Chances are, if you grew up in the late 90s/early 2000s or had a kid around the time, you've owned Pokemon cards at one time or another.
But, did you also know that some Pokemon cards are incredibly value? In fact, cards like a first edition, perfectly rated Charizard are over $300,000!
The point is, the world of trading Pokemon cards is insanely valuable, and many collectors view Pokemon cards as both a piece of history and lucrative investment opportunity.
That's why we're covering some of the best places to sell Pokemon cards so you can turn your collection into cash.
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The Best Places To Sell Pokemon Cards
If you're wondering where to sell Pokemon cards, the following in-person and online options are the perfect way to get started:
1. Ebay
If you want to have the most control over selling your Pokemon cards, it's hard to match eBay for online options. eBay is a clear choice for anyone who wants to sell multiple Pokemon cards at once or even list some of their rarest collections.
There is a huge marketplace on Ebay that people utilize to auction cards in order to get the most value from them. Ebay won’t really help you figure out the price of your card and it’s worth, so use a site like Pokemon Prices to help you determine the pricing.
All you have to do is enter the card or set name and Pokemon Prices will spit out an estimated price for your card.
Pokemon Prices is an excellent resource no matter which site you decide to sell on and it can help you keep track of your cards and their value while you organize your collection.
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2. Troll and Toad
Troll and Toad is a massive card marketplace that sells individual cards, rare packs, and even training boxes.
While Pokemon is their largest sector, they also sell other cards from Yugioh to Dragon Ball. The best part about selling Pokemon cards online with Troll and Toad is that they accept both bulk selling and individual cards.
To sell cards on Troll and Toad, you need to have a card worth a minimum of $30 as a personal seller. Additionally, if you're selling more than $5,000 worth of cards, you need to contact them. Troll and Toad is somewhat strict, and you should consult the seller's guide if you want to sell to them to learn the ropes.
However, if you want a reliable place to sell Pokemon cards or to take advantage of their 35% store credit bonus that you can take as payment instead of cash, Troll and Toad is worth considering.
3. Card Market
Card Market is a European online card marketplace that makes selling Pokemon cards extremely easy.
After creating an account, all you have to do is click on sell cards and you will be prompted with a fillable list that helps you with autogenerated search. From there you can select the proper match and continue filling out your listing as normal.
You set your own price, but you will also be given averages for similar cards that have already been sold on Card Market.
You have to grade your cards using Card Market's grading guidelines, but this is common for selling Pokemon cards online, so get used to judging your own cards!
4. TCG Player
TCG Player is a massive marketplace for collectible gaming, including games like Magic the Gathering, Yugioh, Cardfight, and Pokemon cards.
Like other vendors, you can also sell your Pokemon cards to TCG Player if you want to get them off your hand for some extra cash.
The set up process is no risk because you don’t have to pay any fees to list items. Plus, your account includes assistance with thousands of images, descriptions, and rarity levels to help you market your Pokemon cards extremely easy.
TCG Player even has a card scanner with their pro level subscription which literally scans your cards and knows exactly which card it is (including price estimates.)
Consider using TGC if you have an excessive amount of Pokemon cards because their software is going to be the best for uploading a lot of cards quickly.
Extra Reading – The Best Place To Sell Yugioh Cards.
5. Card Cavern
Card Cavern is an online Pokemon code marketplace that specializes in PTCGO codes, which are online codes for “Pokemon the trading card game online.”
Basically, there are Pokemon cards that have a code on them and if you haven’t redeemed those cards online, you can still sell them on a place like Card Cavern.
The process is digital, assuming you are only selling the code on there and that you’re agreeing to send it over email.
This is a bit different than selling physical cards, of course, but the idea is the same: you can profit by selling Pokemon codes you don't plan on using. Card Cavern also has a very user-friendly system where you can sell individual cards on top of code cards and other special edition Pokemon packs.
While this is a more niche way to sell Pokemon cards for cash, it's certainly one of the best options if you have PTCGO codes to sell.
6. CCG Castle
CCG Castle is another option you can use if you want PayPal cash or store credit.
The process is pretty straightforward. CCG Castle lets you turn on “buy mode” which highlights cards the company is currently buying.
So, you can enable buy mode, browse the website, and make note of the Pokemon cards that are eligible for sale. You can sell individual cards or Pokemon card collections. CCG Castle doesn't cover shipping costs, which is a downside worth noting.
7. Sell2BBNovelties
Like the name suggests, Sell2BBNovelties is another option to sell collectibles and trading cards like Pokemon for extra cash. And you can currently sell individual cards or bulk collections.
Your cards must be in mint or like new condition to be eligible for sale, so no creases, scratches, bends, marks, or white edges. Additionally, all cards must be the regular U.S. version.
What I like about Sell2BBNovelities is that it lists its bulk buy-back prices. These prices include:
- Holographics: $0.25 each
- Reverse Holographics: $0.06 each
- Rares: $0.05 each
- Commons & Uncommons: $0.02 each
- Energy Cards: $0.005 each
If you have a lot of cards to sell, do some rough math with these bulk prices to find out how much you can earn. Sell2BBNovelties also offers free shipping if you sell $30 or more, so again, another incentive for bulk card sellers.
8. Dave & Adam's
Dave & Adam's is another popular and long-standing trading card seller that's been in business for over 30 years!
And, while sports cards like baseball cards and basketball cards are a focus of the site, Dave & Adams is still one of the best sites to sell Pokemon cards.
Dave & Adams usually buys holographic cards, including rare ones like Charizard and Pikachu. You can also sell booster packs and and booster boxes, and I personally think Dave & Adams commands some of the highest prices next to eBay.
Dave & Adams pays sellers through cash, PayPal, or check. In some cities, a team member can also pick up cards from you. You usually get paid within 48 hours of Dave & Adams receiving your cards, and overall, this is one of the longer-standing players in the business and reliable way to sell Pokemon cards.
Just note: shipping is only free on sales of $199 or more, so this is best for more serious card sellers.
9. Cape Fear Games
Cape Fear Games is perfect for sellers because you can sell Pokemon cards in bulk as well as individual rare Pokemon cards or even signed cards.
Plus, Cape Fear Games' buy list provides information on what type of cards the company wants to buy and a rough estimate of how much cards are worth.
You start the selling process by using a buylist search tool to see if Cape Fear Games wants your cards. From there, you choose a payment method. Cape Fear Games can pay you with PayPal, check, or store credit.
Once you choose a payment method, you submit your buylist request which contains info on the Pokemon cards you're selling and card condition. If Cape Fear Games wants to buy your cards, the company emails you a confirmation email.
You have to package and ship your cards to Cape Fear Games. But if you're selling cards in bulk and want a simple selling process, Cape Fear Games is another great option.
10. Pawn Shops
If you have a pawn shop near you, chances are they’ll take Pokemon cards there or at least consider the idea. The process is fairly simple as long as you’re confident in your pricing and know how to properly negotiate to get your cards true worth.
Doing a quick Google search for “Pokemon cards pawn shops” will most likely yield a decent amount of shops nearby that accept/offer card selling and trading.
If I were you, I wouldn’t check out any pawn shops that don’t mention card selling. They usually don’t buy cards because they don’t know anything about them.
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11. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are other options to find people buying Pokemon cards in your area.
Not only will the buyer be able to see the card in-person to help you sell quicker, but you can probably find buyers who are interested in collections and box sets, so bulk selling is fast.
Another great thing about these marketplaces is that you can set a specific radius from your house so you don’t have to go out of your way to sell at a far distance.
Keep in mind that pricing isn't easy when you sell through Facebook or Craigslist, so you have to do some research to know the value of your collection.
Extra Reading – The Best Things To Sell On Facebook Marketplace.
12. Comic Book Stores
If there's one reliable bet for places that buy Pokemon cards near you, it's comic book stores.
Comic book stores almost always sell their own cards, so buying cards from local players helps them expand their inventory.
Now, the only downside to this method is that comic book stores need to make a profit too, so they're probably going to low-ball you. However, the advantage is that you can probably offload your cards quickly and you know the store is likely interested.
You can also check out our post on the best places to sell comic books if you have a few books to sell alongside your cards.
13. Mercari
Like eBay, another option for selling Pokemon cards online you can use is Mercari.
This online marketplace lets you sell almost anything you can think of, from collectibles like Pokemon cards and Funko Pops to vehicles and electronics.
Creating an account and listing your cards for sale is free. If you make a sale, you pay a 10% seller's fee plus 2.9% and $0.30 transaction fee.
Mercari fees might seem steep, but if you find a buyer for a large Pokemon card collection, it could be worth it. You can also check out my post on selling on Mercari vs eBay for a comparison of these two platforms.
14. Garage Sales
If you have a lot of unused items to get rid of, hosting a garage sale can be an excellent way to sell your Pokemon cards for cash.
My family has thrown a few garage sales in the past. During them, we've successfully sold things like Pokemon cards, kids toys, books, electronics, various household goods, and furniture.
The downside of this method is that you have to use up a weekend and advertise your garage sale with flyers. But if you live on a busy street and the weather is nice, you might be able to sell out all your cards and other items for a nice lump sum.
15. OfferUp
One final place to sell Pokemon cards you can consider is OfferUp.
This free selling app is similar to Facebook Marketplace and lets you list almost anything for sale. Some of the most popular things to sell on OfferUp also include collectibles like cards, coins, toys, and vintage goods.
Selling locally is free, and this is one of the reasons I love OfferUp. Plus, the app has many suggested meeting spots for buyers and sellers that are in busy public areas to improve safety.
You can also sell online. However, online sales have a 12.9% fee, so I suggest staying local with OfferUp.
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What Influences Pokemon Card Prices?
Generally, Pokemon cards are influenced by a few different factors:
- Condition
- Rarity
- Edition
- Overall Demand
Each of these factors can have a dramatic effect on the pricing of the cards, with condition being the overarching factor that can obviously destroy your chances of ever selling a card.
Condition is determined by a few things such as scratches, creases, wear, tear, and liquid damage. You can view a more detailed guide here. Rarity is determined by the symbols and numbers displayed on the bottom right corner of the card or the bottom right corner of the picture (depending on version of card).
Circles or diamonds aren’t worth much, while stars and first edition symbols can be very rare.
Edition is determined by special types of cards that were made as part of a unique set. First edition cards are amongst the rarest Pokemon cards in the world.
Ultimately, the goal is to find Pokemon cards that are first edition, rare, and have the highest grade possible: PSA 10 Mint, which basically means it’s a card that went straight from pack opening into a protective sleeve and has never been handled.
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What Option Is Best For Selling Pokemon Cards?
If you have very valuable cards that are worth a lot, you should consider selling online through a trusted site listed above.
Usually, selling online will be a longer process as orders don’t come in immediately. However, you will have a much higher chance of getting your card sold at full price.
If you're selling in bulk and have full packs that you can organize together, in-person selling might be a better option for you.
Sometimes people just want to get rid of their entire collection altogether and selling in-person is a really easy way to do so. Organize your cards in value, rarity, packs, editions, etc and see which ones fit the proper selling type.
How To Sell Pokemon Cards – Tips For Sellers
It doesn't matter if you're wondering how to sell Pokemon cards online or want to sell Pokemon cards near you; there are several selling tips to help make your life easier.
A lot of this has to do with simplifying organization, which helps you sell faster and also ensure you get fair prices for your cards.
Some tips for how to sell Pokemon cards more effectively include:
- Trim The Collection: Start by separating cards that clearly have a lot of damage and wear out of your collection since it's highly unlikely you can sell these cards anywhere.
- Sort Cards By Set: Any website or local pawn shop that wants to buy Pokemon cards from you needs to know what set your cards are in. This is because some sets, like first edition cards, are the most valuable since they are the oldest cards in circulation and aren't being printed anymore.
- Sort Cards By Rarity: Once you group cards by set/edition, sort them into different piles based on rarity. This means organizing cards into holographic, reverse holographic, rare, uncommon, and common piles.
- Sort Cards By Condition: It's important to grade your Pokemon cards before selling them so you have a general idea of their PSA grade. A card's grade has a massive influence on price; the difference between a PSA 8 and PSA 10 for example can be thousands or tens of thousands of dollars for very rare cards. You can use a PSA guide to grade cards yourself. If you're a serious seller or have a lot of first-edition, rare cards in good condition, you can consider finding a professional PSA grader to appraise your cards.
- Record Your Prices: Once you have a PSA grade for the cards you want to sell, double-check card prices with websites like Pokemon Price. You should record each card and the corresponding price in a spreadsheet that you'll use when selling online or in-store.
- Make The Sale: Once you know all of your card's approximate grades and prices, you're ready to sell online or in-store! Having your pricing database is especially helpful if you sell in-person so you don't get ripped off and can reference how much a card should generally be worth before you sell.
That's a nutshell guide on how to sell Pokemon cards for cash.
Just remember to always read buy lists and selling rules so you know the types of cards stores are buying and what conditions your cards should be in.
It's possible to make an incredible amount of money with this side hustle idea, but it also takes time to properly sort, grade, and find the right buyer for your cards.
Who Buys Pokemon Cards Near Me?
Comic book shops, games stores, and pawn shops often buy Pokemon cards locally. You can also list your cards for sale on local selling sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist to find cash buyers in your area.
Where Should I Sell Rare Pokemon Cards?
If you have rare Pokemon cards to sell, listing them on eBay or selling directly to a private buyer is likely the best bet. However, you should consider getting your card professionally graded before listing it for sale.
What Are Rare Pokemon Cards Worth Selling?
The most rare Pokemon cards worth selling include:
- Holographics
- First-edition Pokemon cards (these are some of the most expensive)
- Shining cards
- Full-art cards
Final Word
Pokemon cards brought us a ton of joy when we were younger and even now. they can create some fun once again with the aspect of trading and selling.
Selling your collection now could potentially make you hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you know what you’re doing and where to sell. However, the best place to sell Pokemon cards is not a set in stone thing. Every seller will maximize their profits by selling through different marketplaces.
Make the most out of it by doing your research on each card (especially if it’s a valuable one) and eventually you’ll get the hang of price estimates.
Who knows… you might end up having a ton of fun diving back into the nostalgia of it all and start selling cards as a fun side hustle!
Looking for other selling side hustles? Checkout:
- Where To Sell Beanie Babies For Cash.
- The Best Places To Sell Old Board Games.
- Where To Sell Old Postcards For Cash.
