How it works

When you pick a card, we look up its current market price from the PokeWallet TCG API — specifically the TCGPlayer market price (in USD). That's the same figure collectors use as a fair-market reference, so nobody's relying on a guess. You can view the value in your preferred currency using the picker in the header; matching itself is always done in USD so it's consistent for everyone.

We only match cards whose values are within about 20% of each other. The check is mutual — each card has to be within 20% of the other, regardless of who joined first — and among eligible cards we pick the closest value match (then the nearest trainer). So a $100 card pairs with roughly $80–$125, never a wildly lopsided swap.

The photo proves you actually hold the card. We compare it against the reference image for the card you selected and block obvious mismatches. Your matched trainer also sees the photo so they can verify the card before you meet. Tip: a clear, straight-on shot in good light works best.

You set your location at sign-up (search a suburb/postcode, drop a map pin, or use GPS). We only match you with trainers within ~50 km to reduce the risk of scams and make meeting up practical. Others never see your exact location — only an approximate area like “Bondi 2026”.

Yes — while a card is still waiting for a match you can withdraw it any time from the My Cards page. Once it's been matched, it's locked so you can't pull it out from under the other trainer.

You'll get an in-app notification (the bell in the header) the moment you're matched or receive a message, with a live pop-up while you're on the site. You can also opt into browser push and email from Settings.