can get the same magnetic fabric ones.
Rnairni All-in-One Cash Envelopes Notebook [Best for extras]
Strictly speaking, this is not an envelope wallet but more an envelope system. Nevertheless, it has a wallet equivalent just below inheriting most of the great extras the notebook has.
This brand’s products excel for the extras it provides for budgeting and finance organizing. Its size is capable to cover a small iPad as it measures 8.5” x 5.9”. The included budget sheets are slightly smaller than the envelopes. It means you could track how a specific expense category (envelope) has been used through the month or year.
- Pockets: 5
- Envelopes: 12
- Has the months written outside to let you write month after month how much you spent on a given category or how much you saved towards a goal. See your expenses decrease and your savings increase month after month. You can make those objectives a real progress.
- Card Slot: 3
- In a 3 card transparent bag. Useful for ID cards and any other quick identification.
- Colors/Designs: 1
- Tab/Label: Yes
- 14 Adhesive Labels.
- 5 tab dividers for easier classification. It is like having many bookmarks.
- RFID: No
- Zippered coin pocket: Yes
- Clear Zippered Bag.
- Additions:
- 54 weekly checklists as a great tool for to-do lists, not missing deadlines and bills.
- 12 budget sheets to track expenses.
- 14 monthly budget sheets to track how well you did compared to what you planned.
- 14 pages for monthly goal-keeping to see your progress every month towards your goals.
- A pen, a marker, a calendar and a ruler.
What we like:
- Lots of extras to budget.
- Big size.
- Properly designed for the cash envelope system.
What we don’t like:
- Not as stylish as a wallet.
- The calendar is for the year, so it is better to buy it begin of 2022 and ensure calendar is updated to 2022.
- Just 1 color available.
Rnairni Cash Envelopes Wallet with RFID [Best overall]
If you found all you wanted in the previous one but missed some useful features like RFID or a wristlet, you will find it here. And you can choose between 2 types of envelopes designs, one of the black editions has much more colored envelopes inside.
This is the best choice overall for its many add-ons. It includes a book-style budget planner for notes and even a 90-day money-back guarantee.
It is the perfect combination between a budget planner and a wallet envelope system.
You can even buy more paper notes and envelopes once you finished them instead of buying a whole new wallet. Hence, getting more for your money and spending only on what you really need and use.
You can reuse the envelopes if you use an erasable marker. Or you could buy new: transparent colored or fully transparent ones.
The exterior pocket with snap closure is big enough for a phone or any access to coupons, letters, passport, or any folded document.
What we like:
- Gift box.
- Exterior pocket.
- Great guidance and lots of tools for beginners and seasoned budgeters.
What we don’t like:
- Plain design but improved compared to previous one.
- Could be overwhelming and bulky to carry around.
Sachielle Cash Envelope System Wallet [Best big size]
It fits all in one big pocket. Besides the lack of a dedicated zippered coin pocket, the outside closure ensures everything is well inside. You can choose between the snap button and velcro closure. And the budget tracker sheets will let you monitor your expenses and financial progress. It even includes a printable template to get more of them at your convenience without buying more. And they are made of high-quality plastic built to last.
- Pockets: 1
- Envelopes 15
- Flowerly designed.
- Build to last as they are waterproof as well as resistant to bend, tear and rip.
- Card Slot: 6
- Colors/Designs: 3
- Black for button snap closure.
- Choose between blue or pink for velcro closure.
- Tab/Label: 30 label stickers.
- RFID: No
- Zippered coin pocket: No
- Additions:
- A pen, gift box
- 15 double side budget sheets with printable template
What we like:
- A gift box is always well appreciated by people receiving it.
- Wider than other options. So it can fit the 15 envelopes at the same time.
- Envelopes are plastic and very resistant.
What we don’t like:
- Too bulky for many.
Saveyon Budget Planner Organizer Wallet [Best for printables]
The uniqueness of this option is its printable library. You can print all the pages at home. Once you have them you can print them over and over and keep the same beautiful designs. There are more than 50 A6 templates for to-do lists, monthly budget sheets, and agenda calendars.
- Pockets: 4
- 1 Stretchy for coupons, receipts and others.
- 1 outer for easy access.
- Envelopes: 12 vertical cash ones.
- Horizontally tabbed, tear resistant and built to last.
- Card Slot: 14
- 1 ID window
- Colors/Designs 1
- Tab/Label: Yes
- RFID: Yes
- Zippered coin pocket: Yes
- Additions:
- Gift box, pen holder, a wristlet.
- 12 to-do lists.
- 12 budget expense trackers.
- 12 monthly budget sheets.
- 12 monthly agenda calendars.
What we like:
- Access to printable templates.
- Many additions.
- Family run business.
What we don’t like:
- Just 1 color available.
Slim Budget Envelopes Wallet [Best compact envelope wallet]
Great for a compact envelope wallet. It has the merit of being a minimalist wallet when all other envelope wallets reviewed and most online are bigger. Unfortunately, with the size reduction comes also a loss of many extras. Nevertheless, many of the features in the previous version are also here so, we will just mention the differences.
It can hold 8 and not 14 as the previous one and only 3 have RFID blocking. We appreciate its slimline design. Unfortunately, it offers only 6 envelopes and not 14, as the previous wallet. But it has 24 sticker labels to name your envelopes for its expense category.
The pockets also diminish to 3: 1 outside for coins, 1 zippered inside, and another for the tabbed envelopes.
Soligt All-in-One Cash Envelopes Wallet
Closer to a budget planner, this wallet includes a notebook as well as 12 black and white envelopes. Conveniently, it includes 12 budget sheets and additionals that can be bought once the 12 are finished but a printable template is also included. The 12 envelopes included are vertical, so if paper money is folded or even coins are added they become difficult to access.
- Pockets: 4
- Envelopes: 12
- Laminated to last longer.
- Vintage patterns easy to differentiate.
- Card Slot: 12
- Colors/Designs: 2 (Black and red)
- Tab/Label: Yes.
- You can write in the dedicated rectangles for easy recognition.
- RFID
- Zippered coin pocket: Yes
- Additions:
- 12 budget sheets.
- 1 binder note.
What we like:
- Scratch resistant leather.
- Not so big compare to the many additions included.
What we don’t like:
- With such amount of additions and not so big size it can become quickly not spacious enough for more things.
Three Way Cut Cash Envelope Wallet [Best for unisex design]
Leather-based, this envelope wallet highlights the benefits of budgeting your cash in envelopes before spending. That is definitely better than tracking your expenses and realizing you have overspent. But it is worse to have overspent and not even realize it. So it still has 12 monthly budget sheets to track your expenses but 12 envelopes to properly budget your expense categories and not spend recklessly. And thanks to the yearly budget sheet you can track how well you do against how much you budgeted.
- Pockets: 3
- 2 big for bills and documents.
- 1 small for coupons.
- Envelopes: 12
- Tabbed and laminated.
- Can attach to binder.
- Comfortable open to the side.
- Each has unique design for quick identification.
- Card Slot: 12
- 1 window ID
- Colors/Designs: 6
- Tab/Label: Yes, on each envelope.
- RFID: Yes
- Zippered coin pocket: Yes
- Additions:
- Pen loop, removable wristlet.
- 12 budgeting sheets (1 per month).
- 24 sticker labels.
- Yearly budget sheet.
What we like:
What we don’t like:
- Design might be too simple for some people.
Cash Wallet Systems
Wallets, clutches, and purses that do not have envelopes included but these systems can properly store those envelopes.
Bella Taylor RFID Wristlet Cash System Wallet
It serves as a cash system wallet without providing already envelopes. You could add it if you want but it has already labeled pockets. Such pockets let you organize your cash according to the spending category you defined.
- Pockets: 8 slots
- Envelopes: 0
- Card Slots: 6
- In a separate area to easy access without need to zip and unzip.
- Colors/Designs: 4 sober designs.
- 2 in leather and 2 in microfiber with cotton interiors.
- Tab/Label: Yes
- RFID: Yes
- Zippered coin pocket: Yes
- Additions: Checkbook room and pen loop.
What we like:
- Detachable wrist strap to free your hands.
- Durable because you can choose between genuine leather or 100 % microfiber.
- Outside zippered coin pocket for quick access to store change.
- 2 clear ID pockets for easily access the identification cards.
What we don’t like:
- Durable materials can be too stiff for some people.
- 8 cash slots might not be enough if you have many expense categories.
Bella Taylor Microfiber Wristlet Cash System Wallet
It has most of the benefits of the previous Bella Taylor wallet. So, here we will only highlight the differences.
What we like:
- 13 colorful paisley print design.
What we don’t like:
- Does not have RFID protection for cards.
- Light exterior designs may show dirt quickly.
Bveyzi RFID Blocking Wallet [Best for travel]
Slightly bigger than previous wallets, this is a good alternative for traveling. It can hold a passport, a medium-size smartphone, a pen, a checkbook, 40 pieces of paper money, and 17 cards. You have more than enough to store the most important things when traveling. For instance, its 2 pockets can be used for bills, plane or train tickets, or any other small document for quick access.
Its gift box makes it well appreciated for birthdays, anniversaries, and any special occasion when you want to offer something that will help organize finances.
- Pockets: 2
- Envelopes: 0
- Card Slots: 17
- Colors/Designs: 10 entire colors and no designs.
- Tab/Label: No
- RFID Yes
- Zippered coin pocket: Yes. Inside the wallet.
- Additions: Gift box
What we like:
- Perfect for travelling and putting inside cash envelopes.
What we don’t like:
- Its size makes it not practical for everday use. Unless you use a big purse.
Bveyzi RFID Blocking Leather Wristlet
Here we highlight the difference between the previous version. It is bigger than the previous one and includes a removable checkbook wallet. If you are looking for something small, it is not recommended for you.
What we like:
- Holds 2 more cards than previous version.
- Can hold an iPhone X and every smaller smartphone.
What we don’t like:
- It has 3 less colors to choose from.
Itslife RFID Blocking Waxed Wallet Clutch [Best for cards and color choice]
Ideal wallet if you have lots of cards. And with that many cards, it has the appropriate RFID protection up to a military-grade as the manufacturer argues. You have with this option the largest color variety. An iPhone 11 could fit in it but without a phone case.
- Pockets: 1
- Envelopes: 0
- Card Slot: 21
- Colors/Designs: 32
- Tab/Label: No
- RFID: Yes
- Zippered coin pocket: Yes
- Additions: None
What we like:
- 1 year money back guarantee.
- Huge color variety and card holdings.
What we don’t like:
- Not really tailored for cash envelope system.
Lavemi RFID Blocking Travel Wallet
Big enough to hold an iPhone X/11 Max/11 Pro Max and a Passport. It is the second-best for color choice as you have 31 to choose from. Its RFID technology has been independently tested to ensure its quality. So if you have many cards, you have here a great way to keep them safe.
- Pockets: 3
- Could fit cash, phone and checkbook (or envelopes).
- Envelopes: 0
- Card Slot: 17
- Colors/Designs: 31
- Tab/Label: No
- RFID: Yes
- Zippered coin pocket: Yes
- Additions: Gift box packing to motivate someone to organize their finances.
What we like:
- Detachable wrist wrap.
- Huge color choice.
What we don’t like:
- Don’t conceived for cash envelope.
Mou Meraki Genuine Leather Bifold
Like most leather wallets, it lasts for a long time. And as with most cash wallet systems, it has no envelopes included but you can fit them in the 5 compartments it has.
- Pockets 5
- Envelopes: 0
- Card Slot: 17
- Colors/Designs: 24
- Tab/Label: No
- RFID Yes
- Zippered coin pocket: 1 bifold
- Additions: Gift box for any special occasion like Christmas.
What we like:
- 5 compartments convenient for envelopes or any other bill, coupon or receipt.
- Practical outside pocket for a phone or any easy to access folded document.
What we don’t like:
- Envelopes had to be bought separately.
- No label for the compartments.
Mundi File Master Women’s Wallet Clutch [Best for 2 zippered pockets]
Another wallet system with a clutch style that can store envelopes. But its 2 zippered pockets make it different from the others. And its 3 compartments have enough space for a smartphone, checkbook and some cash.
- Pockets 3
- Envelopes: 0
- Card Slot: 13
- Colors/Designs: 12
- Tab/Label: No
- RFID Yes
- Zippered coin pocket: 2
- 1 inside for more privacy and 1 outside for loose change.
- Additions: 2 Window ID
What we like:
- 2 coin pockets allow privacy and easy access.
- Acceptable option for cards and compartments.
What we don’t like:
- Missing extras like envelopes, labelling stickers and budget sheets.
Savvy Cents Wallet
Vynil fabric for permeability and protection. You can easily remove the strap if you do not want to use it. It is a zippered wallet. So, one zip closes it entirely but one external zippered pocket gives access to coins or any other bill or coupon conveniently. As it has labeled pockets inside, they could serve as global categories and your envelopes could be inside to define sub-categories. You can do that using the pre-printed and blank labels. For instance, a global category “food” that decomposes in outings and groceries. Hence, better differentiating the needs (groceries) from wants (outings).
- Pockets 5
- Have tabs that can be labeled.
- Envelopes: 0
- Card Slot: 24
- 2 window IDs
- Colors/Designs: 10
- Tab/Label Yes
- RFID: No
- Zippered coin pocket: Yes
- Additions: None
What we like:
- Pockets can be labeled for easy understanding of inside’s purpose.
- Varied original designs.
What we don’t like:
- Not conceived for envelopes.
- Its materials can scratch easily.
Envelope System
Binders and similar items that are simple and have envelopes typically. This category includes typically cheaper options. Many fewer features are included but are focused on the envelope system.
Antner A6 PU Leather Binder with 12 Cash Envelopes
Basic binder holding 12 envelopes. It lets you focus directly on the envelopes but has no coin pocket. But its generic binder nature makes it easier to get envelope replacements.
- Pockets: 2
- For bills, coupons and folded documents.
- Envelopes: 12
- Easy closure fully transparent envelope.
- Card Slot: 4
- Colors/Designs: 16
- Tab/Label: 20 sticker labels
- In 5 different colors for envelopes.
- RFID: No
- Zippered coin pocket: No
- Additions:
- 2 pen loop.
What we like:
- Many color options.
What we don’t like:
- Missing RFID to protect cards.
Dave Ramsey Wallet
If you already know Dave Ramsey, his ideas, or even bought any of his books, then this is a great complement for applying what you learned from them. His envelope system wallets fall into the somewhat small options. Still, it can hold a pen, envelopes, and checks but are not included. They are available in red, blue starter, and even a deluxe executive version. If you finished the 100 pages the red one has or the 50 of the Deluxe version, you can buy more in blocks of 24.
What we like:
- Follows Dave Ramsey’s to better handle finances with a wallet.
- Explanatory guide included.
What we don’t like:
- Almost no additional features that are common in other options.
- No dedicated space if you want to store your cards.
- Envelopes are paper based, so not durable.
Esprite Clear Plastic Binder Envelopes with PU Leather Notebook
Another cheap option but with fewer color options. Nevertheless, its designs can be well attractive to encourage you to keep using it. There are 2 designs for the included gift box. One is a beautiful unicorn gift packaging. Any teenager or fantasy soul will love such design. And the other is a black wreath. But unfortunately, you cannot choose before ordering.
- Pockets: 2
- Envelopes: 12
- Card Slot: 2
- Colors/Designs: 5
- Tab/Label: 16 sticker labels
- RFID: No
- Zippered coin pocket: No
- Additions:
- 1 pen loop
- Gift box
What we like:
- Gift box packaging is pretty.
What we don’t like:
- Gift box design received is random.
What to consider to buy the best cash envelope wallet for you?
Cash storage method
For some people, it is better to store cash in the slots the wallet has. If you prefer that, consider looking for a wallet having is a zippered closure to hide such slots. Because in this way you will not reveal the cash you are carrying every time you open the wallet.
You might prefer envelopes to store cash. A few wallets have a few already included. Those paper-based are cheaper that are good as a starting point. There are alternatives that can be washed and protect your cash from water. Others even have a magnetic closure to prevent cash from easily sliding out of your wallet.
Picking the best color
For many people the color or pattern in the wallet is vital. Even more, because it is something you will carry with you. Many wallets unfortunately have only one color. But others have up to 32 colors and patterns to choose from. Pick the one you like the most. As you keep using it while enjoying it, you will keep your cash envelope system and keep your finances organized.
Already using many cards?
Then you might as well benefit from RFID technology. It prevents the card used as a touchless payment while it is in your wallet. Let’s say you are in an untrusty place and many people are close to you like on a bus. Someone with the right device could trigger a payment just by being close to your wallet. If your wallet has RFID technology, such risk is deleted. Of course, it covers cards that can authorize payments like debit and credit cards. We do not refer to your insurance card or health card. 😉
Do you like extras?
A few wallets are basic and typically more affordable. They handle the envelopes and are not bulky. Others have many more extras from stickers to label envelopes to versions closer to a budget planner. Just remember that the more items it includes, the more weight you might as well carry. If you like to keep track of every expense on the go, then such wallets closer to a budget planner are more convenient. Then you will be sure to stay on track to monitor your expenses and review your budgets.
Cash envelope purpose
Many wallets have 12 envelopes, 1 per month. It could be easier. But you could choose also to have many categories in a given month. Then reusing at the end of the month the envelope category. Whatever you choose, you might need a way to identify them. And if you need help defining categories and differentiating wants vs needs, check our article How to make a budget and Tips for living on a budget enjoying life.
A few wallets offer a color code system. Others have labels you can write on and others even stickers. Whatever the method you choose, the goal is to properly use an amount of cash for the specific purpose you planned and not take from it for other expenses.
Feature comparison
To facilitate the comparison, we have created a spreadsheet with the products we reviewed. Use it to quickly compare sizes, tracker types, guidance, and many others.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, for us, Rnairni Cash Envelopes Wallet is the best choice. That one is really conceived with a cash envelope system in mind. But if you want protection for up to 21 cards and more color choices then Itslife RFID Cash Wallet is the one to choose.
Now pick the one you love and need the most and please let us know in the comments your experience with it.
