Why an RFID card holder is no longer an unnecessary luxury

A busy station, a full train and… an invisible pickpocket

You feel your pocket for a moment.
Wallet? Check.
Telephone? Check.
Keys? Also along.

However, nowadays someone can try to read data from certain cards without actually stealing your wallet. That happens often digital pickpocketing mentioned.

The chance is not great, but the technology does exist. That is precisely why more and more people are wondering whether an RFID card holder really adds anything.
The answer is more nuanced than many advertisements suggest.

What exactly is RFID?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification.

In simple words, a small chip in a card can communicate with a reader via radio waves.

This technique is used for, among other things:

• contactless payment cards;
• public transport cards;
• company access passes;
• hotel room keys;
• some identification cards.

RFID makes everyday life easier. You often only have to hold a card briefly against a reader to make a payment or open a door.

How does digital pickpocketing work?

In theory, someone with a suitable RFID reader can try to read data from an RFID chip.

People often think of someone who unknowingly walks close to you at an airport, in a shopping center or on public transport.

It is important to distinguish between theory and practice.

Modern payment cards have multiple layers of security. In addition, the reading distance is usually limited to a few centimeters. An attacker therefore has to get very close and does not always have access to usable data.

That does not mean that it is impossible, but it does mean that the risk is often smaller than some messages on the internet suggest.

Which cards contain RFID?

Not every card uses the same technology.

The following cards often have an RFID or NFC chip:

• debit cards with contactless payment;
• OV chip cards;
• company and access passes;
• hotel passes;
• some identity documents.

Access passes from organizations can be particularly interesting for additional protection, because they provide access to buildings or secure areas.

Does an RFID card holder really work?

Yes, provided it is properly designed.
An RFID card holder contains a material that blocks radio waves. As a result, an RFID reader cannot connect to the chip as long as the card is in the holder.
As soon as you remove the card from the holder, it will work as normal again.
The principle is comparable to a Faraday cage: the signals are stopped before they reach the chip.

Many misunderstandings about RFID

“With an RFID scanner, criminals can simply debit money.”

That is more nuanced.
An RFID reader cannot simply withdraw unlimited money from a debit card. Banks use security measures such as limits, encryption and fraud detection.

“Everyone is in great danger every day.”

That is also not correct.
There are relatively few confirmed cases where people have actually been financially disadvantaged by remotely reading a payment card. The risk exists, but is limited for most people.

“An RFID card holder is only interesting for travelers.”

On the contrary.
Employees who use access passes every day or are on the road a lot can also benefit from extra protection and a clear way to take their passes with them.

Why companies are increasingly choosing RFID protection

More and more organizations are providing employees with:

• access passes;
• parking passes;
• public transport cards;
• company passes.

These not only represent a financial value, but sometimes also provide access to buildings or systems.

A sturdy RFID card holder helps keep cards neatly stored and offers extra protection against unwanted reading. That is why they are increasingly chosen as a practical promotional gift or part of an onboarding package.

Practical tips to protect your cards

You don't have to replace everything immediately. You can reduce any risks with a few simple measures:

• Store important cards in an RFID-protective holder.
• Check your bank statements regularly for unknown transactions.
• Report the loss or theft of a debit card immediately to your bank.
• Store company or access passes carefully.
• Only use contactless payments if you choose to do so.

A practical tool that can be used every day

The best promotional gifts are products that people use every day.

A high-quality RFID card holder usually does not disappear into a drawer. It goes with you to the office, on business trips and on holiday. This combines ease of use, a neat appearance and extra protection for important cards.

At Tiger Concept we regularly advise organizations about this RFIDcard holders as part of a professional welcome package, travel package or sustainable business gift. Not from fear, but from the idea that small, practical solutions make everyday life just a little easier.

Conclusie

Een RFID card holder is not a panacea and does not prevent all forms of digital crime. Modern payment cards are already well secured and the risk of misuse is relatively small.

Nevertheless, an RFID card holder can be a smart choice for those who travel regularly, use a lot of access cards or want to keep important cards organized and protected. The combination of ease of use, organization and extra protection makes it a valuable addition for many people.