The most common question we receive: "How much can I get?" The honest answer is: it depends on your specific cards, their grades, and current market conditions. But we can give you a highly accurate framework to estimate before you apply.
The Formula
Your loan amount = (Current Market Value of Cards) × (LTV Ratio)
Where LTV ratio typically ranges from 50–70% at CardPawn depending on card type, grade, and current liquidity.
Step 1: Determine Current Market Value
The most reliable sources for current market value:
- eBay Sold Listings — filter "Completed" → "Sold" for exact recent prices
- 130point.com — aggregates eBay data with trend charting, excellent for PSA-graded cards
- PWCC Marketplace — recent auction results for premium cards
- PSA CardValue — PSA's own price guide tool
Use the average of the last 3–5 comparable sales within 90 days for the most accurate estimate.
Step 2: Apply the Appropriate LTV
| Card Type | LTV Range |
|---|---|
| PSA 10 / BGS 9.5–10 | 65–70% |
| PSA 9 / BGS 9 | 62–67% |
| PSA 7–8 / BGS 8–8.5 | 55–62% |
| SGC 9–10 | 58–65% |
| Raw cards (value $2,500+) | 45–52% |
Worked Examples
Example 1: Hockey Collector (Toronto, ON)
Cards submitted:
- 1979-80 OPC Gretzky RC #18, PSA 7 → Market: $15,000 × 58% = $8,700
- 2005-06 UD YG Crosby RC, PSA 9 → Market: $9,000 × 64% = $5,760
- 2015-16 UD YG McDavid RC, PSA 10 → Market: $12,000 × 68% = $8,160
- 1966-67 Topps Orr RC, PSA 6 → Market: $10,000 × 56% = $5,600
Total Loan Offer: ~$28,220
Example 2: Pokémon Collector (Vancouver, BC)
- 1999 1st Ed. Base Charizard, PSA 9 → Market: $22,000 × 65% = $14,300
- 1999 1st Ed. Base Blastoise, PSA 9 → Market: $12,000 × 63% = $7,560
- 1999 1st Ed. Base Venusaur, PSA 9 → Market: $10,000 × 63% = $6,300
- 8× WOTC holo PSA 7–8 mixed → Market avg $1,500 each = $12,000 × 55% = $6,600
Total Loan Offer: ~$34,760
Example 3: Mixed Collection (Calgary, AB)
- 1986-87 Fleer Jordan RC, PSA 8 → Market: $28,000 × 63% = $17,640
- 2011 Topps Update Mike Trout RC, PSA 10 → Market: $35,000 × 68% = $23,800
- 1952 Topps Mantle #311, PSA 5 → Market: $45,000 × 58% = $26,100
Total Loan Offer: ~$67,540
Factors That Increase Your Loan
- Higher PSA grades (especially PSA 10 vs PSA 9)
- Strong recent comparable sales (high demand, rising market)
- Low population reports at the relevant grade level
- Cards in the most liquid market segments (Jordan, Gretzky, Charizard)
- Portfolio submissions (stronger combined LTV for thematic collections)
Minimum Loan Amount
CardPawn's minimum loan is $500 CAD, requiring collateral with a combined appraised value of at least $1,000. There is no maximum — our largest single loan to date was $340,000 against a PSA 10 Wayne Gretzky O-Pee-Chee rookie.
Use Our Online Estimator
The loan estimator on our home page gives you a quick rough estimate based on your card's value. For a precise offer, submit a free application — our appraisers provide detailed valuations within 2 hours at zero cost or obligation.