Rahakott

Rahakott is the Estonian term for a wallet. The word is formed from raha, meaning money, and kott, meaning bag or pouch. In everyday language, rahakott refers to a physical container used to carry currency cards and identification, as well as to electronic wallets in digital contexts.

Physical rahakott commonly holds banknotes, coins, credit or debit cards, and often receipts or personal items. Wallet designs vary widely in size, material, and organizational features, such as compartments for cards, coins, and folded money. The term is widely understood across Estonia as referring to a traditional, portable money holder.

In digital contexts, rahakott denotes electronic or software wallets used for online payments, mobile payments, or storing digital currencies. A digital rahakott can be a mobile app, a web service, or a hardware device that manages balances, initiates payments, and records transaction histories. Digital wallets are typically linked to bank accounts or payment cards and may support contactless payments, encryption, and security features like PINs or biometric access.

Security and privacy are central considerations for rahakott use, whether physical or digital. Physical wallets risk loss or theft of contents, while digital wallets require protecting credentials, software updates, and cautious handling of phishing or malware. Regulatory oversight for payment services and digital wallets varies by jurisdiction but generally includes consumer protection, anti-money laundering controls, and data security requirements.

See also: wallet (finance), payment card, mobile payment, cryptocurrency wallet.