There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the best place to buy Magic cards. It depends on your needs, such as a certain printing, cheap shipping, or a reliable store that grades cards accurately. In this article, you’ll find an overview of the top online retailers—like TCGPlayer, Star City Games, and Card Kingdom—plus a few notes on eBay, Amazon, and local game stores. You’ll also see some thoughts on proxies, certified graded cards, and tips for building a deck with your new purchases.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
Your first step is figuring out what you need. Are you searching for a few singles to finalize a Modern deck, or do you want a booster box of the latest set for a sealed event with friends? If you’re hunting for older cards, you may need to check specialized retailers or even try eBay. If you want near-mint condition copies, you might end up paying a bit more. But if you’re okay with lightly played versions, you can often save a few bucks.
Price is a major factor. Some shops run frequent sales or loyalty programs. Others have slightly higher card prices but cheaper shipping. If you’re an international customer, shipping can be a big deal. That’s why you might see people compare half a dozen sites before placing an order.
Don’t overlook return policies. If a card arrives damaged or it’s not the version you ordered, you’ll want a hassle-free return or exchange process. Also, keep in mind that supporting local game stores can be important for your community. Online shopping is convenient, but an LGS usually hosts events and helps new players learn. Balancing online and local purchases can keep you connected while still getting you access to the full range of MTG products.
TCGPlayer: The Huge Marketplace
Many people start with TCGPlayer, which is less a single store and more a hub for countless sellers. You can find everything here: new sets, out-of-print staples, foil variants, and budget picks. The site’s cart optimizer is handy if you need multiple singles from different sellers. It tries to minimize shipping fees, and you can filter by card condition, language, printing, and more.
One caution is that seller reliability can vary. Most have solid ratings, but a few might list items at questionable prices or ship cards slowly. Still, TCGPlayer’s team steps in if something goes really wrong. For most people, it’s a great one-stop shop because you can compare listings in real time, ensuring you get the best deal.
Star City Games: A Titan in the Scene
Star City Games has roots stretching back to the late 1990s. They’re not just an online retailer; they also run events and produce content for competitive Magic. Their store is well-stocked, covering singles, sealed products, and accessories. You’ll likely find any standard or popular Commander card you want there.
They’re known for consistent grading, so a “near mint” from SCG usually means it’s in excellent shape. Shipping tends to be reliable, and if you need your cards fast, they offer expedited options. Sales and promotions pop up from time to time, and they have a rewards program that might be worth checking out if you’re a frequent shopper. Although prices can be a bit higher than some marketplaces, many players trust SCG for important or pricey cards because of the reliable service.
Card Kingdom: Customer Service and Simplicity
Based in Seattle, Card Kingdom has a reputation for good customer support and fast order processing. Their website is user-friendly, making it straightforward to search for singles or sealed boxes. While their prices aren’t always the cheapest, people often say the extra dollar or two is worth the peace of mind.
They also handle trade-ins if you have old cards you’re no longer using. You can get store credit, which might stretch your budget further if you plan to buy more singles. One detail to check, especially if you’re outside the U.S., is how international shipping costs compare to other stores. If you live stateside, though, Card Kingdom is known for quick turnaround and consistent quality control.
eBay: Bargains, But Beware
eBay remains popular for collectibles, and Magic cards are no exception. If you’re lucky, you can stumble on auctions ending at awkward times and win good cards at below-market prices. Or you can buy a whole collection at once if someone’s unloading their stash.
However, eBay requires caution. You have to check seller ratings, read listings carefully, and review photos to make sure you’re actually getting what’s promised. Some sellers might grade cards loosely or ship them in flimsy packaging. That said, eBay’s buyer protection is decent, and most sellers aim to keep their positive feedback. If you’re patient and like bidding, it can be fun and rewarding, but do a price check so you don’t end up paying more than the card’s worth.
Amazon: Convenient, But Limited Singles
Amazon has Magic products, mostly sealed stuff like booster boxes, Commander decks, and bundles. Some third-party sellers list singles, though the selection can be uneven. If you have Prime, free shipping is tempting. Plus, Amazon customer service can be straightforward if the item arrives damaged.
Still, Amazon isn’t specialized. The product pages can be jumbled, and you won’t always get a clear sense of card condition if you’re after singles. It’s best for sealed boxes you can’t find locally or when you just want something shipped quickly. You might not see big discounts, so if you’re price-sensitive, check specialized retailers first.
CoolStuffInc: Sales and Variety
CoolStuffInc is a hobby game retailer that handles everything from board games to collectible cards. Many players praise it for frequent discounts or daily deals that can lower costs on both singles and sealed products. The site’s fairly easy to navigate, and their shipping is usually reliable within the U.S.
They also take part in prerelease or preorder offers for upcoming sets. If you time it right, you might grab a decent deal on a booster box. Grading is usually consistent, and they also carry accessories like sleeves and binders. The only downside is that they might not have the same deep inventory for older or niche cards as some other stores do. But for the typical shopper, they’re a solid option.
Troll and Toad: A Steady Classic
Troll and Toad has been around for quite a while, serving fans of MTG, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and more. If you need older cards, they often have them in stock, though availability can fluctuate. Prices can range from very cheap to surprisingly high, so it pays to compare.
They grade cards in a fairly standard way, but you should still read each listing. Shipping time can sometimes be longer than with other stores, so if you’re in a hurry, that might be an issue. Still, many players appreciate Troll and Toad’s consistent presence in the market and the wide selection they’ve cultivated over the years.
ChannelFireball: Cards and Content
ChannelFireball is well-known for strategy articles, videos, and a pro-level focus. Their store covers singles and sealed products, plus accessories and bundles. Sometimes they tie sales or promotions to events, so you might stumble on a good deal if you keep an eye on their announcements.
While TCGPlayer might still outdo them in sheer volume, ChannelFireball has a large enough inventory to meet the needs of most players. Their content also benefits anyone who wants to learn or improve. If you like reading about new deck tech while browsing for cards, you’ll probably enjoy their site.
Local Game Stores: The Heart of Magic
While online shopping dominates for convenience, local game stores remain key to the Magic community. If you live near a well-stocked LGS, they might have a strong singles collection, sealed products, and a spot to sit down and play. Prices can be higher than online, but you get the benefit of seeing the card in person before buying. Plus, you can support events and meet other players who share your love of Magic.
If you have questions about building a new deck or want suggestions, store staff and local regulars can be great resources. They may also have trade nights where you can swap cards without paying a dime. Supporting them helps keep a fun, local scene alive. If they don’t have a card in stock, sometimes they can order it or help you find a seller.
Proxies: When You Want to Playtest or for Casual Games
Proxies often come up when players want to test new decks or play casually without buying every expensive staple. This way, you can see if a card really suits your playstyle before committing to a big purchase. Many Commander groups are fine with proxies at casual tables. However, they’re not legal in official tournaments unless the event organizer has a specific rule allowing them.
Proxies can save money, let you test strategies, or help you keep up in casual Commander without spending too much. Remember they’re not legal for sanctioned events, and always be transparent with your group about using them. Whether you go for ultra-realistic prints or imaginative custom designs, proxies remain a budget-friendly way to play Magic on your own terms.
In most official settings, proxies are not tournament-legal. That means you can’t bring them to sanctioned events like Friday Night Magic or large competitions. But for friendly kitchen-table games, proxies are usually fine if everyone agrees. Some playgroups even encourage them for pricey older cards, so more people can experience a format without dropping a fortune.
Best MTG Proxy Sites
- ProxyKing
If you want proxies that look almost like real MTG cards, ProxyKing is known for top-notch printing quality. The images are sharp, and the cards have a realistic finish that mimics the look and feel of official prints. This can help you get a near-authentic experience while testing or playing at home. - PrintMTG
PrintMTG focuses on printing any card you might need, which is handy if you’re building a full deck of proxies. Instead of buying individual singles, you can send them a list and have an entire deck delivered. While the finish may not match official cards as closely as ProxyKing’s do, the affordability and convenience can be a big draw for budget-conscious players. - MTG.Cards
For those who like to customize artwork or flavor text, MTG.Cards offers extensive design freedom. You can alter existing card art, change borders, or even create unique images from scratch. This is great for people who enjoy adding personal touches, gifting themed decks to friends, or exploring their own custom creations beyond what official sets provide. - ProxyMTG
ProxyMTG delivers a balance of decent realism and reliable quality, though their catalog isn’t as large as some competitors. If you mainly care about a smaller set of staples or popular cards, you’ll likely find what you need. The finish is solid enough to look believable in a casual setting, and the cards are durable for regular shuffling.
Certified Graded Cards: The Collector’s Angle
Some Magic players love collecting as much as they love playing. Certified graded cards are for those who want rare, valuable, or mint-condition copies secured in a protective case. You can find these on specialized auction sites or even eBay. Graded cards can cost a lot, especially if they’re iconic pieces like the Power Nine or older mythic rares.
If you’re a new player, it’s probably not something you need to worry about right away. But if you’re curious about the collectible side of MTG, keep your eyes open for shops or auction listings that sell graded cards. Always confirm the credibility of the grading service and the authenticity of the card.
Building a Deck and Playing Magic
Buying cards should be about playing, right? If you’re brewing for a competitive format like Modern or Pioneer, keep track of which cards see a lot of play. Some staples hold their value across multiple decks, so picking them up is rarely wasted money. In Commander, you might want synergy over raw power. And in Standard, prices can change quickly depending on new releases.
Practice is key to seeing whether a card fits. You can always start with a proxy, test it for a few sessions, then decide if it’s worth buying. That approach can help you avoid regrets. If a certain card just doesn’t mesh with your style or local metagame, you can skip spending real money on it.
International Customers: Watch That Shipping
If you live outside the U.S., you already know shipping costs can be a pain. Before you commit to a big order, check how much you’ll pay in shipping or possible customs fees. Some stores do a better job than others at managing international orders. TCGPlayer might vary because you’re dealing with individual sellers, while large retailers like Star City Games or Card Kingdom have specific international policies.
In Europe, Cardmarket is a popular option, resembling TCGPlayer but geared toward European customers. More sellers there compete with each other, often driving prices down, so that can be a win if you live nearby. If you’re in Canada, you might look for local Canadian retailers to reduce shipping times and import fees. Research is essential before you hit that checkout button.
Finding Good Deals and Sales
Everyone likes a discount. One strategy is simply to wait. When a set first releases, certain chase cards might be overpriced because of early hype. Prices can settle a few weeks or months after launch, giving you a chance to snag them cheaper. Reprints also drive down card costs, so keep an eye on official announcements.
You can sign up for newsletters from your favorite online stores. They might send out coupon codes or announce sales, especially around holidays or release weekends. If you’re buying a lot of singles, a small discount can add up. Some stores even let you trade in old cards for store credit, which might stretch your budget further.
Combining Convenience and Community
Plenty of players use a mix of online and in-person shopping. You could grab the bulk of your singles from TCGPlayer or Star City Games, then pick up a few impulse buys or sealed boosters at your local store. You might also find that your LGS organizes preorders for new sets, sometimes at prices comparable to online shops.
There’s a social element to physically browsing a binder and chatting with staff or other customers about new spoilers. But if your local store doesn’t carry older singles, or if you like price comparisons, you’ll likely end up online. Balancing both worlds can give you the best of each.
Practical Tips for New and Experienced Players
New to Magic? You might want to try a preconstructed deck first. Commander decks are a popular entry point because they’re typically ready to play right out of the box, and you only need one deck for multiplayer games. If you decide to upgrade it, you can search for specific singles at an online shop or in your local store’s binder.
For experienced players, consider selling or trading away cards when they spike in price, especially if you’re not using them. That way, you can reinvest in other staples. Keep an eye on ban announcements in competitive formats, too. If a crucial card gets banned, its price might collapse, so it’s smart to stay informed if you’re playing or investing heavily in a format like Modern or Pioneer.
Remember the Fun Factor
At the end of the day, Magic is a game. Yes, it can be expensive if you’re chasing foils or building top-tier decks, but you can also have a blast with budget builds or homemade proxies. Some of the most enjoyable Commander tables I’ve played at featured wacky combos and casual banter, not rows of the most expensive staples.
If shopping for cards stresses you out, take a break, or rely on proxies for a while. You can always trade or buy the real versions later. Magic has endured for so long because it offers creativity and connection. Whenever you’re deciding whether to buy from TCGPlayer, Star City Games, or your local shop, remember that the real goal is to enjoy the game with friends and fellow players.
Closing Thoughts: Pick What Works for You
With so many ways to get Magic cards—TCGPlayer, Star City Games, Card Kingdom, eBay, Amazon, CoolStuffInc, Troll and Toad, ChannelFireball, and local shops—the best choice depends on your priorities. Do you need speed, variety, or consistent grading? Are you looking for sealed boxes, singles, proxies, or graded collectibles? Each platform offers different advantages.
If you’re patient and want deals, compare multiple sites. If you prefer the reliability of a single retailer, stick to a store with a strong reputation. If you care about your local scene, buy some of your cards at the LGS. Magic’s economy can feel complicated, but it’s part of what keeps the game vibrant and interesting. Good luck tracking down that elusive card, and have fun with your next deck. After all, that’s what it’s all about—finding cool ways to enjoy the best parts of Magic: The Gathering.
