Where to Buy Pokémon Cards
Posted on 5/2/2023
When it comes to trading cards, it seems like every retail establishment and online store has something to offer. This is especially true for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Whether you’re looking to fill out your collection of vintage cards or building a deck for an upcoming tournament, there’s no shortage of buying options.
However, finding a retailer that offers legitimate, fairly priced Pokémon cards isn’t always easy. Luckily, we’ve narrowed down several purchasing options that will help you find Pokémon cards for reasonable prices, including in-person shopping and online options. These options can include loose cards, graded cards and even full collections. Continue reading to learn more about where to purchase Pokémon cards.
Where to Buy Pokémon Cards
In Person
If you’re someone who prefers to get a good look at what you’re buying before making a purchase, going shopping in person is probably your cup of tea. Here are some places you can find Pokémon cards for sale while you’re out and about.
Retail Stores
If you’re looking for the latest Pokémon card sets, like Scarlet & Violet, then you should start by checking your local big-box retail store. Walmart and Target are known to offer Pokémon TCG booster packs and Elite Trainer Boxes. If you’re lucky enough to find Pokémon cards here, you’ll also be able to snag them at MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price), which is always nice!
Video Game Stores
Nowadays, video game stores don’t just sell gaming content. Many retailers like GameStop have started selling everything from video game-related T-shirts to pop-culture collectibles. This, of course, includes Pokémon cards. You’re more likely to find modern Pokémon cards to buy here.
Local Trading Card Shops
Shops dedicated to selling trading cards, sports cards and supplies have popped up all over the world, and there might be one very close to you. Use CGC Trading Cards' Dealer Locator tool to search for trading card stores near you based on address, city or ZIP code. To utilize this helpful resource, click here.
You can also try Google to find local businesses. Local card stores are a fantastic place to buy Pokémon cards; most stores offer a vintage and modern selection, while others may even sell graded cards!
Garage Sales and Flea Markets
If you’re not too picky about the condition of your cards, garage sales and flea markets are a great place to find second-hand collections. Garage sales usually pop up during the summer, while flea markets offer a year-round hunting experience. Additionally, Pokémon cards at garage sales and flea markets are often cheaper because they’ve been used!
Anime and Gaming Conventions
CGC Trading Cards often accepts submissions at trading card game conventions and other public gatherings. Why? Because those gatherings are the perfect places to find rare Pokémon cards for sale! Conventions bring together dealers and consumers from all over the world, and they’re a great place to find rare, unconventional cards. Just make sure that the card you're interested in is legitimate before you buy it.
Online
Are you more of a homebody who likes to shop on your phone or computer? Online retailers are fantastic places to find and buy Pokémon cards! If you’re struggling to find good, legitimate online sources where you can buy Pokémon cards, check out these options.
Auction Houses
If you’re wondering where to buy legitimate Pokémon cards, especially ones that have been graded by a reputable third-party grader like CGC Trading Cards, then look no further than online auction platforms. Auction houses like PWCC, Heritage Auctions and Goldin often offer Pokémon cards for sale. You’re more likely to find graded examples in online auctions, which — in the case of CGC Trading Cards, through the CGC Guarantee — are proven to be authentic and accurately graded.
Online TCG Marketplaces
There are dozens of online marketplaces dedicated to selling trading card games and accessories, and that includes Pokémon cards. TCGPlayer is where many collectors go to buy Pokémon cards, because they offer individual Pokémon cards for sale, booster packs, booster boxes and more. If you're looking for a different shopping platform, try Troll and Toad, Gamenerdz or Cool Stuff Inc. as an alternative to TCGPlayer.
Amazon
Many parents wonder where to buy Pokémon cards for their children for birthday and holiday gifts. Many turn to Amazon, and it turns out they offer a decent selection! You can find booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and even custom collections on the popular shopping site. Just be sure that you’re purchasing from a trusted seller!
eBay
eBay is a great website for buying Pokémon cards at incredible prices. eBay is an auction platform, so you can attempt to bid for a Pokémon card or product. If you’re lucky, you might win the item at a much lower price than you would pay when outright buying it! eBay also offers “Buy It Now” items that don’t require bidding.
Facebook Marketplace
When all else fails, make use of your Facebook account to get onto Facebook Marketplace. Someone in your neighborhood may have Pokémon cards for sale on the platform. Always make sure to verify who you’re purchasing from, and ask for pictures!
About CGC Trading Cards
CGC Trading Cards, a division of Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®), is devoted to the expert authentication, grading and encapsulation of the world’s most popular trading card games and non-sports cards, including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Dragon Ball Super, Marvel, DC and more. All trading cards graded by CGC Trading Cards are backed by the industry-leading CGC Guarantee.
Each submission goes through a proven eight-step certification process, which includes authentication and evaluation of condition by CGC Trading Cards’ expert graders, encapsulation in the industry’s best holder, high-resolution imaging and a comprehensive quality control check. To learn more about CGC Trading Cards’ state-of-the-art holder, click here.
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