Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about selling, appraising, and donating your Magic: The Gathering cards to support adults with disabilities. Can't find what you're looking for? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Selling & Appraising

I am not sure if my cards are valuable or not. Can you help?

Yes, that is exactly what we do best. You do not need to be a Magic: The Gathering expert to know what you have.

Simply contact us with a rough quantity, the general condition, and a few quick photos. We will review your submission and provide a free preliminary assessment, ensuring you get the maximum possible value for your collection. Contact us to get started.

I do not think my cards are worth much. Can you still help?

Yes, absolutely! Every Magic: The Gathering card has value. We buy everything from single rare cards to massive, unsorted boxes. Here is how we handle different types of finds:

Collections: Organized, higher-value cards are appraised individually and purchased at a competitive percentage of current market value.
Bulk Cards: Lower-value cards (especially in volumes of hundreds or thousands) are purchased as "bulk," typically at a flat rate per 1,000 cards.
Unsorted Finds: Most thrift store or estate sale boxes actually contain a hidden mix of both bulk and valuable cards.

You do not need to spend hours sorting them yourself. We handle all the evaluation and sorting for you, ensuring you get a fair, transparent payout for the entire collection. Contact us to get started.

How do I know if my old Magic: The Gathering cards are valuable?

A card's value is driven by either its playability and power or collectibility or both. Playability is currently the more dominant factor in valuation and age alone does not always equal value.

Early Sets: Rare cards from the earliest print runs (Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, or Revised, typically 1993–1994) are highly sought after by collectors.
Playability: Cards that are powerful in popular formats (like Commander or Modern) maintain high demand and value, regardless of their age.

The easiest way to know for sure? You do not need to be an expert. Simply send us a few photos of your cards or binders, and we will provide a free, no-obligation preliminary appraisal. Contact us to get started.

What should I do with old Magic cards found at a garage sale or thrift store?

Protect them to preserve their value. Proper storage prevents damage before appraisal.

Rare or Valuable Cards: Place them in sleeves (if available), or best, a dedicated card binder.
Bulk Collections: Keep them in a sturdy cardboard box to prevent damage. Corners and edges are most vulnerable, so cards arranged in stacks in a cardboard box with sharp corners are best vs a plastic tub with rounded corners.

When you are ready to send them in, check our shipping guidelines below.

Can I sell an inherited Magic: The Gathering collection?

Yes, we specialize in helping families navigate inherited collections. We understand this process can be overwhelming, and we can take this one off of your plate. We provide clear, step-by-step guidance on how to pack and ship the collection, and we offer transparent, fair market cash buyouts so you can settle the estate efficiently. Contact us to get started.

Do you buy unsorted or bulk Magic cards?

Absolutely. We offer baseline rates for unsorted bulk, commons, uncommons, rares, and basic lands. While individual high-value cards are appraised separately, we make it easy to liquidate large, unsorted boxes without requiring you to spend hours sorting them yourself. Contact us to get started.

Donating for Charity

Where can I donate old Magic: The Gathering cards to charity?

FCT Cards provides a seamless way to donate all or a portion of your collection. Instead of trying to find a local thrift store that understands card values, you can ship them directly to us. We will professionally appraise and sell the cards on your behalf, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to our partnered 501(c)(3) charity supporting adults with disabilities. Contact us to get started.

Do I get a tax receipt for donating my Magic cards?

Yes. There are two options available depending on your requirements

Donate the cards directly to our partner 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The tax letter will indicate that you made the donation and what you donated. By law, this letter cannot indicate the value of the cards, only what items were donated. You will need to declare the value of the donated items for your taxes.
Allow FCT Cards to sell the cards on your behalf, and proceeds of the sale will be donated in cash to our partner 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You will receive a tax letter specifying the cash amount less the cost of FCT Card's expenses.

Option 2 is likely the most straightforward for most people. We cannot provide guidance on taxes, and we offer both options to suit your needs.

Shipping & The Process

How does the mail-in Magic card appraisal process work?

Contact Us: Fill out our online form with a brief description and photos of your collection.
Bulk Shipping: If you have a large collection of lower-value cards, shipping in a sturdy cardboard box is best. Protect the card edges and corners, ideally with a layer of bubble wrap. USPS flat rate boxes are often the most inexpensive way to ship.
Collections: Higher-value cards should be carefully shipped to avoid damage, as card condition can significantly impact value. A dedicated card binder is best (basic 3-ring binders damage cards!) BCW binders are recommended.
Tracking and Insurance. Without tracking and insurance, you are shipping at your own risk. We recommend at least USPS Ground Advantage or UPS.
Appraisal: Our experts authenticate and evaluate the collection, sending you a formal report. In the case of extremely valuable cards, we may recommend a 3rd-party authentication and grading service to enhance value, which we will facilitate on your approval.
Decision: You choose to accept a cash buyout or donate the proceeds to charity.

Is it safe to mail my valuable Magic cards?

Yes. We provide detailed, industry-standard packaging guidelines to prevent damage during transit. We highly recommend using a trackable shipping service (like USPS Priority Mail with insurance, Ground Advantage, or UPS) for peace of mind. Once received, your collection is logged and handled securely in our facility. Contact us to get started.

What happens if I don't like the appraisal offer?

Transparency is our priority. If you decline our buyout or commission offer, we will securely return your cards to you. Please note that declined appraisals are subject to a standard handling and insured return shipping fee to cover the time and resources spent evaluating the collection.

Still Have Questions?

We are here to help. Send us a message with details about your collection, and we will get back to you within 48 hours. Contact us.