If you’re a Pokémon fan and want to know where to sell Pokémon cards, it’s good that you landed on this article because I offer plenty of leads/companies that provide a platform for you to market them.
Selling gaming cards like Pokémon and Yugioh cards is a big business.
But before I get to that, I’ll tell you a little about Pokémon’s origins.
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Pokémon’s Origins
The idea of catching creatures in “Pokéballs” was inspired by Satoshi Tajiri, who based the concept on his favorite childhood hobby: bug collecting. (Fun trivia note: Ash Ketchum, the English dub name of the star in the first Pokémon anime series, is the namesake of Tajiri (Satoshi).)
Tajiri and his friends Ken Sugimori and Shigeru Miyamoto collaborated to create the 150+ pocket monsters known to us today.
The franchise started in 1996 as a Game Boy game called Pokémon Red and Green, which then spawned more video games, the Pokémon anime (a guilty pleasure of mine even though I’m above the target demographic), and, of course, Pokémon cards.
As of now, there are more than 52.9 billion cards in production, they’re available in 14 languages, and they are sold in 89 countries and regions.
Speaking of selling, check out the local and Web-based places where you can make money selling Pokémon cards.
Where to Sell Pokémon Cards Near Me
If you want to sell your Pokémon cards locally, these are the best places to sell Pokémon cards for cash near you.
1. Pawn Shop
Pawn shops only pay a fraction of an item’s market value, but they’re ideal for making a quick buck from your cards.
Just show your government ID, wait for the employee to assess the cards’ monetary worth, and then collect the money.
2. Garage Sale
Hosting a garage allows you to kill two birds with one stone because you get extra money while decluttering your home.
Consider selling your Pokémon cards along with your unwanted clothes, books, or anything else you’d like to get rid of.
You can use free and paid advertising methods to attract customers, like word-of-mouth, flyers, and classified ads.
3. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is perfect for those who want to sell items to locals via their Facebook accounts.
This platform even lets you ship packages throughout the continental U.S.
Plus, you can list your cards for sale at no cost.
4. NextDoor
Market your cards and chat with other members through NextDoor!
Besides providing a place to advertise, the site is where you can learn about neighborhood events and other news in your area.
5. Fan convention
A fan convention is a major hub for enthusiasts to gather and buy comic books, trading cards, and other merchandise, dress up as their favorite characters, and/or receive autographs from celebrity guests.
Find one nearest you by entering “trading card convention near me” into your favorite search engine.
You could also check out the Collect-A-Con website and purchase tickets for upcoming events in select cities.
6. Comic book store
Many comic book stores also specialize in buying collectibles like action figures, DVDs, and trading cards.
Type “comic book store [city, state]” into a search engine or browser, then contact shops to inquire about their offers and appraisal services.
7. Oodle
Oodle is open to customers and buyers in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, India, and Australia.
It lets you operate up to eight ads at a time, and you need a Facebook account to register and begin selling.
8. Local fan
You might already know someone within your community wanting a card or a whole collection.
Perhaps you can sell it to a co-worker looking for a birthday present for their kid or your old buddy from high school who still geeks out over everything Pokémon.
Where to Sell Pokémon Cards Online
Here are the best websites where you can reach thousands of Pokémon fans to sell your Pokémon cards online for the most money.
9. Cardmarket
Cardmarket is a Berlin-based site that happens to be the largest trading card marketplace in Europe. (It targets over 300,000 customers from 30+ countries.)
To become a seller on this site, you’ll need to create a private account. (You can request an upgrade to a professional account later.)
Wait about four business days for two bank transfers.
Next, you list the card(s) and wait for potential buyers.
Once someone purchases your item, ship it and receive your payment. (You’re charged a five-percent sales commission per order.)
Learn more tips with Cardmarket’s Seller Guide.
10. TCGplayer
If you want to sell to millions of in-store or online buyers, TCGplayer might be the site for you.
It offers three different methods to reach potential customers:
- TCGplayer Marketplace: This option is ideal for sellers with a personal collection or hobby store; it offers four levels to move up to as your sales and positive feedback increase. (You don’t even have to worry about listing or setup fees; only pay when you make a sale.)
- Pro Seller by TCGplayer: Once you reach Level 4 as a TCGplayer Marketplace seller, you can sign up as a Pro Seller, especially if you’re a brick-and-mortar retailer; some of the (free) tools you receive include collectible card scanning software, in-store kiosk, and a website.
- Direct by TCGplayer: Save time and money by using Direct by TCGplayer (also requires Level 4 accreditation); it’s an order fulfillment service that ships products and online orders you store as well as handles customer service.
Get paid via store credit or direct deposit.
11. Troll and Toad
Troll and Toad has been in business for over 25 years, and it makes the selling process very simple.
First, you search for the card(s) you’re interested in selling by typing the name into the search bar at the top of the homepage. (You could also find them by browsing the Pokémon buy list categories or downloading a spreadsheet from its buying center page.)
Next, enter the number of cards you want to sell and ship your items. (Order total must be at least $30.)
Then, receive payment via check, PayPal, or web credit.
12. Card Cavern
Eager to sell your single or bulk cards?
Card Cavern will buy them from you!
Just search the buy list, add your cards to the cart, ship them, and wait 24 to 48 hours for a review of the card verification process.
That said, it’s very particular about the condition of your cards.
The company only purchases near-mint (practically flawless), English-language, tournament-legal cards.
Also, at this time, Card Cavern only offers store credit as payment.
13. Dave & Adam’s Card World
Dave & Adam’s Card World is known for buying/selling sports cards and other sports memorabilia, but it also specializes in the comic book and gaming niches.
Begin by locating Pokémon cards through its buy list and click the “Add to Sell List” button next to the cards you’re interested in selling.
Then, ship them via FedEx or UPS.
Expect payment within one to two days. (Payment options include check, cash, and PayPal.)
14. CCG Castle
Sell off your Pokémon cards through CCG Castle!
Register your account and use its buy list to submit any cards you have in your possession. (Print out your buy list order and add it to your package before shipping it to the company to facilitate the order process.)
Once CCG Castle reviews and processes your order — which should take about a couple of days or so — you can choose to be paid via PayPal or CCG Reward Coins, web credits that you can redeem toward your next purchase.
(Note that CCG Castle only accepts unplayed, near mint/mint condition, English cards.)
15. Beckett
Beckett hosts a smorgasbord of collectibles ranging from sports cards and figurines to gaming cards and coins.
In addition, it has Beckett Marketplace, a feature that provides an opportunity to create and grow your own Pokémon card business.
Some of the perks Beckett Marketplace offers include:
- Customer support and step-by-step guidance
- Product pricing assistance
- A customizable online storefront
- Inventory management
- The ability to list your cards on other platforms like Amazon and eBay
- Access to stock photos to attract prospective buyers
Payment options include debit/credit cards and PayPal.
16. Sell2BBNovelties
If you have at least $30 worth of Pokémon cards, you might want to consider Sell2BBNovelties.
Why?
Because the company gives sellers a free pre-paid shipping label if they have $30+ worth of merchandise.
It buys vintage (2006 and older) and modern (2007 to the present) cards in single and bulk forms.
Also, Sell2BBNovelties only accepts U.S.-made, mint condition cards.
Get paid via store credit or PayPal.
17. eBay
eBay offers personal and business account sign-up options, making it suitable for hobbyists and businesses/non-profits.
Plus, you can make your cards available for immediate purchase or run an auction and sell them to the highest bidder.
You even get 250 free listings each month, which is ideal if you’re looking to save money.
eBay offers PayPal as its payment method.
18. PokéBeach
PokéBeach is a forum where fans discuss everything Pokémon, and it’s also where they conduct card trades and sales.
Its Pokémon Verified Seller Program is open to members who meet certain requirements. (Read more about becoming a Pokémon Verified Seller Program here; the thread contains vital information about marketplace tips and etiquette, too.)
If you sell cards worth $50 or more, you’ll need to provide a tracking number for your package.
PayPal is the preferred method for transactions.
19. Back to the Past Collectibles
Though Back to the Past Collectibles is based in Wixom, Michigan, it purchases collectibles from sellers throughout the United States.
Fill out the hyperlinked form and submit a photo of your card collection. (Expect a response within a few days.)
After a brief consultation, an employee will meet with you to evaluate your card(s). (Drop by if you’re local, or someone can come by to pick up your package; you might have to ship your collection yourself if Back of the Past Collectibles is unable to pick it up from your location.)
I couldn’t find any information about the payment methods Back to the Past Collectibles offers, so use the company’s contact form to inquire about them.
How to Protect Yourself from Scams
Knowing where to sell Pokémon cards is important, but so is protecting yourself from rip-offs; read on to learn how.
Sell to collectibles companies
This is the safest method since collectibles companies usually have good reputations. (After all, they know they wouldn’t be in business long if they scammed customers.)
Plus, it’s the option that takes the least amount of work since all you have to do is walk in (if you’re local) or ship your collection via mail and receive payment after a successful evaluation.
Meet potential buyers in person for local sales
Conduct local sales with customers who agree to rendezvous in person, preferably in a public space like a coffee shop or a parking lot near a police station. (Better yet, have a buddy go with you since there’s strength in numbers.)
Offer cash as a payment method option in local sales
Requiring customers to pay you in cash instead of gift cards or checks decreases the chances of you being cheated or waiting for payment due to a bounced check.
Document toxic customer behavior, especially when selling on online marketplaces
If you choose to sell on online platforms like eBay or Amazon, it’s highly recommended to take screenshots of conversations involving suspicious or abusive behavior from buyers.
That way, you have tangible evidence to make a dispute rule in your favor.
Selling Pokémon Cards FAQ
Here are a few frequently asked questions about selling Pokémon cards.
Can you sell Pokémon cards at GameStop?
No, because GameStop only buys products like video games and tablets.
Are Pokémon cards from the 90s worth anything?
The monetary worth of 90s cards varies depending on factors like condition, demand, and rarity.
For example, first-edition Charizard cards could be worth six figures, whereas even a card that’s falling apart but extremely rare could fetch you about a couple thousand dollars.
How do I figure out the value of my cards?
You’ll need to do the following to find the value of your Pokémon cards:
- Look for any fake cards- Fake cards typically have spelling errors, unusual fonts, and rough edges.
- Identify its rarity status- Rarity stamps include circle (common), diamond (uncommon), star (rare), and star H/3 stars (extra rare).
- Seek out other attributes- Other important identifiers include edition status, collection number, and levels like SP or C.
- Search for past sale values- Consult a website like Pokémon Price to find price values to better help you sell in person or online.
- Get an appraisal- Companies like Beckett and Dave & Adam’s offer card grading services.
What can I do to keep my cards in good condition before selling them?
Keep them in card sleeves and ship them in bubble wrap to guard against water damage.
Don’t use paper clips or rubber bands because they’ll puncture and tear the cards.
I’m under 18; are there any platforms where minors can sell Pokémon cards?
Card Cavern allows minors to sell cards as long as they get permission from a parent or guardian.
Troll and Toad requires a parent or guardian to submit your order on your behalf, though.
Help Buyers Catch Them All! Earn Money Selling Pokémon Cards
Pokémon cards have been a hobby staple for 90s kids, and they’re still well-liked among kids (and adults) today.
Businesses and customers alike can use cards for display purposes or competitions.
So, if you have a single card or a bulk set of your own, you now know where to sell Pokémon cards to make some extra cash.
