Our phones have streamlined what we carry, first dispensing with the need to wear a watch, then swiftly dispatching the GPS navigators. And thanks to smart locks on cars and front doors, you don’t even need to carry a keychain. Of course, it’s all fun and games until someone has a beer they need opening — we’re still waiting on an app for that. That’s why it’s a good idea to carry a multitool with the rest of your EDC gear, even (or maybe especially) in this modern, streamlined era. And if you’re not going to let your phone replace your wallet, then you might want a tool you can fit in your billfold. That’s where a credit-card multitool comes in.
With dimensions similar to a card, a credit card multitool is easy to slot into your wallet and take on the go. Naturally, these tools are designed to help you address problems you might realistically encounter in your everyday life. You’re not likely to be able to suture a wound with these tools. But opening a package, cracking open a beer bottle, or tightening small screws? Check, check and check. Plus, they leave your keychain free, so you can save space for other tools like a pocket knife. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite credit card-sized multi-tools to add to your everyday carry.
1. Wallet Ninja Multitool
The Wallet Ninja definitely has a kitschy design and branding, but it has practical tools that you can use in a variety of settings. There’s a bottle opener in the middle of the tool, a box opener, a can opener, an eyeglass screwdriver, multiple hex wrenches and even a fruit peeler. You can even use it as a phone stand by inserting a card into the middle slot to prop it up.
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2. Victorinox Swisscard Lite Pocket Tool
Victorinox is the brand that makes the Swiss Army Knife, so they know their stuff when it comes to packing a lot of functionality into a small package. The Swisscard is distinct from most credit card multi-tools in that the tools are not cut from a single piece of metal, but are sheathed in cover. That means you can pull them out to use them independently. There’s a small blade, scissors, magnifying glass, multiple screwdrivers, tweezers, a pressurized ballpoint pen and a pin. It’s certainly thicker than the average tool, but it packs in features others don’t have.
3. Kikkerland Credit Card Survival Tool
Kikkerland makes a variety of unique home gifts and novelty items, and while survival might be a stretch for this tool, it’s no doubt handy for certain situations. The compact tool packs 11 functions into one, including a can and bottle opener, blade, screwdriver, ruler, cap opener, 4-position wrench, butterfly screw wrench, saw blade, direction auxiliary wrench, 2-position wrench. It’s made from sturdy stainless steel, and it’s sized to fit in your wallet. If you’d rather not carry it in your wallet, includes a handy carrying card case or use the keychain hole.
4. M.020 – Camping Tool Card
This tool is a little large and thick for fitting into a wallet, but it’s too cool to not include. It’s still pocket-sized, so it’ll be easy to carry, and it can be used to spark a fire, open a can, cut a rope, and crack open a bottle of beer. It’s great for camping — there are multiple tools for tents and ropes.
5. Cable And Case Pocket Knife
This multi-tool from Cable and Case features a sheath that stores the tools, meaning you can pull them out and use them individually. Tools include a serrated blade, a bottle opener, multiple screwdrivers, a toothpick and tweezers. There’s even a magnifying glass and compass.
6. Carhartt Multi-Tool
Carharrt is known for its durable worksite clothes and hats, which makes this sturdy steel multi-tool the perfect thing to keep in the Carharrt wallet in your Carharrt work pants. It can fit inside a wallet pocket or attached to a keychain. Tools include a four-position wrench, multiple screwdrivers, a butterfly screw wrench and bottle and can openers.
7. Nite Ize Financial Tool
Maybe you’re not looking for something to go into your wallet but rather something to replace it — this multitool from Nite Ize serves as a money clip for carrying cash and cards, and there are a handful of handy tools cut out of the stainless steel clip. Tools include a bottle opener, five standard-size wrenches, six metric wrenches and a ruler tool.
8. ArmyForceGear Personalized Survival Multi-Functional Tool
This multi-tool has basically the same design as many of the other options on the market, but the detail that sets it apart is that it can be personalized. You can have a personal message engraved on the tool, making it a great gift.