10 Phone Crossbody Bags and Tethers to Avoid Pickpocketing

As someone who was pickpocketed in Europe, I never thought I’d be someone who got their phone stolen—until it was snatched out of my hands. It happened fast, exactly the way travel expert Rick Steves warns about. “Be mindful that when you bring out your phone, you’re waving dollar signs around,” he told Travel + Leisure. “Somebody can snatch your phone and use the credit card on it.” Looking back, I wish I had that advice, because once it’s gone, you’re not just losing your phone—you’re losing your photos, your cards, your contacts, your entire trip in one device. 

Since then, I’ve completely changed how I travel with my phone, and Steves’ additional advice reinforces it: “Make sure you’ve got a ‘find my phone’-type app, back up your data, and enable password protection,” he wrote, sharing tips he learned after being pickpocketed himself. Now, instead of casually holding my phone or slipping it into an easy-to-reach pocket, I stick to hands-free, secure options that keep it close to my body. Below are the travel crossbody bags and anti-theft phone tethers I rely on now—all from Amazon and starting at just $8.

If you’re trying to travel lighter without sacrificing style, the Bostanten Crossbody Bag is the one I’d grab. It’s just roomy enough for your phone, cards, and cash—so you’re not digging through a bulky tote in crowded airports or on busy streets. The vegan leather and gold hardware create an elevated, designer-adjacent look, and with 12 color options, it pairs effortlessly with everything from linen sets to casual airport outfits.

For an extra layer of security in busy areas, the Cacao Phone Lanyard pulls its weight. It keeps your device attached to you at all times, whether worn around your neck or as a crossbody, so there’s far less risk of it slipping out of your hand or pocket. It’s lightweight, streamlined, and available in multiple colors, so it blends in with your outfit rather than standing out as purely functional.

When security is the priority, Travelon is one of the most reliable brands out there—and this compact phone pouch checks every box. It features slash-resistant mesh panels, an RFID-blocking design, and a locking shoulder strap that can’t be easily unclipped. The brand’s signature five-point anti-theft system is built in, all within a slim, lightweight silhouette that won’t feel bulky while you’re sightseeing or navigating crowded areas.

Don’t let the $8 price tag fool you—this compact crossbody is a smart choice for streamlined travel days. It’s sized for your phone but still has room for essentials like your passport, cards, and cash, thanks to its well-placed pockets. The waterproof material adds practicality for unpredictable weather or beach destinations, and the ultra-lightweight design won’t slow you down.

The puffer-style Bagsmart Crossbody Bag leans into the athleisure aesthetic while delivering on function. It can be worn as a shoulder bag or crossbody, and the RFID-blocking design adds a layer of protection in crowded transit hubs. The hidden back pocket sits against your body, offering a secure spot for valuables that’s difficult for pickpockets to access.

If keeping your phone secure is a top priority, the Moko Anti-theft Phone Tether is an easy addition to your carry-on. The durable steel cord clips onto belt loops, backpack straps, purses, and more, so your phone stays physically attached to you while you’re on the move. It’s a simple solution that offers peace of mind in busy airports, public transit, and high-traffic sightseeing areas.

The Takyu Phone Lanyard goes beyond just your phone—it can also hold keys, an AirPods case, or a small wallet, which makes it especially useful for travel days when you want everything within reach. Each pack includes two, bringing the cost down to just $4 apiece. It’s also a practical pick for activities like hiking or long walking days, with one shopper noting it made taking photos while traveling easier without constantly digging through a bag.

For a more style-forward take on phone security, the Moutakey Phone Chain doubles as an accessory. The gold finish adds a polished touch to any outfit while still keeping your phone attached and within reach. It doesn’t interfere with your charging port, and it’s also available in silver and rose gold, so you can match it to your jewelry or overall look while traveling.

The Montana West Crossbody Purse looks far more expensive than its $17 price tag. The stitched design and gold-tone studs create a classic, elevated feel, while the compact interior still fits your phone, cards, cash, keys, and a few small extras like lip gloss. It works as both a functional travel bag and a stylish accessory you’ll want to carry beyond the airport.

If versatility is what you’re after, the Sak Iris Smartphone Crossbody Purse offers multiple ways to carry it—wear it as a crossbody, detach the strap to use it as a wristlet, or carry it as a clutch. The front snap pocket is designed specifically for your phone, with additional space for cards, cash, and keys. It’s especially practical for travel, and the soft sage green color feels right in line with spring trips and warm-weather destinations.

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