Why you don't need an RFID wallet

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What is RFID?

RFID is the technology that enables contactless payments. The associated chips - hidden in our bank cards - constantly send radio signals with the information required for a fast transaction. Anyone with a suitable reader could intercept these signals - and therefore the data they contain.

3 reasons why you don't need RFID protection.

1. insufficient data

Nowadays, bank cards (so-called second-generation RIFD) protect and encrypt the information sent out. The signal only contains a unique transaction code instead of other personal information. The interceptable data is not sufficient for other transactions.

2. solution for a non-existent problem

Since the emergence of RFID, no RFID-related crimes have been detected. Traditional theft of bank cards or buying illegal credit card information in online forums is a much more present problem.

3. environmentally harmful material

The material for RFID blockades consists mainly of a layer of aluminum. Aluminum (bauxite) is mainly extracted from the soil of rainforests. The further processing of the raw materials into the common aluminum not only requires large amounts of energy, but also produces toxic waste products (such as lead or mercury). Consequently, the extraction of aluminum is extremely harmful to nature - as well as to the people and animals living in it. 

Sources
Swiss Payment Association (2019): Secure contactless payment too.
SRF (2019): Hacking experiment: Money debited from contactless card.
CSO (2017): Why you don't need an RFID-blocking wallet.
Digitaltrends (2019): RFID-blocking products are practically worthless.