The 10 Best Travel Money Belts To Keep Your Valuables Safe [2024]

Key Takeaways

• Top travel money belts like the Zero Grid Travel Security Belt and Peak Gear Travel Money Belt offer secure, discreet storage for cash, passports, and credit cards.
• These belts are designed to be worn under clothing, making them less visible and reducing the risk of theft.
• Look for features like RFID blocking and multiple compartments to keep your valuables safe and organized while traveling.

Forget about trendy backpacks or designer handbags: a money belt will help stop your dream adventure from turning into a cash-strapped, stranded nightmare.

Money belts, stash belts, fanny packs — whatever you call them, these figure-hugging carry-alls can keep your money, passport, and other documents safe while you travel.

Dress them up or dress them down, the key to money belt style is safety. Keeping your belongings safe is always in fashion, and these concealed pouches are tucked away from the grabbing hands of pickpockets to bring you peace of mind while you roam.

Available in a variety of styles, you can keep everything you need close at hand and away from prying eyes.

Things To Look for in a Money Belt

Not all money belts are equal, although they are all much safer than a bag that’s easily accessible by criminals.

Because every traveler explores new places in different ways, consider these features that can be found in the thousands of different money belts available to buy. These could include:

RFID Blocking

The modern criminal isn’t just looking for cash. Credit cards and bank cards can easily be cloned using electronic devices, and RFID-blocking protection built into the fabric of the belt will help stop those pesky pickpockets from being able to clone your card.

Hygienic and Waterproof

If you plan to keep your valuables close to your chest, you want to know your money belt’s material will withstand such close contact, especially in warmer climates. Choose a money belt made from a breathable fabric such as cotton to prevent large sweaty patches or skin irritation, and opt for waterproofing to help with easy wipedowns at the end of the day.

Slash-Proof Straps

You would assume that if your money belt is safely tucked away underneath your pants, no one would be able to get close enough to cut the straps without you noticing. While this is mostly true, if you take it off, hang it across your body, or otherwise make it obvious you’re using a money belt, it’s entirely possible a thief could try their luck.

Sports Money Belts

If you’re planning to do extreme sports, cycling, or running, your needs for a money belt may differ from travelers wandering the city or taking long walks on the beach. Look for money belts that are ultra-slim, compact, lightweight, and made from breathable and waterproof fabric.

Adjustable Belts

Because not all travelers are the same size, it’s important to find a belt that fits you like a glove. Too tight and you’ll feel constricted; too loose and your discreet belt becomes more obvious.

Multiple Compartments

If you simply want to carry cash around with you, a small money belt will suffice. But if you want to keep your phone, passport, and any other essentials tucked away, too, opt for one that has different compartments to keep everything separated to make access quick and easy every time you need to use it.

Bottom Line: To keep your valuables safe and sound, it’s important to choose a money belt that is discreet and offers features such as RFID-blocking compartments or slash-proof straps. 

The 6 Best Travel Money Belts To Buy

Money belts may not be the best-looking accessories, but they’re without a doubt one of the most valuable in some parts of the world. Choose wisely and you can worry less about pickpockets — and keep your valuables close at all times.

1. Best Money Belt for Discretion

Zero Grid Travel Security Belt

Looking exactly like a regular belt, the Zero Grid Travel Security Belt is so discreet that no one should suspect anything more. It even comes with a durable plastic buckle, meaning you can waltz through airport security without having to take it off.

So low-key you can use it as a belt — simply slip your cash into the zipper section that runs on the inner panel. This clever design is practical — hide your cash and keep your pants up at the same time!

Made from top-grade nylon webbing and featuring a smooth-gliding YKK zipper, this belt should last you many years of travel, and it should draw zero interest from would-be criminals. Unisex and über-practical, this is the ultimate cash-only money belt that can be worn anywhere.

What We Like

• Up to $300 trip assurance if items are stolen from the belt

What We Don’t Like

• No loops to tuck away the excess belt

2. Best Money Belt for Theft Insurance and Lifetime Recovery Assistance

Peak Gear Travel Money Belt With Built-in RFID Block

This traditional money belt offers peace of mind and absolute comfort. Hidden safely underneath your clothes, it is discreet and slim, meaning it won’t draw attention.

Made from hard-wearing, tear-resistant nylon, this pouch/belt combo is also water-resistant and has an adjustable comfort strap for customizable wear. You’ll find multiple inner compartments where you can easily hide or access your credit cards, passport, or cash, all of which are secured using industry-standard YKK zippers.

An RFID-blocking inner liner adds another layer of protection against tech-savvy criminals trying to scan your credit cards, no matter how close they get to you. Another added benefit of this money belt is its $250 theft insurance and the Global Recovery Decals from ReturnMe, which will help you get lost items back anywhere in the world.

Wearable, breathable, and pleasantly discreet, you can keep all your cash, cards, and valuables hidden away all day without too much worry. This is a great design that’s very well-executed.

What We Like

• Made from lightweight and durable ripstop nylon

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t fit some passports

Hot Tip: Need something a bit bigger for your travels that can also deter would-be thieves? Check out our guide to the best anti-theft backpacks for travel for men and women.

3. Best Money Belt for Compact Dimensions

Boxiki Travel RFID Blocking Money Belt

This is the ultimate in RFID-blocking money belts. Good looking and easy to use, it is also RFID-secure and contains individual compartments perfect for holding cash, important documents, and your phone. Avoid pickpockets as your valuables remain invisible and tucked away.

Worried about electronic hackers? The RFID-blocking material can help protect against the scanning of digital electronic chips.

Quality comes standard with this money belt as the heavy-duty ripstop nylon resists ripping, cutting, and wear and tear. And the breathable mesh backing can stay close to your skin so you can avoid sweat and maybe even forget you’re wearing it.

What We Like

• Comes with a lifetime warranty

What We Don’t Like

• Can sometimes trigger the TSA metal detector

4. Best Money Belt for the Security-conscious Traveler

Alpha Keeper Money Belt

This discreet money belt has an inner RFID-blocking barrier and is made from water-resistant, heavy-duty ripstop nylon. Its design makes it virtually invisible to thieves, allowing it to be hidden away inside your pants or under your jacket.

Multiple compartments are perfect for keeping your money, passport, ID, and credit cards safe. What’s more, the RFID-blocking inner sleeves are a neat design that discourages digital pickpockets looking to gain access to your personal details.

Lightweight and easy to wear, the Alpha Keeper money belt features high-quality YKK zippers, a slim, sturdy buckle, and is made from soft material to make it skin-friendly and prevent uncomfortable heat and moisture.

This money belt looks good, is easy to access when you need to, and can keep your valuables protected while you travel.

What We Like

• Water-resistant and breathable

What We Don’t Like

• RFID-blocking sleeves are a tight squeeze

5. Best Money Belt for the Budget Traveler

AIKELIDA RFID Blocking Travel Wallet

If you want to keep your valuables safely hidden underneath your clothes, this wallet is the perfect fit at a reasonable price. Super slim with secret compartments and individual pockets, this RFID-blocking travel wallet is one of the most durable and lightweight on the market.

Made from heavy-duty nylon, this money belt will resist water, mold, and mildew to help prevent stinky odors. It comes with a breathable padded mesh backside that makes it just as comfortable to wear as its counterparts on this list.

It’s not just comfort that this money belt offers —it’s as clever as it is good-looking. With RFID-blocking materials on the inside, your chip-enabled credit cards are blocked from scanning wherever you are.

What We Like

• Can be machine-washed

What We Don’t Like

• Zipper may fail

6. Best Money Belt for the Sporty Traveler

Fitgriff Running Belt

There’s more than 1 kind of security to worry about when traveling: the kind of security where your stuff remains your stuff, and the kind where there’s still a you to have stuff at all.

Runners know the difficulties of maintaining both kinds of security when traveling, especially if they like to run early in the morning or late in the evening or at night. That’s why the Fitgriff running belt, with its slim, light design and safety features is a solid choice for travel runs.

Easy and comfortable, this belt is sweat- and water-resistant and made with a waterproof lining for inside its pocket. It’s elastic and adjustable to most waist sizes, and should stay put on even your bounciest workouts.

It comes in bright, eye-catching colors and has 2 of those all-important reflector strips that go all the way around to maximize your visibility in low-light conditions.

This handy belt offers 1 smaller, zippered pocket for cash, cards, or your keys, and a larger, zippered, compartment that’s big enough to hold your phone securely while you run.

What We Like

• Waterproof lining in the pockets to keep your items dry

What We Don’t Like

• No RFID-blocking compartments

The 4 Best Anti-theft Travel Money Belt Alternatives

If a money belt isn’t for you, consider investing in a hidden pocket instead. These discreet pockets can slip into your belt or tuck into your waistband to keep your valuables safe.

1. For Those Who Really Don’t Want to Wear a Money Belt

Lewis N. Clark RFID-Blocking Neck Stash

Modern-day pickpockets know exactly how to access your cards without ever having to touch them: RFID scanning. But anti-theft wallets like this neck stash can be hidden on your person to keep valuables safe while you roam.

Built to last with ripstop nylon and self-repairing zippers, this neck wallet has a built-in RFID-blocking lining to protect your cards against electronic pickpockets and identity theft.

This wallet is a lightweight and easy-to-wear alternative to money belts. Just sling it around your neck or tuck under your clothes to ensure your passport, money, and travel documents are safe.

What We Like

• Worn around your neck for quick and easy access

What We Don’t Like

• The seams can sometimes fray

2. For the Minimalist Traveler

Lewis N. Clark RFID-Blocking Hidden Clip Stash

More similar to a regular wallet, this cool-looking clip wallet keeps your money and cards safe wherever you are. Made from ultra-strong nylon with a self-repairing zipper, this discreet travel wallet is perfect for hiding away under your clothes.

Clip it to your belt or stash it in your pocket to prevent thieves from accessing your cash and cards while you travel. Discreet, lightweight, and with a useful inner compartment, this travel wallet is perfect for anyone who wants the security of a money belt without having to wear one.

Stash your ID, credit card, currency, coins, and other small necessities in this RFID-blocking anti-theft clip to keep them safe. The fabric wicks away moisture and resists odor, mildew, and shrinking to keep you comfortable wherever you are.

This clip may not be as secure as the money belts listed above, but it’s small and discreet enough that you may prefer it.

What We Like

• It’s a slimline and discreet money clip

What We Don’t Like

• The zipper pull may break

3. Very Discreet Money Belt Alternative

Infinity Travel Scarf From Waypoint Goods

This clever little garment looks exactly like a regular scarf, but it’s a cunning disguise for your most treasured possessions.

This well-made neck scarf will keep you warm in cold weather and adds a fashionable flourish to any outfit. Made from a high-quality, soft, yet durable material, this scarf is fully lined with a secret pocket that is just large enough to fit your iPhone, passport, keys, and some cash.

Perfect for ladies on the move, you can keep your belongings out of harm’s way while staying stylish and keeping warm. There are currently 4 different colors and patterns available, so you should have no trouble finding something that suits your style.

Life on the open road will be even sweeter knowing that your most important belongings are nice and safely stored away somewhere no would-be thief would ever think to find them. Keep your valuables easily accessible as and when you need them with the Infinity Scarf from Waypoint.

What We Like

• Available in a variety of colors

What We Don’t Like

• Material is quite heavy

Other Ways To Protect Your Money While Traveling

Even the best money belt in the world can’t protect you if you insist on flashing your cash around — or you’re prone to leaving your important documents in places where anyone could find them.

The very best way to keep your money safe while traveling? Look after it, of course.

Try these techniques to dissuade thieves and pickpockets while keeping your valuables safely tucked away:

• Use a money belt for cash and coins.
• Use an RFID-protective pouch or belt for cards.
• Keep your passport and ID on you at all times, but don’t constantly check on it (patting your valuables signals to pickpockets where they are).
• Use a secret stash bra pocket.
• Lock your belongings in a hotel safe.
• Use an anti-theft bag or backpack with electromagnetic blocking and slash-proof straps and handles.
• Use a running belt if you plan to be active while you travel.
• Use a money belt that looks just like a regular belt (like the Zero Grid Money Belt) if you’re in situations where you want to remain truly discreet.
• Keep your wits about you and your money belt tightly secured wherever you are.

Final Thoughts

Using a money belt can protect your money, passport, ID, and even your phone from criminals and pickpockets while you travel.

They are also super comfortable and incredibly practical — and while they’re affordable enough to buy, they could save you a fortune!

---

If you’re looking to invest in some additional travel essentials, check out our other in-depth reviews on the best products on the market:

• The Best Checked Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Carry-on Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Travel Adapters and Converters You Can Buy
• The Best Travel Toiletry Bags for Men and Women
• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place