This past October while I was visiting Capitol Reef National Park, somewhere along the way my wallet fell out of my back pocket. (Likely just plain lost, not stolen). Which was a pretty massive inconvenience to be over a thousand miles away from home without any cards or drivers license and two bucks of stray cash in my pocket. Fun times.

This was the first time I had lost a wallet, but I would most definitely not want for it to happen again. And someone showed me a device the size of a thick credit card you could put in your wallet where it could be tracked remotely (like an airtag device), or would beep if separated too far away from your cell phone (like 50 feet).

I have a simple bi-fold wallet, and I would like to see if anyone has a recommendation for a type of tracking device I could buy that I could use in the event it is ever lost again. Tracking either through my phone (Samsung Galaxy app) or laptop (website). Would prefer that I could walk into a store to buy it in person, but if it can only be purchased online and delivered, that's not a dealbreaker for me. Price is also not a significant issue. If anyone has suggestions on a good, reliable type of tracker that would not turn my wallet as thick as a brick, let me know!

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cjankowski t1_j8ow72c wrote on February 15, 2023 at 10:03 PM

Tile would be the company with the credit card trackers

fingletingle t1_j8qzba1 wrote on February 16, 2023 at 9:13 AM

Chipolo also makes wallet tracking cards but they are not very BIFL as you trade it in for a new one when the battery dies. They have a version for Android and one for Apple (Find My).

Unfortunately most modern tech stuff is not very BIFL.

mitchaboomboom t1_j8oq7nk wrote on February 15, 2023 at 9:26 PM

I looked into this recently, as an android phone user, and there really isn't a viable alternative to airtags. The android-based ones are all bluetooth-based, and seem to require charging.

Airtags seem unfortunately to be pretty unique, so I went with them and paired them to my iPad.

someguy474747 t1_j8osol6 wrote on February 15, 2023 at 9:41 PM

Tile makes one that fits in your wallet, but it is completely disposable. When the battery dies, you are just supposed to buy a new one.

Kafshak t1_j8vi5xq wrote on February 17, 2023 at 6:14 AM

Samsung smart tags?

DrKennethNoisewater- t1_j8p3ke1 wrote on February 15, 2023 at 10:54 PM

Tile Slim claims 3 years battery life. Also in the event of someone actually stealing it I’mnot sure you’d want it to beep, but that’s just me. Will just be a signal to them to toss the tracker.

Muncie4 t1_j8rco3d wrote on February 16, 2023 at 12:08 PM

This is not a BIFL question as the run time on these devices is maybe 5 years.
Every tracker can be used with a wallet, so if you are looking for a tracker, pick one.
I wanted one 2 years back and went to 839 websites and 57 youtube channels and the clear winner was the Samsung SmartThings Tracker, which is around my dog's neck and other than 2 battery changes is fine even after daily attacks by my other dog. And by clear winner, I mean most likely to always provide location based on various sources of internet access. Maybe there's a new leader today though.

caskey t1_j8okotc wrote on February 15, 2023 at 8:51 PM

Maybe ekster?

Bakelite51 t1_j8tuagw wrote on February 16, 2023 at 10:18 PM

Those trackers have a limited lifespan, you will need to buy a new one eventually.

May I recommend another solution?

I used to be in the habit of constantly losing my wallet until I bought one on a chain that clips to my belt. The chain isn't some exaggerated fashion statement, it's practical, short and discreet. Bought the chain wallet in 2014-ish and haven't misplaced it since.