How much do you actually get from the Courtyard buyback?

The instant offer is around 90% of the card's FMV estimate. A card showing $100 FMV typically cashes out near $90 if you instant-sell. PullValue tracks the observed ratio from live offers on every pack page.

Why does my pull feel worth less than its FMV?

FMV is an internal estimate, not a guaranteed sale price. Your realistic exits are the ~90% instant offer, listing it on the marketplace, or paying shipping to redeem the physical card — each lands below sticker FMV once fees are counted.

Should I instant-sell or hold my pull?

Instant-sell suits low-value pulls where shipping would eat the value. Holding or listing can beat the instant offer on desirable cards. Redeeming makes sense when the card is worth several times the shipping cost.

The 90% buyback, explained: FMV vs what you actually keep

By PullValue Research · Updated July 9, 2026 · Numbers computed per our methodology

On Courtyard, the number on your pull is not the number in your pocket. Every card shows an FMV — a fair-market-value estimate — and the platform's instant buyback pays roughly 90% of that FMV. That 10% spread, plus the gap between FMV estimates and real-world prices, is where collectors most often feel burned.

What FMV actually is

FMV is an algorithmic estimate of a graded card's market value. Estimates lag and diverge from live marketplaces — sometimes above eBay comps, sometimes below. It is a reference point, not a guaranteed exit price.

Cash-out EV: the honest number

Because the realistic instant exit is ~90% of FMV, PullValue computes cash-out EV = EV × the observed buyback ratio — and every verdict on the site uses cash-out EV, not sticker EV. We also publish the observed ratio per pack (the "Buyback reality" card), computed from the actual instant offers we index. When it runs below 90%, you'll see it.

Your three exits, ranked

Instant-sell: fastest, ~90% of FMV, best for small pulls. List on the marketplace: can beat the instant offer on liquid, in-demand slabs; takes time and fees. Physically redeem: you get the real card, but shipping starts around $16 — see shipping & redemption fees for why that wipes out small wins. Check any pack's live cash-out numbers on the rankings.

Quick answers

How much do you actually get from the Courtyard buyback?: The instant offer is around 90% of the card's FMV estimate. A card showing $100 FMV typically cashes out near $90 if you instant-sell. PullValue tracks the observed ratio from live offers on every pack page.
Why does my pull feel worth less than its FMV?: FMV is an internal estimate, not a guaranteed sale price. Your realistic exits are the ~90% instant offer, listing it on the marketplace, or paying shipping to redeem the physical card — each lands below sticker FMV once fees are counted.
Should I instant-sell or hold my pull?: Instant-sell suits low-value pulls where shipping would eat the value. Holding or listing can beat the instant offer on desirable cards. Redeeming makes sense when the card is worth several times the shipping cost.

PullValue is independent and not affiliated with Courtyard. This guide is statistics and education, not financial advice. See live numbers on the pack rankings.