How to sell old Pokémon cards
A plain-English guide for anyone who's found an old binder, tin or shoebox and has no idea what it's worth.
Skip the research?
Snap 2–3 photos of your cards spread out. Tobias looks at every submission personally and most offers go out the same day.
Send photos & get my cash offer1. Check what you have
You don't need to be an expert. A few quick things are worth noticing:
- Shiny 'holo' artwork — holographic cards are usually worth more than plain ones.
- A small black '1st Edition' stamp on the left side of the picture.
- Older sets from around 1999–2003, often with a small set symbol beside the picture (or none at all for the very first set).
- Condition — sharp corners, no creases and clean edges matter a lot.
- Sealed packs, boxes or tins — unopened products can be especially sought after.
2. Look after them before you sell
Don't wipe, wash or flatten cards — it can cause damage. Keep them dry and in whatever binder, box or tin they're already in. Don't worry about sorting them.
3. Choose how to sell
Selling cards one by one online (eBay and similar)
Good: Can earn the most for valuable single cards.
Watch out: You research every card, pay selling fees, photograph, list, pack and deal with buyers and returns. It can take weeks.
Local card or game shops
Good: Quick and in person.
Watch out: Shops often only want the best cards, and offers can be lower or in store credit. You need one nearby.
Garage sales and marketplace listings
Good: Fast and easy.
Watch out: Buyers who know cards look for underpriced lots, so valuable cards can go for very little.
Selling the whole collection to a buyer like Card Scout
Good: One set of photos, one offer for everything, prepaid insured shipping, and payment within 24 hours of arrival.
Watch out: You trade some top-end value for speed and simplicity.
4. How selling to Card Scout works
- Take a few photos of your cards and send them — no account needed.
- Get a cash offer, usually the same day. We hold the price for 48 hours.
- Accept and we send a prepaid, insured shipping label.
- We pay you within 24 hours of your cards arriving.
Common questions
Do I need to sort or price my cards before selling?
No. Spread them out, take a few clear photos and send them over. We identify the cards and work out the value for you.
Are old Pokémon cards from 1999–2003 worth anything?
Some are, many aren't. Holo cards, 1st Edition stamps and cards in clean condition from the early sets tend to carry the most value. Common cards are usually worth little on their own, which is why selling the whole lot together is often easiest.
Is it better to sell cards one by one or as a whole collection?
Selling one by one can earn more if you have the time to research, list, pack and handle buyers. Selling the whole collection at once is much faster and simpler, especially if you don't know what you have.
How does shipping work if I sell to Card Scout?
If you accept our offer, we send you a prepaid, insured shipping label. You pay nothing to ship.
How fast do I get paid?
We pay within 24 hours of your cards arriving and being checked against your photos.
Found your old cards? Find out what they're worth.
Send a few photos and get a same-day cash offer, held for 48 hours, with free insured shipping if you sell.
Send photos & get my cash offer