Original Guide by GamerBlurb.com | Published on 11/05/2025 at 3:06 AM CST
Pokémon trading cards scattered on a table. Walmart’s new five-item purchase limit aims to give more collectors access to cards. (Image via GamerBlurb)
News
Walmart has officially introduced a purchase limit on Pokémon trading cards starting today, November 5th. The company confirmed that customers can now only buy up to five packs or boxes of trading cards per visit, both in stores and online.
New Policy Goes Live Nationwide
The new rule comes after months of complaints from collectors about empty shelves and resellers clearing out stock. Walmart’s internal message to employees explained that the goal is to keep trading cards available for more fans and reduce aggressive bulk buying. Staff were told the limit applies to all trading card brands, including Pokémon, sports, and other collectible sets.
The system is expected to flag transactions that go over the five-item cap, with store employees instructed to monitor high-volume buyers closely. Some locations have already started placing signs in their card aisles to remind customers of the new restriction.
A Long-Overdue Change
Collectors have been calling for limits like this since the trading card market exploded during the pandemic. Shoppers often found entire displays wiped clean within minutes of restock, fueling online scalping and rising secondary prices. Many fans say the new rule is long overdue and hope it levels the playing field for younger players and casual collectors.
Not everyone is convinced it will fix the issue. Some expect scalpers to bypass the system by placing multiple online orders or visiting several stores in a single day. Still, the move marks one of the most direct steps Walmart has taken to address the problem.
Why Walmart Finally Acted
The retailer has cited that demand is higher than ever alongside an effort to provide a safer, more positive shopping experience as reasons for the change. Company leaders reportedly want to balance demand with fairness as the holiday season approaches, when card sales typically spike.
For now, the policy appears permanent, though Walmart could adjust it based on how effective it proves in stopping bulk buyers.
Final Blurb
With this new limit, Walmart joins a growing list of retailers tightening control over Pokémon card sales. The move might not eliminate reselling completely, but for many collectors and casual players it’s a small win after years of watching scalpers clean out entire aisles before anyone else even had a chance.
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