Wallet Finder and Tracker Guide: Smart Solutions for Forgetful Minds
A Wallet Finder, also known as a Wallet Tracker, is the perfect companion for the serial misplacer. Since it has a slim and compact construction, it can fit inside most wallets, making it easy and comfortable to carry around. In this blog, we’ll share valuable information about this innovative and practical device, from how it works to the best wallet finder devices on the market.
Overview
What Is a Smart Wallet Finder Card?
Wallet finders are lightweight, slim (usually not more than 5 mm thick), and credit card-sized devices that you can slip into your wallet’s pockets. They typically use Bluetooth to connect to other devices, such as a smartphone, so they can send their exact location to you. If the device isn’t within the effective range of Bluetooth, you can activate the device’s GPS to track down your wallet.
Here are a few good reasons why investing in a good wallet tracker is a smart decision:
Saves Plenty of Time
Instead of wasting your energy and time looking for your wallet, you can just use a wallet tracker to find it in seconds. GPS technology has greatly improved in the past few years, allowing people to accurately find and track their belongings in real time.
Keeps the Worries Away
When was the last time you had a panic attack because you couldn’t find your wallet? Do you live somewhere where there’s a lot of burglary and theft cases?
Wallet finders are the perfect solution to your problem. With the help of Bluetooth and GPS technologies, you can quickly find your wallet wherever it may be.
Serves Multiple Purposes
This device isn’t only effective in locating misplaced wallets. You can also use it for tracking your other belongings, such as your keys, luggage, and smartphone. Some wallet trackers, such as the SwitchBot Wallet Finder Card, can even unlock your door with the use of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.
Wallet Finder: Key Features and Types
Each brand of wallet finder device has its own unique features to improve their functionality and user-friendliness. Let’s go over some of the basic features of a wallet tracker card.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Wallet finders connect directly to compatible devices, such as your smartphone, through Bluetooth. The Bluetooth connectivity range of these devices will vary for every brand and model. The typical range is between 100 and 300 feet.
For instance, the maximum Chipolo Bluetooth range is up to 200 feet. On the other hand, the SwitchBot Wallet Finder Card has an amazing Bluetooth connectivity range of up to 80 meters (around 262 feet).
GPS Tracking Technology
Bluetooth will only work well for short distances with a clear path. For those times when your wallet is lost somewhere far away, it’s important to have a tracker in your wallet that uses GPS technology. As long as nothing blocks its view of the sky, it has an almost limitless connectivity range.
Sound Alerts or Vibrations
Most wallet finder cards on the market can vibrate or produce sounds using your phone to get your attention. Both the Tile Slim Tracker and the SwitchBot Wallet Finder Card have a two-way find function, which plays a sound on your phone by pressing or clicking a button on the device two times.
Long Battery Life
Wallet trackers have a lithium battery that could be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. Some batteries can last anywhere between 6 and 12 months on a single full charge. But the best trackers will keep working for up to 2 to 3 years. Once the battery level drops to a certain level, you’ll receive a notification to replace your wallet tracker.
These are just some of the basic features of wallet finders that work together to ensure you’ll always find your wallet whenever you need to. Other trackers offer extra features, such as smart home system integration and out-of-range alerts, that significantly improve their efficiency and functionality.
Top Wallet Finder Brands and Products
If it’s your first time to buy a wallet tracker card, it’s best to stick with popular brands and products. Let’s explore three of the best in the industry: Chipolo, Tile, and SwitchBot.
1. Chipolo
Chipolo takes pride in being one of the few companies still producing their wallet finders locally in Europe. Some of their popular trackers are CARD Point and ONE Spot. CARD Point is perfect for those who want an ultra-thin tracker that lasts up to 2 years. ONE Spot comes with a replaceable battery and works exclusively with the Apple Find My app.
2. Tile
If Apple products are too expensive for your budget, Tile offers more affordable tracking devices. Their 2024 collection of Bluetooth-enabled trackers features an SOS button, which sets them apart from others in their category. This feature allows your Tile tracker to send warnings to your Life360 Circle when you're in tricky situations.
3. SwitchBot
Born in 2016, SwitchBot has been one of the go-to brands when it comes to top-quality smart home appliances and gadgets. SwitchBot’s Wallet Finder Card can easily fit into your wallet, thanks to its ultra-thin construction (around the same thickness as a 1 euro coin). It also has a long battery life of up to 3 years. But unlike other trackers, you can still use its NFC technology for smart home applications when it runs out of battery.
How To Choose the Best Wallet Tracker
Are you confused about which wallet finder is right for you? Here are a few important buying considerations to keep in mind:
1. Connectivity and Range
The tracking range of wallet trackers will greatly depend on the technology they use to connect to your smartphone. Not all trackers use GPS. Most of these devices depend on Bluetooth to locate an item within a specific range.
Be careful, though. Some companies of Bluetooth-enabled trackers promise a wide connectivity range of up to 400 feet. In most cases, the maximum effective range of the best wallet trackers is between 100 and 300 feet (approximately 30 to 90 meters).
2. Sound Alert Volume
A loud alert sound makes sure you’ll find your lost wallet or other items in both quiet and noisy environments. The sound volume of wallet tracker cards is different for every model, but you’ll commonly find products that can produce 80 to 100 decibels of sound. This sound level range is comparable to that of a car alarm.
3. Battery Life
Getting frequent replacements can be a hassle and costly. That’s why it’s important to get a wallet tracker card with a long battery life. In general, wallet tracker batteries can last between 6 months and 2 years. The more impressive ones, such as the Tile Slim and the SwitchBot Wallet Finder Card, can last as long as 3 years.
4. Water Resistance
You could lose your wallets in areas susceptible to rain, spills, or submersion in water. With this in mind, it’s important to choose a wallet finder that’s resistant to water and moisture.
Common water-resistant rating scale:
- IP67: This rating means you could submerge your wallet finder in 1 meter (around 3 feet) of water for 30 minutes without damage.
- IP68: Wallet finders with this rating can withstand prolonged submersion in water deeper than 1 meter.
- IPX5/IPX6: If a tracker has any of these ratings, it means you can’t submerge it in water, but it can withstand rain or direct contact with water sprayed directly at it from a nozzle.
- IPX7: This rating is similar to IP67, but it doesn’t guarantee a tracker is protected from dust.
5. Size
Since you’re going to place it inside your wallet, it should be as thin as a credit card to save space. Anything that’s 2.5 mm thick or less will easily fit into your wallet without adding noticeable bulk.
6. Compatibility
It’s important for a wallet finder to be compatible with many types of devices and operating systems. It makes it easier to connect with your preferred smartphones, tablets, and smart home automation devices without issues arising.
How Do You Maintain a Wallet Finder?
Considering the important function wallet trackers fulfill, it’s only reasonable that you do everything you can to keep them in top shape. Here are a few things you could do to ensure your wallet tracker works effectively for years to come:
1. Regular Cleaning
Depending on how often you use it and where you’re storing it, you should regularly wipe your wallet tracker with a soft, dry cloth. Don’t use harsh cleaning solutions, damp cloths, or abrasive materials for cleaning. Depending on the tracker you have, make sure the charging port is also free from dust and debris.
2. Follow Correct Battery Care
Check the manufacturer’s specific guidelines on caring for your tracker’s battery. There are many things you could do to ensure its performance and longevity. For instance, keep your wallet finder card from extreme temperatures. This could cause the battery to reduce its effectiveness faster.
3. Software Updates
Ensure that the accompanying app or software for your wallet tracker and other devices in your smart home ecosystem has the latest updates. These updates can improve the compatibility, security, and functionality of your devices.
4. Observe Proper Storage
To avoid damaging your wallet tracker card, keep these tips in mind:
- Keep it away from environments where it’s going to be exposed to extreme heat, moisture, and water.
- Don’t place it in your back pocket or any place where it could bend or crack.
- Use its protective case or sleeve to give an extra layer of protection.
Conclusion
Wallet finder cards are a must-have for people who always lose their wallets (or other valuables) for whatever reason—forgetfulness, theft, and carelessness. Choosing the right one can give you more peace of mind, especially when visiting sketchy areas. If you don’t want the hassle and stress of looking for your wallet, consider using a Bluetooth or GPS wallet tracker today.
