Secure Your Physical Wallet

Why

Your physical wallet contains identity and financial documents that can devastate you if stolen. Minimizing what you carry and documenting what’s there helps prevent identity theft and speeds recovery. Annual review ensures you’re not carrying outdated cards or unnecessary sensitive information.

Action

• Empty your wallet completely and photograph contents.
• Remove: Social Security card, passwords, excess credit cards.
• Keep only: driver’s license, insurance cards, 1-2 payment cards.
• Photograph front and back of all remaining cards.
• Store photos in password manager or encrypted storage.
• Add “See ID” to credit card signature panels.
• Consider RFID-blocking wallet for contactless cards.
• Create wallet inventory list with card numbers and phone numbers.
• Store list separately from wallet (not in it).
• Shred old cards and documents you removed.

Remember

Never carry your Social Security card. If you need it for a specific appointment, bring it and return it to secure storage immediately. Most cards can be replaced, but identity theft prevention is worth the minor inconvenience.