This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more
Looking for a comfortable, smart way to keep your money safe while traveling? Money belts are an excellent way to do this, and in this guide, we’ll look at what money belts are, how they work, and some of the best money belts and accessories on the market.
Best Money Belts for Travel
Top Pick
View on Amazon
For a durable, spacious, and comfortable money belt that can effectively keep your money safe both in urban and outdoor environments, the Eagle Creek DLX is a sound choice.
Quick Picks
| Best Overall Money Belt | Eagle Creek RFID Blocker DLX Travel Money Belt |
| Best Money Belt for Workouts | Mind and Body Experts’ The Belt of Orion |
| Best Money Belt for Hiking and Outdoors | Peak Gear Travel Money Belt |
| Best Women’s Money Belt | Runtasty 3 Pocket Runners Pack |
| Best Leather Money Belt | Yoder Leather Hidden Money Travel Leather Belt |
| Best Waterproof Pouch to Store Money | Runtasty Waterproof Running Swimming Belt |
| Money Belt Alternative | The Friendly Swede Wrist/Ankle Wallet Pouch |
Introduction to Money Belts
In some countries, cash feels as though it’s becoming a paper relic we’ll, in decades to come, point at in museums with our grandchildren.
They’ll look at us with befuddled faces as we explain how the transaction of money used to occur before credit cards, smartphones, and whatever technologies are waiting in the future for us.
It goes to show how naive we can be and how we can take for granted the ability to pay for lunch by holding your phone next to a card reader for a second and barely batting an eyelid.
Regardless of technological advancement, in the vast majority of countries across the globe, cash is still a key cog in the mechanisms of their economies.
Therefore, you will need to withdraw, more often than not, larger sums of money. Naturally, depending on the country you’re in, that will make you a target to thieves.
Thankfully, there are plenty of products on the market that help keep your money safe and away from prying eyes. One of those products is the money belt.
What is a Money Belt?
In short, a money belt is a belt commonly worn by tourists with secret compartments that hide valuables and money.
Money belts have come a long way since they first came on the market. They used to be very bulky and very obvious as to what they were hiding.
In today’s market, there is a wide range of different styles and designs. They have become far more fashionable and subtle.
Some are designed to be worn underneath your clothes. Some are disguised as actual belts with buckles you would wear with shorts or trousers. Some products have even done away with the belt entirely.
How to Wear a Money Belt
It depends on the product, but traditionally a money belt is strapped and fastened around your waist. This way, your valuables cannot be snatched, as the belt is directly strapped to you, unlike with a travel wallet.
Some use a buckle, some velcro, and some fasteners. Some rely on the taught nature of the fabric to create a tight pocket in which you can slide money in.
It is important to identify what’s important to you before making a purchase.
If you want your travel photos to look as though you’re wearing a loose, breezy attire, a hefty money belt strapped around you isn’t going to be a good look, for example.
What is RFID Block?
You’ll see this term on several of the belts. Radio-frequency identification block prevents radio frequencies from coming into contact with your devices, such as contactless credit cards and smartphones.
Largely, the technology prevents thieves from using hidden card readers to swipe your credit card information by coming into close proximity to you.
If you only intend to carry money in your money belt, you won’t need to worry. But if you plan to carry cards, it may be worth having this feature in your chosen travel money belt.
Best Money Belt Picks for Travel
Now that we’re clued up about money belts, let’s take a closer look at some of the top-rated belts on the market.
Best Overall Money Belt
The great thing about the Eagle Creek belt is that it can be used in many situations when traveling. You can use it to store valuables while out exploring in cities and on tours, but is also durable and spacious enough to double up as an excellent money and valuable holder when hiking and outdoors.
1 – Eagle Creek RFID Blocker DLX Travel Money Belt
View on Amazon
Made from durable nylon ripstop and including a moisture-deflecting back panel, Eagle Creek’s money belt is another product that lives up to the Eagle Creek seal of quality.
At 2.08 ounces, it’s incredibly light, and the RFID technology helps keep those elusive readers at bay. It feels comfortable against the skin, and the tan color actually blends nicely against bare skin.
This money belt is great for both casual travel and more rigorous activities, such as hiking.
Best Money Belt for Workouts
2 – Mind and Body Experts’ The Belt of Orion
View on Amazon
If you’re looking for a belt to wear during workouts, then the brilliantly named Belt of Orion is a great choice. It’s designed to move with your body, making it comfortable to use when running, hiking, and doing other physical activities.
Narrower than other belts, the 9” x 4” main pouch can still hold a range of items, from passports to phones.
It comes with a hole for your earbuds, so you can listen to music from your phone in the belt as you run or hike.
Made from waterproof fabric, you’ll have no problems if you sweat extensively or the weather takes a turn for the worse as you run. It can be worn over your clothes, or under, depending on the activity you’re doing.
Best Money Belt for Hiking and Outdoor Activities
3 – Peak Gear Travel Money Belt with RFID Block
View on Amazon
An incredibly comfortable money belt, Peak Gear has brought a real gem of a belt to the market.
It has an elastic band that maintains its elasticity well, even after months of usage, and is very comfortable against the skin.
It’s very slim and not visible beneath a top. Despite this, its two compartments still allow you to carry two passports, a few credit cards, and plenty of cash. Its RFID built into the fabric is also a welcome addition.
Best Women’s Money Belt
4 – Runtasty 3 Pocket Runners Pack with RFID Block
View on Amazon
Originally designed for women runners but very much a unisex product, the belt is more compact and slimmer than many belts on the market.
The RFID block is a welcome feature, and the three expandable pockets offer you plenty of room to store keys, money, cards, and phones.
It is also water-resistant, so you won’t need to worry about sweat or humid conditions. Whether you’re planning to work out while traveling or not, this is a great money belt to take on your travels with you.
5 – Stashbandz Travel Money Belt
View on Amazon
If you’re looking for a seamless money belt you won’t even notice attached to you, look no further than the Stashbanz travel money belt.
Super lightweight, the belt is designed to wrap around your skin. But don’t be fooled, because even if it looks tight, it really isn’t. The fabric is soft against your skin and is pretty much invisible beneath a top or dress.
It has several deep pockets and, because of the surface area it covers, has no problem storying larger phones and passports. Works over or under your clothes, so you can also use it on runs and out hiking.
Best Leather Money Belt
6 – Yoder Leather Hidden Money Travel Leather Belt
View on Amazon
Crafted from English bridge leather, Yoder Leather’s travel belt is a great belt substitute while you travel.
The zippered pocket can hold up to 24 notes, while the thick 3/16” leather and polished steel buckle will look great with any outfit.
Waterproof Money Belts to Wear while Swimming
Deciding where to leave your valuables when taking a swim is a problem I’m sure many of us have encountered while traveling.
At the pool, or particularly at the beach, it’s stressful to leave your belongings out of the water while you go in for a dip or a swim.
Many money belts are crafted to be water-resistant, but that doesn’t mean you can fully submerge them in a body of water for prolonged periods of time. It simply means sweat and rain won’t penetrate the fabric.
Hence, if you need something you can wear while doing activities in water, take a look at Runtasty’s waterproof
7 – Runtasty Waterproof Running Swimming Belt
View on Amazon
Initially targeted at sportspeople who need to carry their phones through wet terrain, Runtasty’s waterproof belt is used by travelers all over the world in pools and oceans.
Also, sand and snowproof, the tactile touchscreen cover allows you to interact with your phone as you swim. Along with your phone, you can stash plenty of other items into the 7.0” x 4.0” waist pack.
Money Belt Alternatives
If you really don’t like wearing a money belt but still want to have a way of keeping valuables on you at all times, then fear not. There are plenty of creative products on the market.
8 – Clever Travel Unisex Tank Top
View on Amazon
A comfortable unisex tank made from 86% cotton, 9% polyester, and 5% elastane, both men and women can enjoy wearing this breezy number with its hidden little pouch.
Ideal for hiding money and passports, the unisex tanks also come in a range of colors.
9 – Barbra’s Women’s Travel Pocket Underwear
View on Amazon
90% nylon and 10% spandex, with a 100% inner cotton lining, Barbra Lingerie has brought an innovative product to the market.
There are two styles to choose from. One has a 3” x 5” pouch without a zipper, and the other a 6” x 6” pouch with a zipper. It’s a sound purchase if you don’t want to add another layer over your leggings or shorts.
10 – The Friendly Swede Wrist/Ankle Wallet Pouch
View on Amazon
Finally, if you’re looking to keep things simple, why not try The Friendly Swede’s wallet/ankle pouch.
Perfect for holding keys, credit cards, and money, they come as a two-pack and fit snuggly around your wrist or ankle.
A great choice if you don’t like the idea of a large belt around your waist at all times. They’re very easy to slip on and off and come in several colors.
Best Money Belts for Travel Summary
However you decide to look after your money while abroad, I urge you to stay vigilant. As a tourist, even if you don’t feel like it, you are a prime target for scammers and thieves.
A little foresight and planning will give you peace of mind and go a long way to making sure you have a wonderful time on your travels.
You Might Also Like to Read
If you’re still keen to add to your travel gear, be sure to check out some of our other articles:
- Best Packing Cubes for Travel
- Top Passport Holders and Wallets for Travelers
- Best Ultraportable Laptops for Travel
- Carry-On Products for Comfortable Long Haul Flying
- Best Waterproof Backpacks and Water-Resistant Backpacks for Travel
Save and Pin for Later
Are you planning a trip and looking at the best travel money belts? Pin this article to one of your travel planning and gadgets Pinterest boards.
Author: Dale Johnson is a content writer, creator, and full-time digital nomad. He is passionate about new and exciting travel tech and regularly travels with a range of travel equipment and gadgets.