Once you’ve got your cards — particularly your more valuable cards you’ll probably want to keep them in good condition.

One of the most popular ways to protect your cards is to use Top Loaders. The best kind of Top Loaders are made by Ultra Pro.

Top Loaders are made from a clear semi-rigid plastic and they are especially made for trading cards. By semi-rigid I mean they bend — but only a little. Being clear they still allow you to view both sides of your card.

One card fits in a single Top Loader.

They are popular because rather than letting your little brother, the family dog or your own oily fingertips damage the card, the Top Loader keeps the card safe.

The semi-rigid Top Loader also makes it less likely that your card will be creased or folded, and it protects the sides and corners from damage.

Best used in conjunction with a Platinum Card Sleeve (a small plastic sleeve that covers the card before you insert it into the Top Loader), Top Loaders are a MUST HAVE item for your more valuable cards.