Money clips are devices which are primarily used for the purpose of either storing credit cards or cash, in a manner that is compact and fashionable. They are designed for those who do not want to carry a wallet or pocket book, and below are some tips for buying one which is both functional and stylish.

Choosing The Right Material

Money clips can be constructed from a vast array of materials, including platinum, brass, stainless steel, titanium, silver and gold. The clip itself will come in the form of a piece which is solid, that can be folded in half, in a manner where credit cards or bank notes can be wedged securely between the dual metal parts. Money clips made out of high end materials are considered luxury items, even status symbols, and will be priced accordingly.

Of all the available materials, titanium is the rarest. Most money clips constructed with it will have a black or silver appearance. The chief advantage of titanium is that it is lighter than stainless steel while also being hypoallergenic. Another rare material is carbon fiber. They are constructed using complex molding methods and as a result display exceptional durability. Carbon fiber gives clamping surfaces beyond parallel opening, which results in less deformation than you will get with standard metallic clips. Furthermore, money clips constructed with carbon fibers are “scan proof” which means one can enter and exit metals detectors without having to take out their credit cards or cash.

Magnetic Money Clips

Most money clips which are magnetic will consist of two rectangular magnets which are round or flat, and very strong. The magnets will be encased within leather, with a miniature leather piece that separates them and gives them the ability to swivel for closing and opening. Some magnetic clips may be constructed using three magnets, and the advantage that these clips have over non-metallic ones is their greater carrying capacity.

In fact, it isn’t unusual for a magnetic money clip to hold as many as fifteen bills which are folded in two. When containing a bigger volume of bills magnetic clips will display reduced clamping force, which results from the magnets being further separated. Both carbon fiber and metallic money clips display inverse properties, which mean that clamping tension will increase as clips are further stretched.

Disadvantages of Money Clips

Money clips constructed from metal are usually inflexible. As such, they are not optimal for holding large sums of cash, which won’t be a problem for most people in developed societies since many transactions have now become digital. Additionally, depending on how the money clips has been designed, it can be tough to push your bills inside the clip. Money clips which are magnetic should not be used to store credit or debit cards since their magnets could potentially cause distortion or even the erasure of magnetic strips.