Wondering how to start collecting Pokémon cards? You’re not alone. With thousands of cards, dozens of sets, and products ranging from a few dollars to hundreds or even thousands of dollars, getting started can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that Pokémon card collecting doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you want to collect your favorite Pokémon, complete sets, find valuable cards, or simply enjoy opening packs, there are many different ways to build a collection.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explain how to start collecting Pokémon cards, how to choose a collecting goal, how to set a budget, where to buy cards, how to protect your collection, and common mistakes new collectors should avoid.
How to Start Collecting Pokémon Cards
Here is a list of key steps to start your collection of Pokémon cards:
- Decide What You Want to Collect
- Set a Budget
- Choose Where to Buy
- Start Building Your Collection
- Protect and Organize Your Cards
- Learn as You Go
Choose How You Want to Collect Pokémon Cards
There is no single “right” way to collect Pokémon cards. One of the best things about the hobby is that you can build your collection around whatever interests you most.
Favorite Pokémon
Decide which Pokémon, card illustrators, or card types you like best.
Complete sets
Pokémon cards are typically released in sets. Many collectors like to obtain every card from each set, a practice known as completing a master set. Explore which sets and cards catch your eye.
Graded cards
Cards can be submitted to professional grading companies for evaluation and authentication. When a card is graded, it is sent to a grading company for a fee, where a score is assigned based on the card’s condition. There are several different grading companies to choose from. Many collectors prefer to collect mint or near-mint copies of single cards.
Sealed products
Other collectors appreciate keeping products sealed for display or investment purposes. This could be packs, booster boxes, sealed singles, tins, or other products.
Favorite Characters or Artwork
Some collectors don’t care about completing entire sets. Instead, they collect cards featuring their favorite Pokémon, artists, artwork styles, or themes.
Cards Within a Budget
You can also build a collection around a specific price range. For example, you might collect cards that cost less than $5, focus on affordable vintage cards, or look for interesting artwork rather than expensive chase cards.
Set a Pokémon Card Collecting Budget
As a new collector, it can be easy to fall into the trap of buying everything in sight, especially when a new set releases or products become difficult to find. Establishing a monthly budget can help you enjoy the hobby without overspending.
A budget doesn’t necessarily mean limiting your enjoyment of the hobby. Instead, it gives you a framework for deciding where your money goes. Some collectors may prefer spending a small amount each month on individual cards, while others may save for several months to purchase a particular card or sealed product.
For example:
- $20 per month lets you pick up a few singles or packs.
- $50 per month can help you steadily build a collection.
- $100 per month provides more flexibility for sealed products and higher-value cards.
Remember that some of the most enjoyable collections are built slowly over time. A collection does not need expensive chase cards to be meaningful.
Tip: Consider setting a monthly or yearly collecting budget rather than making purchases whenever something catches your eye. This can make it easier to avoid impulse purchases, especially when new sets are released.
Should Beginners Buy Pokémon Card Packs or Singles?
This is perhaps one of the most useful tips for beginner collectors. It can be easy to fall into the trap of buying packs in the hope of pulling a single card from a set. While the adrenaline from ripping packs is amazing, it also carries the risk of taking a huge chunk out of your budget just to get one card you may not be able to get. Instead, it may be more cost-effective to buy directly or trade for the specific cards you want. While it may take longer to save for more expensive cards, this option helps build collections more efficiently.
Buying Packs
Pros:
- Fun
- Experience of opening something
- Chance of pulling a valuable or desirable card
- Good way to experience a new set
Cons:
- You don’t control what you get
- It can become expensive
- You may end up with duplicates
- Getting one specific card can be difficult
Buying Singles
Pros:
- Choose exactly what you want
- Easier to stay within a budget
- Usually more efficient for completing sets
- No gambling on what you’ll pull
For beginners on a budget, buying singles can often be the more predictable way to build a collection. Packs can still be part of the hobby, but you don’t need to rely on opening packs to build a collection.
Where to Buy Pokémon Cards
Local Card Shops
Local card shops are a good place to buy cards. Many card shops offer a good array of new and used singles, sealed products, and bulk cards. However, they may not be the best place to sell or trade your cards. Because card shops need to account for operating costs and resale margins, offers to buy your cards will generally be below the price you might receive by selling directly to another collector.
Big Box Retailers
Pokémon cards can be found on the shelves of big-box retailers such as Walmart or Target. These locations can be a good place to find sealed products like tins and booster packs at retail price. Nonetheless, with the high demand for trading cards these days, products are often scarce and difficult to find at these locations.
Card Shows
Card shows can be a great place to buy, trade, and sell cards and products from your collection. At card shows, card vendors set up booths to sell a wide variety of singles and sealed products, with values ranging from low to very high. Large card shows take place across the country. Chances are, there is a show within driving distance from you. Most large card shows are free or charge a small entry fee. Many local card shops also host small card shows, so be sure to check with yours.
Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces can be useful for finding individual cards, collections, and sealed products. Platforms such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace can provide access to a large number of sellers, but buyers should carefully evaluate the seller, listing photos, prices, and return policies before purchasing. Be sure to check out our article on How to Spot Fake Pokémon Cards to learn more about determining what an illegitimate card looks like.
Trading With Other Collectors
Trading with other collectors is perhaps the best way to grow your collection and deepen your knowledge of the hobby.
How to Check Pokémon Card Prices
Before purchasing an individual Pokémon card, it’s worth researching recent market prices. Prices can vary considerably depending on the card, condition, printing, and whether it is raw or graded. For more information, see our guide on How to Check Pokémon Card Prices.
Protect Your Collection Early
Perhaps the most basic types of protection you can offer your collection of trading cards are a reliable binder and penny sleeves. Penny sleeves are plastic sleeves into which cards can be slid, offering an extra layer of protection against scratches and debris. Penny sleeves provide a basic layer of protection against scratches, dust, and handling. They are inexpensive and are a good starting point for protecting cards in a growing collection.
Binders are a great way to protect and organize collections. There are many types of binders available on the market, depending on a collector’s wants and needs. Binders can come in varying sizes. For optimal protection, many collectors opt to get what are called sideloading binders. These binders allow individuals to insert cards from the side, reducing the risk of cards falling out during transport. Choosing the right binder can make a major difference in protecting your collection.
If you don’t take steps to protect your collection, damage to cards and products can be costly later on. Protecting your collection is also important because if you ever decide to sell or trade part of your collection, well-maintained cards generally retain more value and are more attractive to potential buyers. While this is an additional cost, it will benefit you in the long run.
If you’re unsure where to start, check out our guides to the Best Pokémon Card Binders for Protecting Your Collection and the Best Penny Sleeves for Pokémon Cards.
What Does a Beginner Pokémon Card Collection Need?
Essential
- Penny sleeves
- Binder
- Storage box
- A budget
Optional
- Top loaders
- Semi-rigid card holders
- Card dividers
- Collection tracking app
- Magnifying glass/light for examining cards
You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with basic protection and expand your supplies as your collection grows.
What Is the Best Way to Collect Pokémon Cards?
There isn’t one best way to collect Pokémon cards. The best approach depends on what you enjoy and how much you want to spend.
If you’re primarily interested in completing sets, buying singles may be the most efficient approach. If you enjoy the excitement of opening products, sealed packs and booster products may be more appealing. If you’re interested in specific Pokémon or artwork, focusing on individual cards can help you build a collection around your interests without buying cards you don’t actually want.
Common Pokémon Card Collecting Mistakes to Avoid
Spending More Than You Can Afford
Don’t let hype or fear of missing out push you beyond your collecting budget.
Buying Cards Without Researching Prices
Compare prices before making significant purchases.
Link to How to Check Pokémon Card Prices.
Buying From Unreliable Sellers
Research sellers and be cautious of deals that seem unusually cheap.
Buying Too Much Too Quickly
Give yourself time to learn what you actually enjoy collecting before spending heavily.
Focusing Only on Investment
Pokémon cards can have monetary value, but collecting solely for profit introduces additional risks and uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start collecting Pokémon cards?
Start by deciding what you want to collect, setting a budget, learning where to buy cards, and purchasing a small number of cards that fit your interests. Protect and organize your cards as your collection grows.
Is Pokémon card collecting expensive?
It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Beginners can build collections around inexpensive singles, favorite Pokémon, specific sets, or a predetermined monthly budget.
What is the best way to collect Pokémon cards?
There is no single best method. Buying singles can be efficient for collectors who want specific cards, while opening packs can provide the entertainment of discovering what you pull. Many collectors use a combination of both.
Should I buy Pokémon cards or packs?
It depends on your goal. Singles give you more control over exactly what you purchase, while packs provide the excitement of opening products and discovering what is inside.
What Pokémon cards should a beginner collect?
Start with cards that genuinely interest you. Favorite Pokémon, artwork, sets, eras, or specific price ranges can all make good starting points.
How much money should I spend on Pokémon cards?
There is no universal amount. Set a collecting budget that fits comfortably within your finances and avoid spending money you cannot afford to lose.
Final Thoughts
Pokémon card collecting should be fun, not stressful. Start with a budget, focus on collecting what you enjoy, and take time to learn about the hobby. Whether you’re collecting your favorite Pokémon, building complete sets, or hunting for rare cards, the best collection is one that reflects your own interests. With patience and smart purchasing decisions, you’ll be well on your way to building a collection you can enjoy for years to come.