Whether you realize it or not, your purse is a gold mine for thieves.
Not only can a crook steal money and other valuables from your purse, but it's also possible to use the information inside to steal your identity.
So, if your goal is to grow your wealth — and to protect the money you already have — keep the following sensitive and valuable items out of your purse.
Get instant access to hundreds of discounts
Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.
Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.
Social security card
/images/2024/03/29/unfilled-usa-social-security-card.jpeg)
There is little need to have a document as sensitive as your Social Security card in your purse.
In most situations, your driver's license is all you need when you are asked for identifying information. Except when you absolutely need it, keep your Social Security card at home.
Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.
Debit/credit cards
/images/2024/05/01/credit-cards.jpg)
While these cards come with some built-in security features — such as a chip, or the need to punch in a PIN to use the card — carrying around too many debit and credit cards is an unnecessary risk.
Perhaps you can enter your debit and credit cards into a digital wallet — which you usually must open with your phone's code or a fingerprint — for extra security.
Gift cards
/images/2022/08/29/different_gift_cards_of_many_brands.jpg)
Like cash, gift cards can be spent by anyone who peeks into your purse and helps themselves. Keep these at home until you're ready to use them.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
Sign up for a free debt assessment here.
Identifying documents
/images/2024/05/01/certificate-of-live-birth-application.jpg)
Passports, birth certificates, and other important documents contain too much sensitive information to leave in your purse.
Carrying these documents around makes it easy for identity thieves to get the info they need to impersonate you. In addition, once they go missing, it's a hassle to replace them.
Checkbook
/images/2024/05/01/writing-and-signing-checkbook.jpg)
Your checkbook contains a surprising amount of identifying information — your phone number, address, signature, and checking account number.
Unless you plan on writing a physical check on your outing, keep your checkbook at home instead of your purse.
Trending Stories
Work badge
/images/2022/04/20/punctuality_at_work_swipe-card_system.jpg)
We get it: You need your work badge to access your office. But if a thief gets their hands on it, they can also get into your office.
So, either wear your badge or keep it in your pocket.
PIN/passwords
/images/2024/05/01/pin-code-message-concept.jpg)
If you have a poor memory, you might need to write down PINs and passwords in case you forget them. But your purse is one of the worst places to keep this list.
Try to commit your PINs and passwords to memory. If you can't, keep the list at home in a secure location.
Large amounts of cash
/images/2024/05/01/counting-large-amount-of-money.jpg)
Keeping large amounts of cash in a purse is a classic invitation for thieves. Unlike with your credit cards, there is little hope of getting cash back once the money has been stolen.
Only keep as much cash in your purse as you absolutely need.
Medication
/images/2023/01/16/capsules-in-prescription-bottle.jpeg)
Prescription medications are a common target of thieves, so only keep the medicine you need on your person.
Stolen pills are unlikely to hurt your finances, but they could jeopardize your health and well-being, especially if you cannot quickly replace them.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with a debit card
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover® Cashback Debit account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2 <p>See website for details.</p>
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Learn more about the Discover Cashback Checking account
USB drives
/images/2024/05/01/connecting-usb-flash-drive.jpg)
USB drives that aren't encrypted or protected by a password can be a security risk also. If the drive contains sensitive information, a thief can access it with their computer as easily as you can.
Work documents
/images/2024/05/01/document-with-paper-clip-folder.jpg)
Work documents might seem like an unlikely target for theft, but some papers have Social Security numbers or other important identifying information. Sensitive documents for work deserve special treatment.
Spare key
/images/2024/05/01/holding-house-key-in-hand.jpg)
On its own, losing a spare key is unlikely to result in trouble. However, when paired with your driver's license — which has your address on it — a thief knows exactly what the spare key will open.
Business credit cards
/images/2023/02/20/man_paying_with_credit_card_online.jpg)
While it might not make sense to add a business credit card to your digital wallet, carrying it in your purse can be risky.
This is particularly true if it's tied to your employer's account rather than a business you own, as you may not be able to monitor the charges if the card goes missing.
Bottom line
/images/2024/05/01/thiefs-hand-pulling-a-purse.jpg)
Keeping some of these items at home rather than in a purse can be inconvenient at times. However, many of these items just aren't worth the risk of bringing into public, where they can be snatched.
It may be a hassle to remember to grab these items when you really need them. But if you want to boost your bank account by protecting your finances, a little inconvenience is a small price to pay to avoid the damage of stolen money or a compromised identity.
Up To 5% Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back
Current Offer
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Benefits
- $0 annual fee
- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
Drawbacks
- Requires you to activate the highest-earning category each quarter
- Not accepted as widely overseas as Visa or Mastercard
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 90 seconds. No annual fee.
- Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with your digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.