Frequently asked questions

Pokémon trading cards: bulk, individual cards and graded cards, in English and Japanese. More trading card games are coming soon. Until we add them, we don't buy cards from other games.

Quotes are free and there's no obligation. If you don't like our offer, just say no. Each quote is valid for 7 days.

We email most quotes within 1–2 business days. Large collections can take a little longer, and we'll let you know if so.

• Use bright, even light. Daylight near a window works well.
• Avoid glare: tilt the card slightly if the light reflects off it.
• Use a plain background and fill the photo with the card.
• Show the front and the back, with all four corners visible.
• Photos through clear sleeves are fine, as long as there's no glare.

For each card, we look up what it has recently sold for (its current market value) and adjust for its condition, based on your photos. A real person makes every offer. You get one quote for your whole submission, with a price for each card, so you can see exactly where the total comes from.

We make individual offers on cards worth $2 or more. Cheaper cards are paid at our posted bulk rates.

We look at recent sales for the same card, grading company and grade. We also check each cert number with the grading company before making an offer.

Bulk is paid at our posted bulk rates: commons, uncommons, holos and reverse holos per 1,000 cards, and EX, V and full art cards per card. These rates are for English cards sorted by type, with at least 95% in Near Mint condition. Japanese bulk and mixed bulk are paid at a flat $10 per 1,000. The minimum bulk order is 500 cards, in lightly played or better condition. We count and check every order when it arrives.

Bulk with English and Japanese cards together, bulk with basic energy or code cards mixed in, or bulk where less than 95% of the cards are Near Mint. Mixed bulk is paid at a flat $10 per 1,000. To get our posted rates, sort your English cards by type and take out energy and code cards.

No. Please take basic energy and code cards out before you send your bulk. If they're mixed in, the lot is paid at our mixed bulk rate of $10 per 1,000.

We use the same condition terms most card shops and marketplaces use:

Not sure? For each card, the quote form asks four quick questions about what you see (edges, surface, bends and damage) and works out the condition for you. We check it against your photos, and again when your cards arrive.

We check every card when it arrives. If the count, condition or authenticity is different from your submission, we'll send you a revised offer before paying anything. You can accept it, or ask for your cards back. Return shipping is paid by the seller.

No. We only buy genuine cards. If we find counterfeit, proxy or altered cards in an order, we'll tell you and leave them out of the offer.

Only ship after you've accepted our quote. We'll send our shipping address with your quote.

• Individual cards: put each card in a soft sleeve, then a top loader or semi-rigid holder, in a bubble mailer.
• Graded cards: wrap each slab in bubble wrap and pack it tightly in a box.
• Bulk: use a sturdy box, keep stacks together, and fill any empty space so nothing slides around.

You pay shipping on offers under $100. For offers of $100 or more, we email you a free prepaid shipping label. Please use a tracked service for any order worth more than $20.

We pay by PayPal within 2 business days after your cards arrive and we've checked them. Payment goes to the PayPal email you gave us. We cover the PayPal fees, so you receive the full amount.

Not right now. We only buy from sellers in the United States.

TCG Payout is operated by Steel Clover Ventures LLC, a Pennsylvania limited liability company.

We only use your information to prepare your quote, talk with you about it, and pay you. We never sell it. See our privacy policy for details.