How to sell Pokémon and other trading cards for cash in the UK

Trading cards have had a remarkable revival. Shoeboxes of Pokémon cards from the late nineties are being pulled out of lofts, and people who collected recently are finding sets they've finished with. Whether you have a binder of childhood favourites or sealed booster boxes, here's how to approach selling them.

What makes a card valuable

• Rarity. Look for the rarity symbol at the bottom of the card: a circle is common, a diamond is uncommon, a star is rare. Holographic, full-art, secret rare and special illustration cards are the ones to look at first.
• Edition and print. For early Pokémon cards, "1st Edition" stamps and shadowless printings are significant.
• Condition. Sharp corners, clean edges, a well-centred image and no surface scratches or creases. Small differences in condition can make a big difference to value.
• Sealed product. Booster boxes, elite trainer boxes and sealed packs often appeal to collectors.
• Graded cards. Cards professionally graded by companies like PSA, CGC or Beckett come sealed in a slab with a condition score.

Sorting your collection

1. Separate holos and rares from commons and uncommons.
2. Note the set symbol and card number (for example 4/102) — this identifies the exact card.
3. Check obvious condition issues under good light.
4. Put valuable cards in penny sleeves and top loaders straight away.

Bulk commons have limited individual value, but they can add up as part of a larger lot.

Spotting fakes

Counterfeit Pokémon cards are common. Warning signs include wrong fonts, odd colours, glossy or flimsy card stock, and missing details on the back. We can't buy counterfeit cards, so if you're unsure about something you bought loose, mention it.

Other trading cards

Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, Lorcana, football stickers and cards all have their own collector markets. The same principles apply: identify the set and number, protect the cards, and be honest about condition.

Ways to sell

Selling individual cards online gets you full control but takes serious time: photos of fronts and backs, condition descriptions, protective packaging, and buyers who scrutinise every corner. For sealed product, the market can move quickly.

With SendForCash, you describe your cards — which set, which notable cards, condition, sealed or graded — and get an instant cash offer. Accept and we send a free postage label. We pay the same day we inspect. If cards differ from your description, we'll explain and offer a revised price, or return them free.

Packing cards for posting

• Valuable cards: penny sleeve, then a top loader, then a team bag. Sandwich between two pieces of cardboard.
• Binders: wrap in bubble wrap and box them so the pages can't bend.
• Sealed boxes: bubble wrap and a larger box to protect corners and shrink wrap.

Never post valuable cards loose in an envelope.

FAQ

Are old Pokémon cards from the 90s worth anything?

Some can be, particularly holographic and 1st Edition cards in good condition. Many commons from that era are worth little individually. Describe what you've got and get an instant offer to find out.

Should I get my cards graded before selling?

Grading costs money and takes time, and it's only worthwhile for cards in excellent condition that are already valuable. For most collections, selling ungraded is sensible.

Do you buy sealed booster packs?

Yes. Genuine sealed products are welcome. Make sure packs haven't been tampered with or resealed.

What's the minimum you'll offer?

£15. A small stack of commons may come in below that; a decent collection usually won't.