The $39 Hacker Multi-Tool That Fits in Your Wallet

Whether pentesting is your game or you're hacking IoT devices and building DIY creations, the right tool is the key to success. Devices like the Flipper Zero have popularized the portable multi-tool concept, but small as they may be, you still have to remember to toss them in your backpack or shove them in your pocket. If you don’t, you’re left empty-handed when a spark of inspiration strikes.

The HackCard, a new device recently launched on Kickstarter, was designed to be almost impossible to forget. Rather than slipping a HackCard into a pocket or bag, the owner can keep it right in his or her wallet. The device takes the form of a business card, but unlike its paper counterparts, it comes equipped with either an ESP32-S3 or an RP2350 microcontroller.

At first glance, HackCard looks like a high-end business card. Plug it into a USB-C port, however, and it comes alive with programmable RGB LEDs and audio feedback. The creators describe it as a “Swiss Army knife” for security professionals, makers, and executives who want their introduction to be a little more memorable than ink on paper.

The device is suitable for a wide variety of applications. For penetration testers and security researchers, HackCard can emulate USB HID devices, scan networks, interact with NFC tags, and host controlled Wi-Fi demonstrations such as captive portals or “evil twin” simulations. Visual LED cues and buzzer tones provide subtle telemetry during audits, making it suitable for discreet, professional testing environments.

Makers get an open, fully programmable platform. HackCard supports multiple languages including C, C++, and Python, exposes a CLI-first workflow, and offers expandable storage via an onboard SD card. Two low-profile buttons can be mapped to custom scripts or automation tasks, turning the card into a wallet-sized macro pad, data logger, or experimental IoT controller.

For the professional, HackCard can present itself as mass storage or spin up its own Wi-Fi access point to share contact details, portfolios, pitch decks, or demos—no apps or installs required. Hand it to someone, and their phone or laptop is greeted with an interactive landing page instead of a forgettable rectangle of cardstock.

Hardware options include an RP2350 edition optimized for fast, low-power USB automation, and an ESP32 edition aimed at wireless experimentation with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy. Both variants include NFC for tap-based interactions, encrypted local storage, and broad compatibility across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and more.

The RP2350 variant starts at $39, and the ESP32 HackCard starts at $49. Check out the Kickstarter campaign for more details.