Checkbook Wallets: Not Just for Checkbooks Anymore | Popov Leather

Checkbook Wallets: Not Just for Checkbooks Anymore

Leather checkbook covers may not be the go-to-choice in today's digital age where debit and credit cards dominate our daily transactions.


However, just because we are using checks less, doesn't mean than that these covers have lost their charm.


So now, we’re going to explore eight different uses for a checkbook wallet that have nothing to do with holding checks.


Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

Let’s get started, shall we?

First Aid Kit

We here at Popov Leather aren’t suggesting you can perform field surgery using one of our leather checkbook covers.


Instead, what you can do is care for those playground mishaps, shopping trip setbacks, and other minor injuries and misadventures with a mini first-aid kit.


All it takes is a trip to your local pharmacy or big box store or some clever searching on Amazon.


Pain relievers such as Tylenol come in “go packs” for travelers. You can slip these into a credit card slot of your checkbook wallet.


Adhesive bandages can also be held securely in an empty slot, as can 2 X 2-inch gauze pads. Small tweezers can handle any splinters, and a moleskin pad will eliminate the pain of a rubbing shoe.


Additionally, you can even buy antiseptic towelettes small enough to fit inside a leather checkbook cover.


Be prepared for any small catastrophe that comes your way.


Checkbook Wallet First-Aid Supply Checklist

  • Adhesive bandages (Band-aids)
  • Antibiotic ointment individual packets
  • Antiseptic wipes and/or alcohol prep pads
  • Gauze pads
  • Pain relief travel packs
  • Moleskin pads
  • Tweezers
  • Individually wrapped cotton swabs
  • CPR instruction card with First Aid ABCs on the reverse

Loyalty Card Corral

Checkbook Wallet

It seems everywhere you go these days, there’s some sort of loyalty card.


If you’re anything like me, your everyday wallet just doesn’t have enough card slots to hold them all.


However, the card slots in a leather checkbook cover, along with the checkbook holder and cash slots, make an excellent place to corral all those loyalty cards in one neat, tidy place.


You simply need to open it on the spot, hand over the appropriate card in a matter of seconds along with your debit or credit card, and be on your way.


Better yet, plan ahead. Transfer the card or cards you’ll need for your outing into your everyday wallet. Then, once you’ve used them, return them to their spots in the checkbook wallet.


It’ll make a loyal leather checkbook cover user out of you.

Portable Barista

So the coffee options in the break room leave a lot to be desired, do they?


Now, you never worry about the state of your cuppa Joe again. Create your own portable coffee bar with a leather checkbook cover.


We all know about the standard sugar, artificial sweetener, and regular old creamer packets. You can pick them up at the supermarket.


Buuuut... did you know that some companies offer flavored creamer in handy to-go packets?


You can get vanilla, salted caramel, and even dairy-free coconut powdered creamer in handy packets that fit nicely into a checkbook wallet.


Not into coffee? There is a large variety of flavored drink powders, including sports drinks, you can add to your water bottles. And don’t forget the wide variety of individually wrapped tea bags, too.


In summary, you don’t ever have to go without the perfect thirst quencher again, thanks to the personal barista in your wallet.

Coupon Holder

I don’t know about you, but my local grocery still sends out paper coupons in the mail, even though they also have a coupon app and digital coupons available on their website.


A leather checkbook cover makes an excellent place to keep those coupons neatly and handily stored. The checkbook holder and cash slots tend to be perfectly coupon sized as if they were made for it.


No more lost or forgotten coupons. No more worries about downloading the right one for the purchase. And no more clutter in the bottom of a bag or purse.

Receipt Repository

From the service protection plan on my new coffee maker to the suit I bought for an upcoming event, there always seems to be a reason to hang on to a receipt after the purchase.


And again, they tend to get lost, mistakenly chucked into the trash, or just are never handy when I need them.

That’s what makes a leather checkbook cover so convenient. Whether saving receipts while traveling or just safely keeping them for future reference, it makes an excellent place to store them all.


Tuck them into the checkbook holder or cash slot, or fold and slide them into the credit card side. Either way or both ways, you’ll never not have one when you need it.

Beauty Bank

Now, just like you can’t perform emergency surgery with a checkbook wallet first-aid kit, you can’t give a complete makeover with a checkbook wallet beauty bank. You can, however, do some touch ups and quick fixes.


Again, you’ll need a quick trip to your local pharmacy or big box store to get started.

Look first for individually wrapped makeup remover towels, along with nail polish remover pads. These slip into the wallet’s credit card slots handily.


Also, look for individually wrapped cotton swabs, or use some from your stash of first aid supplies. Another nice addition are small, travel-size makeup brushes. Again, all of this fits neatly into the card slots.


They already sell purse-sized manicure kits. You can easily slip the contents of one of those into your leather checkbook cover’s card slots, too. Don’t forget the tweezers while you’re there.


Also, look for the short, stubby eyebrow and lip pencils with the plastic caps. They come in handy, too. 

If you have an old compact, you can dissect the mirror from it. Slide it behind the checkbook holder in the wallet for a quick and easy look whenever you need it.


Lastly, make a keychain lipstick holder. No, you won’t be adding it to your keys. It will be held by its ring in the snap enclosure. This keeps your favorite shade at your fingertips.


Here’s a YouTube video to show you how to do it:

Imagine, no more digging through the detritus at the bottom of your bag just to find your beauty supplies!


Beauty Bank Shopping List


  • Makeup remover wipes
  • Nail polish remover pads
  • Cotton swabs, individually wrapped
  • Manicure set
  • Tweezers
  • Mirror
  • Small makeup brushes
  • Eyebrow brush
  • Eyebrow and lip pencils
  • Keychain lipstick holder

Ephemera Hoard

Maybe you keep a journal or scrapbook. Maybe you just like to keep mementos and reminders of your adventures, whether daily activities or big events.


A leather checkbook cover is perfect for holding all the ephemera of life’s exploits, both big and small.


Slide ticket stubs, fortune cookie fortunes, and receipts into card slots. Photo booth strips and that paper wristband from the carnival go easily behind the checkbook holder or in the cash slot. A folded paper menu can make it safely home by placing it inside the wallet and snapping it shut.


Another idea is to carry a snack-sized plastic storage bag inside your checkbook wallet memory catcher. It can be used to secure small items such as seashells, birthday candles, and wine corks.


A leather checkbook cover ensures that all the mementos arrive home along with all the memories.


Memories and Ephemera


  • Playing cards
  • Postcards
  • Tarot cards
  • Paper money
  • Event ticket stubs
  • Movie tickets
  • Lottery tickets
  • Office objects like Post-its, Rolodex cards, etc.
  • Old maps
  • Miniatures, such as those found in dollhouse stores
  • Packaging/Address labels
  • Magazine ads
  • Old book pages
  • Flyers
  • Newspaper clippings
  • Political cards
  • Feathers, leaves, etc.

Naturalist’s Kit

Rather than a bulky backpack-sized kit to carry while traipsing the woods or city park, consider a slim and trim, lightweight checkbook wallet. 


A notepad will neatly slide into the checkbook holder to record your sightings, keep track of your photos, and remember your day’s ramblings. Better yet, use our kit to make your own field notes cover.


Tuck a small magnifying glass into a card slot for up-close encounters.


Your Sibley’s foldable bird guide or your Waterford Press guide to the trees and wildflowers of your region will be a bit longer than our leather checkbook covers, but they will fit neatly and securely inside. You can also buy flashcard kits that fit more neatly inside.


Use the snack baggie idea from the beauty kit for transporting home small finds such as leaves and flowers.


Imagine hitting the trail with nothing but your smartphone (for its camera, of course) in one pocket, a map (so you don’t get lost, of course) in another, and a checkbook wallet nature kit in a third. Hands-free nature exploring at its finest.


Here’s another thing to imagine: Never being without your nature exploring kit. Meeting canceled or postponed? Spend that hour de-stressing in the park instead of fuming at your desk.

A Bit About Us

We’ve talked about how to use our wallets and shown you photos of them. Now, here’s a little bit about us:


Popov Leather literally started at my dining table, with one DIY wallet idea and some scrap leather. We’ve grown and learned a lot since then.


I was proud of that first wallet, and I can guarantee you that nothing leaves our workshop today unless I can be just as proud of the finished product and craftsmanship. We always keep you, the customer, in mind, 

Here at Popov Leather, we believe in:


  • Accountability, consistency, and loyalty, which build life-long customer relationships
  • Attention to detail and uncompromising quality, from hand stitching our items to the leathers we start with 
  • Continuous innovation, evolution, and growth
  • Supporting our community by respecting and valuing everyone’s contributions
  • A desire to learn, honest communication, and the importance of celebrating all accomplishments and achievements

Here’s a graphic showing you exactly why hand-stitched leather is superior to machine stitching. (Just to prove our point.)

Thanks for getting to know us. It’s nice to meet you, too.

How Will You Use Your Popov Leather Checkbook Cover?

So, that’s us. And those are our eight ways to use one of our finely made leather checkbook wallets. You could always just use it to carry your checkbook, too, you know. Here’s a video showing it off in its “traditional” form: 

The next step is up to you. Pick one out, and then write and tell us which of our ideas worked best for you.

We’ll be here anxiously awaiting your message and hoping it’s as good as this one:

“Great design on this product. Very functional and, as always, well made. Just what I’ve been looking for. Popov never disappoints.”

Kevin J., United States★★★★★ Verified Reviewer

Find out for yourself today.

Share with your friends on Pinterest:

Pinterest pin Checkbook wallet

Article by Ryan Popoff


Ryan Popoff is the creative mind behind Popov Leather wallets, iPhone cases, belts, watch bands and journals since 2013. With a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts, my leatherworking journey began at home. I wanted to create a simple leather wallet that could fit into my front pocket and — to my delight — it was a hit with family and friends. Hopefully you love our honest, quality leather goods too! Reach out with questions.



1 comment


  • Linda Manton

    I’m looking for a wallet that will hold my top stub checks, cards, change and bills…. I have one that is worn out and bank no longer Carrie’s one… hope you can help me… thanks


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.