2026, 06 02 · 7 min read
TCG Pocket Trade Values Tier List 2026: S to F Ranked
Not all cards trade equally. This tier list ranks every rarity class by trade value so you know exactly where your cards stand.
How the tier list works
We rank cards into six tiers based on their trade value — how much other players will give up to get them. This is not a competitive tier list (though there is overlap). It is purely about trade market value. Use it alongside our Trade Finder and Value Checker for the best results.
Tiers are relative. An S-tier card trades for multiple A-tier cards, an A-tier trades for several B-tiers, and so on. Cards shift between tiers as new sets release and the meta evolves.
S Tier — The chase cards
These are the cards everyone wants and few people have. They command the highest trade ratios in the game.
- Charizard EX (Genetic Apex) — The undisputed #1. See our Charizard EX guide for details.
- Mewtwo EX (Genetic Apex) — Psychic meta king. Full guide here.
- Pikachu EX (Genetic Apex) — Franchise mascot, collector favourite, competitive staple.
- Mew EX (Mythical Island) — Versatile ability makes it universally useful.
- Dialga EX (Space-Time Smackdown) — A2 crown rare, meta-warping.
A Tier — Strong trade value
These cards trade well and are in consistent demand. One S-tier card is worth roughly two to three A-tier cards.
- Palkia EX (Space-Time Smackdown) — Water powerhouse, just behind Dialga.
- Gardevoir EX — Psychic support. Essential for Mewtwo decks.
- Gengar EX — Ghost/Psychic fan favourite with strong art.
- Rayquaza EX — Dragon hype carries trade value above its competitive role.
- Arceus EX (A2) — Rainbow energy flexibility. Meta-relevant and iconic.
- Darkrai EX — Dark-type anchor. Consistent demand from competitive players.
B Tier — Solid mid-range
Reliable trade material. These cards consistently find takers and serve as the building blocks for trading up to S and A tier.
- Gyarados EX — Great art, Water archetype relevance.
- Lucario EX — Fighting staple. Strong competitive use keeps demand up.
- Blastoise EX — Gen 1 nostalgia plus playability.
- Venusaur EX — Completes the starter trio. Grass deck core.
- Celebi EX (Mythical Island) — Grass acceleration engine.
- Dragonite EX — Dragon type with high HP. Popular in casual play.
- Snorlax EX — Colourless tank. Fits in any deck.
C Tier — Fair trade value
These cards have niche demand. They trade at modest ratios but can be useful for filling specific gaps in someone's collection.
- Most standard EX cards not listed above
- Full-art trainer cards with popular characters
- Immersive art versions of common Pokemon (e.g., Immersive Eevee)
- Set-specific chase uncommons (holo patterns, special borders)
D Tier — Low trade value
You will find takers, but do not expect much in return. These are filler-tier cards that mostly serve collection completion.
- Standard holo rares without competitive relevance
- Older set uncommons with no meta use
- Duplicate trainers and supporters
F Tier — Essentially untradeable
These cards have so much supply and so little demand that finding a trade partner is difficult. They are pack filler.
- Common cards from any set
- Non-holo uncommons
- Basic energy cards
- Widely available trainer cards
How to use this tier list
Before any trade, check where both cards sit on this list. A fair trade swaps cards within the same tier or offers multiple lower-tier cards for one higher-tier card. Our Trade Finder automates this — it calculates trade ratios based on current community values.
Track your collection and identify what you are missing with the Collection Checklist. Then use this tier list to plan your trades efficiently.
For detailed guides on specific high-value cards, see our best cards to trade overview.