Alpine Rivers® makes RFID blocking sleeves, money belts and neck wallets for travel and daily carry, trusted since 2015. Our sleeves give verified 13.56 MHz shielding, the frequency of tap-to-pay cards, e-passports and most transit cards. In 2016 our RFID blocking card sleeves achieved FIPS 201 US government approval (GSA APL 1424); that category has since been retired.
About the brand
How long has Alpine Rivers® been operating?
Since 2015. The first product, a money belt, launched in 2015. Sleeves were added in 2016. Alpine Rivers® products carry 22,000+ Amazon reviews.
Where are you based?
Operations are based in the United States, with the registered company in the United Kingdom. See our Terms of Service for full company details.
Is Alpine Rivers® a registered trademark?
Yes. Alpine Rivers® is a registered trademark in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
About the products
What does RFID blocking actually do?
It prevents wireless skimming readers from communicating with your contactless cards while the cards are inside an Alpine Rivers® product. For the full explanation, see How RFID Protection Works, or watch ten live card reader tests.
Will my cards still work after being stored in your products?
Yes. Our shielding is passive. It only blocks signals while the card is inside. Take the card out and it works exactly as it did before, and storage in a sleeve does not wear it out.
Do the products block all frequencies?
No. Our shielding is made for 13.56 MHz, the frequency used by tap-to-pay cards, e-passports, most transit cards and many hotel keys. See why 13.56 MHz matters.
Can I wear the money belt or neck wallet through airport security?
Most travelers do. Security policies vary by airport and country. The metal content of the shielding may register on body scanners and require a quick visual check. We recommend removing the belt or neck wallet for X-ray screening of carry-on items, like any other accessory.
RFID protection, passports and ID cards
Which RFID sleeves were FIPS 201 approved?
Several makers' sleeves were listed in GSA's FIPS 201 shielding category, including Identity Stronghold, DataSafe (Kena Kai) and Brady People ID. In 2016 our Alpine Rivers® RFID blocking card sleeves achieved FIPS 201 US government approval (GSA APL 1424). That category has since been retired; our honest-status article tells the full story.
What sleeve should I use for a PIV or CAC card?
Start with your agency or ID card office: they often issue a shielding sleeve or holder with the card, so use that first. For a spare or for travel, PIV cards and CACs are standard credit-card size, and a card sleeve with verified 13.56 MHz shielding fits them. In 2016 our Alpine Rivers® RFID blocking card sleeves achieved FIPS 201 US government approval (GSA APL 1424). Slide the card out when you badge in.
Do RFID sleeves block contactless payments?
Yes, while the card is inside. Tap-to-pay cards use 13.56 MHz, and a sleeve with verified 13.56 MHz shielding keeps the terminal from reading the card. Slide it out to pay; phone and watch wallets are not affected. Watch the reader demo.
Do RFID sleeves damage cards?
No. Sleeves are passive, with no battery, no power and no moving parts. The card works as before once you slide it out.
Does Alpine Rivers® hold an active FIPS 201 certificate today?
No. In 2016 our RFID blocking card sleeves achieved FIPS 201 US government approval (GSA APL 1424). That certification category has since been retired, so we claim no active certificate today. Our current claim is verified 13.56 MHz shielding.
Do I need a separate sleeve for my passport?
Yes. Card sleeves fit credit-card-size cards, while passport sleeves are cut for passport booklets, including 52-page versions. Current US passports carry a contactless chip, so a passport sleeve keeps it shielded.
Shipping and returns
Where do you ship?
We ship across the United States and throughout Great Britain. Some locations may be unavailable at checkout.
How long does shipping take?
5 to 9 business days after dispatch. Processing adds 1 to 2 business days. Full details on the Shipping and Delivery page.
What is your return policy?
30 days from delivery for a full product refund. Details on the Returns and Refunds page.
Other
Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing?
Contact us through the Contact page with order quantity and intended use. We respond to all wholesale inquiries within 3 business days.
I cannot find an answer to my question.
Email us through the Contact page. We respond to most messages within 2 business days.