The spread of credit and debit card facilities across the globe means we’re getting less and less comfortable carrying larger amounts of cash with us in our every day lives. And while that’s great for personal safety in our home cities, there are still situations when having access to ready cash is still a must.

Travel is perhaps the case in point. Even if you’re planning to use your plastic when abroad, you’ll still need a good amount of hard currencies such as the dollar or euro, and local currency to see you through your stay. And even if you do intend to use nothing but the credit card, how do you keep it (and other important documents like passports) safe from theft?

The answer is a travel money belt! So keep reading to check out the top travel money belts of the moment. We’ve gone to great lengths to highlight their pros and cons, to make your decision-making process all the easier!

#1 – Peak Gear travel money belt

Best overall travel money belt

This offering by Peak Gear comes at a very reasonable price point and gives users the sort of money belt they are used too with the added protection of blocking scanning technologies that might take credit card or passport details, thanks to its RFID-blocking technology.

Its slim-line design ensures the Peak Gear travel money belt won’t look like a bulky mass when positioned directly on the skin beneath your clothes, and comes with an adjustable strap to ensure a secure fit.

The Peak Gear is water resistant – which makes it perfect for hotter climes where you might find yourself perspiring too – and has multiple zippered compartments for all your valuables.

Is the Peak Gear travel money belt for you?

This really is a fine all-round travel money belt, which is why the Peak Gear has made it to the hallowed spot of becoming our best overall option. The combination of discretion with modern RFID-blocking technology means we think you’ll be able to use this for year after year without worrying over your money and personal details!

Check on Amazon

#2 – Lewis N Clark Neck Stash

Best budget travel money belt

Coming in at around $10, iit’s difficult to argue against the Lewis N Clark Next Stash if budget is your primary concern. Unlike the majority of other traditional-style travel money belts, this version hangs comfortably around your neck under your clothes making it impossible to access for pickpockets.

Despite its budget price the Lewis N Clark Neck Stash still comes with RFID-blocking technology built into the materials to ensure card and passport numbers can’t be quickly scanned, while the Neck Stash remains lightweight to wear – an all-important factor is you’re going to be using it day after day. It’s also constructed out of ripstop nylon, meaning its sure to last!

Is the Lewis N Clark Neck Stash for you?

On a tight budget but still concerned about the safety of your cash and personal details? Then the Lewis N Clark Neck Stash is an ideal option for you. Priced incredibly competitively, yet still boasting the RFID-blocking technology of more expensive travel money belts, this belt will keep your valuables safe on the road.

Check on Amazon

P.S. – Save a bit of cash in Traveling with our EPIC guide to the coolest baby Carriers for Hiking!

#3 – Active Roots Security Belt

Best high-end travel money belt

A true belt, rather than a money pouch or fanny pack, the Active Roots Security Belt is for anyone who wants to look the part while keeping a small amount of travel cash secure and about their person.

The interior side of the belt contains a well hidden and good proportioned zippered pocket in which its possible to place banknotes folded in half lengthways.Made from long-lasting nylon which will last and last, you won’t have any worries about the Active Roots Security Belt falling to pieces on you away from home.

If one further attractive feature is needed, like all Active Roots products, when buying this security belt you’re helping to protect elephants in Laos, South East Asia, with Active Roots contributing funds for every item purchased!

Is the Active Roots Security Belt for you?

Looking for a simple yet effect way to carry a small amount of cash securely without it affecting your style? This is exactly the aim of the Active Roots Security Belt! Sure to last even the toughest of trips thanks to its hard wearing nylon construction materials, there’s also the warm glow you get from helping conserve elephants.

Check on Amazon

Editor’s Recommendation – You should definitely check out our guide on the coolest Tandem Kayaks!

#4 – Alpine Rivers Money Belt

Most comfortable travel money belt

It’s likely you’re going to be wearing your money belt each and every day of your trip, so it goes without saying it needs to be comfortable! Step forward the Alpine Rivers money belt, constructed from a pleasantly soft material that will help prevent rubbing or other irritation while against your skin.

This doesn’t make the Alpine Rivers money belt any easier to reach however, constructed as it is from ripstop nylon, reinforced stitching, and makes use of high-quality zippers. Designed to be hidden beneath a jacket or even your pants, the belt is also RFID-blocking as you might have come to expect, and water resistant too.

Is the Alpine Rivers money belt for you?

With the Alpine Rivers money belt you get all the protection you would expect from a travel money belt – zippers, ripstop nylon construction, and RFID-blocking technology – with the addition of a higher comfort level, meaning you won’t be tempted to leave this money belt behind, but be happy to wear it throughout your trip!

Check on Amazon

Recommended Article – Take a look at our AMAZING guide about the awesome travel jackets.

#5 – Venture 4th travel money belt

Best waterproof travel money belt

This waist travel money belt by Venture 4th manages to be large enough to be able to fit currencies, credit cards, and passports, while being small enough to remain discreet. It is also made from waterproof 210 Dernier ripstop nylon, so you don’t have to worry about a sudden rain shower causing more problems than a pickpocket!

The Venture 4th travel money belt boasts two main zippered compartments to help keep everything organized, while being protected from anti-scanning RFID-blocking technology to keep your personal details safe. The waist strap on the Venture 4th is elastic, ensuring a tight enough fit to be secure, while the travel money belt as a whole remains soft to the touch.

Is the Venture 4th travel money belt for you?

The added peace of mind that full waterproofing brings means the Venture 4th travel money belt should be high on anyone’s list of potential travel money belts! More than a one trick pony, it also has the features of many other competitors, including zippers compartments, slimline design, and RFID-blocking technology.

Check on Amazon

Editor’s Note – You can also check out our article about the best Inflatable Kayaks.

#6 – Zero Grid travel money belt

Best of the rest

What makes the Zero Grid stand out against its competitors for us is the sheer volume of stuff you seem to be able to pack into it without it looking obvious beneath light clothing! Not only is there enough space for several different currencies – which is very handy when heading somewhere like Europe – and your passport, but you’ll also find space for a smartphone, a small bunch of house keys, and our credit cards too.

The Zero Grid comes with two main zippered compartments, and an additional internal pouch which would be great for keeping camera SD cards safe. There’s also a separate carabiner clip for attaching your keys.

Is the Zero Grid travel money belt for you?

Obsessive about security while traveling. Want to know exactly where all your valuables are all the time – in other words around your waist? Then we’d recommend picking the Zero Grid travel money belt as a result of its slim shape yet capacity for contents in addition to containing RFID-blocking technology to keep credit card and passport numbers safe however crowded the environment you find yourself in!

Check on Amazon

Recommended Article – have you checked out our article about the incredible Carry on Backpacks?

#7 – Pacsafe Coversafe S25 Bra Money Pouch

Needless to say, we think, this Bra Money Pouch developed by Pacsafe is intended for use solely by women! Sorry guys! However, one of the many things it has in its favor is the element of surprise. The small unobtrusive pouch, in which its possible to slip credit cards and hard currency, can be easily attached to any bra thanks to the adjustable strap.

Made from lingerie materials, it won’t rub or irritate the skin, or stand out under clothing either. The result is an incredibly secure means of carrying smaller valuable items, while there’s a choice of options on how exactly to wear it: centrally, under one arm, and so on. And with that in mind, we should also point out the Pacsafe Bra Money Pouch is fully machine washable too.

Is the Pacsafe Coversafe S25 Bra Money Pouch for you?

If you’re a woman who has never liked the feel of wearing a traditional waist or chest travel money belt, then its well worth giving the Pacsafe Bra Money Pouch a go. Once adjusted into position you’ll forget this pouch is even there, and be able to carry out your day’s planned activities without constantly worrying about your money and other valuables.

Check on Amazon Check on REI

#8 – LeatherBoss Money Belt

 

Another alternative to the traditional style of travel money belt is the LeatherBoss Money Belt. Made from real leather, this money belt takes the form shape of a standard waist belt, and is therefore as inconspicuous as travel money belts can come.

At 1.25 inches wide, the reverse side (that closest to your body) has a hidden zippered compartment into which you can slip smaller valuables without them bulging and showing on the outer facing side.

Coming in a range of sizes depending upon your waist measurements, the LeatherBoss obviously also doubles as a neat everyday belt, reducing the amount of baggage you’ll need to take when traveling.

Is the LeatherBoss Money Belt for you?

If you’re concerned that traditional money belts are no longer as effective as they once were because it’s assumed all travelers are wearing one, you should put some thought into opting for the LeatherBoss money belt instead. Though only intended for smaller amounts of cash, it makes for a very useful backup to traditional style travel money belts.

Check on Amazon

Recommended Article – have you checked out our article about the most awesome Hiking Sandals?

#9 – Eagle Creek Money Pouch

Although the Eagle Creek Money Pouch is one of the smaller travel money belts that we’ve chosen to review, it’s still large enough to with all the average traveler needs while on the road.

So you won’t have any problem finding space for your passport, currency notes, and credit cards. The zippered main compartment is internally separated into several sections with two mesh dividers to aid organization while out and about.

Its also a durable yet lightweight little number, thanks to the fact it’s made from water resistant ripstop nylon. The lack of a waist belt may be an irritation to some, but many others will appreciate the advantage of being able to hide the pouch away in various locations as a result.

Is the Eagle Creek Money Pouch for you?

If you’re searching for a smaller money belt that has enough space for your travel essentials, and you’re not that bothered about the actual ‘belt’ aspect of a money belt, then the Eagle Creek Money Pouch will suit you right down to the ground! Versatility is perhaps this pouch’s biggest advantage – again thanks to the lack of that belt!

Check on Amazon

#10 – Pacasso Money Belt

 

In contrast to the Eagle Creek, the Pacasso is a travel money belt for those who like to ensure all their valuables are securely tucked away.

Not only does the Pacasso Money Belt therefore provide capacity for money and credit cards, while also being large enough to hold a passport, but there’s also room inside for smart phone should you wish.

And to make your smart phone usable while tucked away, there’s a cleverly included hole to allow earphone wires access. What’s more, the RFID protection that’s built in ensures you’re safe from electronic pickpockets as well as the physical kind whatever you decide to keep inside the Pacasso.

Is the Pacasso Money Belt for you?

Few travel money belts provide enough space while remaining sufficiently subtle to allow a user to store a smart phone inside them. The Pacasso Money Belt not only manages to do this, but also provides that handy earphone hole so you can listen to music in full security mode!

Check on Amazon

#11 – Raytix Travel Money Belt

This travel money belt by Raytix is another of the larger sort of money belt, and there’s nothing wrong with that! It comprises of several zippered compartments so you can easily remember where you’ve stored each of your valuables, and RFID protection against electronic scanning of your credit card and passport numbers too.

We like the fact the Raytix travel money belt maintains its slimline shape even with all that the average traveler needs to keep close to their person. This is a model of travel money belt that sits around the torso rather than on the waist or hips, although the breathable materials the belt is made from ensures there won’t be irritation as a result.

Is the Raytix Money Belt for you?

Anyone looking for a travel money belt that has enough space for credit cards, hard currency, and a passport will appreciate this product from Raytix. This is also a great travel money belt for anyone who remains unconvinced by other belts that sit around the waist or hip.

Check on Amazon

Staying safe abroad

Finding a good travel money belt is a serious business. Here’s an object that needs to survive the rigors of travel and keep your most precious items (and hard-earned cash) safe from those who want to take them off you!

Our review of the top travel money belts tips the balance back to the traveler’s advantage, so read our thoughts carefully before choosing the money belt for you!

Editor’s Note – No matter where you are traveling, you NEED to have great travel insurance. We have personally tested TONS of travel insurance companies, and can say without a doubt that World Nomads is the absolute best (and most affordable!). Fill out the form below to get a quote.

 

***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)