MAGNETIC APPEAL

From the beginning collectors have looked at ways of storing, presenting and organizing their collections. It started with gluing them into an album, followed by being held together with a rubber band, the shoebox, binder and so on, with specialized storage solutions and has found its way to encapsulated cards from third party graders.

In the world of sports card collecting, presentation and protection are everything. As the value of cards continues to grow, thanks in part to new printing technologies, relics and autographs, along with limited-run releases, choosing the right storage solution has become almost as important as the cards themselves. Enter: magnetic card holders; a sleek, modern upgrade from the humble top loader.

But are these premium protectors all they are cracked up to be? We break down the pros and cons of magnetic holders so you can decide if they belong as part of your collection and which brand in a sea of options is best. We also reviewed a few of the popular brands to help you decide which is best for your collection.

PROS: Why Collectors Love Magnetic Holders

1. Superior Protection

Magnetic holders are made from rigid, durable plastic that guards against bending, corner wear, and surface scratches. Most are UV-resistant, offering added protection from sunlight and preventing color fading over time.

2. Easy Access, No Tools Needed

Unlike screw-down cases of the past, magnetic holders snap open and shut securely without the need for a screwdriver. The magnets are strong enough to stay closed but easy enough to open for inspection or sale.

3. Crystal-Clear Display

Magnetic holders are a great choice for showcasing cards. Their ultra-clear plastic provides unobstructed views of your card’s front and back—ideal for autographed or serial-numbered cards.

4. Grading Alternative

While not a substitute for professional grading, magnetic holders offer a semi-premium presentation that mimics slabbed cards. Great for raw cards you don’t want to grade—but still want to protect and show off.

5. Variety of Sizes

They come in multiple thicknesses (measured in points, e.g., 35pt, 55pt, 100pt, and up) to accommodate everything from standard base cards to thick memorabilia cards.

CONS: The Fine Print

1. Pricey Compared to Top Loaders

At about $2 to $4 apiece or more, magnetic holders are significantly more expensive than penny sleeves and top loaders. Multiply that by dozens, or hundreds of cards, and costs add up fast.

2. Bulk and Weight

Magnetic cases are bulkier, making them harder to store in high volume. They’re also heavier, which adds up for collectors who transport cards to shows or events.

3. Risk of Surface Damage

If a card isn’t properly sleeved before being inserted, it may slide or rub against the hard plastic, potentially causing scratches. Some magnetic holders now include inner sleeves or “soft touch” inserts, but it’s not standard.

4. Not Grading-Friendly

Grading companies require raw cards to be submitted in semi-rigid card savers. If you’re planning to submit cards for grading, magnetic holders are more about interim display than long-term investment strategy.

5. Counterfeit Cards Look Just as Good

A little on the tin-foil hat side of things, because magnetic holders display value, some shady sellers use them to pass off fakes or reprints as high-end cards. Don’t let a fancy case fool you, always do your research.

Verdict: Best for Showpieces, Not for Storage

Magnetic sports card holders are an excellent choice for displaying high-value, sentimental, or centerpiece cards in your collection. They elevate presentation and provide solid protection, especially for cards not destined for grading. However, if you're storing thousands of cards or planning on grading, the cost and bulk make them impractical for long-term mass storage.

Collector Tip: Always sleeve your card in a penny sleeve designed for magnetics to avoid scratches—and stick with trusted brands for quality and consistency.

So, Are They Worth It?

If you’ve got a few prized cards that deserve the spotlight… yes. But if you’re looking for efficient storage? Magnetics might be more of a luxury than a necessity.

The Review

The Testing

To attempt to be as objective as possible, we put each brand through its paces and included several real-world tests. These tests included opening and closing the holder 20 times, dropping it from five feet to a carpeted surface and the ease of inserting a card into the holder with a card sleeve. The one subjective test we had was the clarity of the material used to manufacture the holders. Each category was rated out of a 5-point scale based on our testing and review. Cost is based on the latest list price for each holder on the manufacture’s website.

BCW Magnetic Card Holder

The BCW Magnetic Card Holder is a good option for collectors that want to buy a large quantity, as they were the lowest cost at $2 each. The main drawback is that the cards do not fit with a standard card sleeve inside the holder and there was slight movement of the card. That movement could lead to potential damage.

Opening and Closing- 4.8

Drop Test- 4.5

Ease of Use- 2.5

Clarity- 4.0

Cost- $1.99

Ultra Pro One-Touch

The Ultra Pro One-Touch have a frosted edge for collectors that want to have the focus directly on the card. They are the most expensive we tested at $4 each. This holder also does not fit with a standard card sleeve inside the holder although the fit was slightly better. We did have one open during the drop test.

Opening and Closing- 4.8

Drop Test- 3.5

Ease of Use- 2.5

Clarity- 4.0

Cost- $3.99

Pro-Mold EZ-Snap

Pro-Mold EZ-Snap is the only version we tested that does not use a magnet for the closure. The holder was a little difficult to open the first time but had no issues after that. We did not experience any issues during testing and the holder remained closed, but we felt that if you are a collector that likes to change cards in the holder often, the closure could eventually become loose. Pro-Mold does include a card sleeve that fits inside the holder for added protection to your cards.

Opening and Closing- 4.5

Drop Test- 4.5

Ease of Use- 4.5

Clarity- 4.0

Cost- $2.25

Pennysleever Magnetic Card Holder

The Pennysleever is a new player in the card protection space and did not disappoint. Along with the MagPro, these holders had the clearest material and would work great as a way to display your cards. These holders did not fit a card sleeve, but there is a version that can accommodate a sleeve. Also, the magnet felt a little stronger than some of the others.

Opening and Closing- 4.8

Drop Test- 4.8

Ease of Use- 3.8

Clarity- 4.8

Cost- $2.49

Zion Cases MagPro

Zion Cases a long time provider of graded card carrying cases has entered the magnetic card holder market with a unique offering. Their MagPro holder is the only brand we tested that are taller and provides additional space for a label, similar to a PSA or CGC graded card. Included with the holder is a label to help to identify your cards. They also offer a paid service through their website for custom labels. Like the Pennysleever holder, the clarity was the best we tested. If you do not have storage for the taller holders, we recommend you steer away for the MagPro holders.

Opening and Closing- 4.8

Drop Test- 3.8

Ease of Use- 3.5

Clarity- 4.8

Cost- $3.99