Bicycle cards are sold at most retailers that stock playing cards, but the selection and price vary widely
You can find Bicycle playing cards at big-box retailers like Walmart and Target, office supply stores like Staples, drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, and most card and game shops. Online, Amazon carries the full range, as do specialty retailers like Ellusionist and Murphy's Magic. Local grocery stores often stock the standard red and blue decks near the checkout or in the games aisle. The catch is that not every store carries every variant—a small drugstore might have only the classic decks, while a magic shop will stock dozens of editions.
Price matters if you're buying in bulk. A single deck at a convenience store might cost $3 to $5, while the same deck on Amazon costs $1 to $2 when you buy a box of 12. Specialty variants—foil decks, limited editions, or decks designed for magic tricks—cost more and are rarely found in chain stores.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Bicycle decks (red and blue) are stocked at Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, and most grocery stores.
- Amazon and specialty card retailers carry the widest selection, including foil finishes, limited editions, and magic-specific decks.
- Buying a box of 12 decks online costs roughly $1 to $2 per deck, while single decks at convenience stores run $3 to $5.
- Local card shops and magic retailers stock premium variants and can advise on which deck suits your purpose.
- Specialty finishes like Bicycle Metalluxe or Bicycle Guardians are rarely found in chain stores and require online or specialty retailers.
Big-box retailers and drugstores
Walmart and Target both stock Bicycle cards in their games and toys sections, usually the standard red and blue decks. You can check inventory on their websites before you go, and both offer online ordering with in-store pickup. Target's website lets you filter by deck color and finish, which is useful if you want something beyond the classic look.
CVS and Walgreens carry Bicycle cards near the checkout counter or in the games aisle, but selection is limited to the most common decks. Prices are higher than online—expect to pay $4 to $5 for a single deck. These stores are useful if you need cards the same day and don't want to wait for shipping.
Amazon and online retailers
Amazon stocks every Bicycle variant currently in print, from standard decks to specialty finishes like Bicycle Metalluxe, Bicycle Guardians, and Bicycle Maiden Back. Prices are lowest here when you buy in bulk—a box of 12 standard decks runs $12 to $18, or about $1 to $1.50 per deck. Shipping is fast if you have Prime membership.
Specialty retailers like Ellusionist, Murphy's Magic, and Penguin Magic focus on cards for magic and cardistry. They stock rare and discontinued Bicycle editions, foil finishes, and decks designed for sleight of hand. Prices are higher than Amazon, but the staff can tell you which deck works best for a specific trick or technique. These sites also offer reviews from magicians and cardists, which helps if you're choosing between similar-looking decks.
Local card shops and magic retailers
Independent card shops and magic stores usually carry 20 to 50 Bicycle variants in stock. Staff can show you the difference between a standard finish and a foil finish, explain which decks fan well, and recommend a deck based on what you plan to do with it. Prices are typically higher than online, but you avoid shipping costs and can inspect the deck before buying.
To find a local shop, search "playing card shop near me" or "magic shop near me" on Google Maps. Call ahead to confirm they stock Bicycle cards—some shops specialize in other brands.
Grocery stores and convenience stores
Most grocery stores stock at least one or two Bicycle decks, usually the standard red and blue near the checkout or in the games aisle. Convenience stores and gas stations often carry them as well, though selection is minimal and prices are high. These are the right choice only if you need cards when ready and can't reach another retailer.
Prices at these locations run $4 to $6 per deck because of the markup on small quantities. The trade-off is convenience—you can walk in and walk out with cards in minutes, with no shipping wait.
Bulk buying and wholesale options
If you need many decks—for a game night, a magic show, or resale—buying a box of 12 or 24 from Amazon or a specialty retailer is far cheaper than buying singles. A box of 12 standard Bicycle decks costs $12 to $18 on Amazon, or $1 to $1.50 per deck. Specialty finishes cost more per box but still beat the per-deck price of buying singles.
Some retailers offer wholesale pricing if you buy 50 or more decks, but you'll need to contact them directly for a quote. Ellusionist and Murphy's Magic both handle bulk orders and can provide pricing based on the quantity and deck type you need.
What to know before you buy
Bicycle decks come in different finishes: standard (smooth cardstock), foil (shiny metallic coating), and linen (textured for better grip). Standard decks are cheapest and work for any game. Foil decks cost more and are better for display or magic tricks. Linen finishes are designed for cardistry and cost slightly more than standard.
Check the deck's back design before buying if you care about appearance. Bicycle makes dozens of back designs—classic, modern, ornate, and novelty. The front (face cards and numbers) is always the same, so the back is what sets one deck apart from another visually. If you're buying for magic tricks or cardistry, read reviews from other magicians or cardists. Some decks fan better, cut more cleanly, or feel better in hand than others, and these details matter for performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bicycle cards sold at Costco or Sam's Club?
Costco occasionally stocks Bicycle cards in bulk packs, but availability changes by location and season. Sam's Club carries them less often. Check your local warehouse's website or call ahead. If they don't have them in stock, Amazon bulk pricing is usually comparable.
Can I buy Bicycle cards directly from the manufacturer?
Bicycle is owned by the United States Playing Card Company. They don't sell directly to consumers, but their website lists authorized retailers. Amazon, Walmart, and Target are all authorized, so you're buying genuine cards from any of them.
What's the difference between Bicycle Standard and Bicycle Rider Back?
Both are classic Bicycle decks with the same cardstock and finish. The only difference is the back design—Standard has a straightforward pattern, while Rider Back has a more ornate design. Performance is identical; it's purely a visual choice.
Are counterfeit Bicycle cards a problem on Amazon?
Counterfeits are rare on Amazon because Bicycle cards are cheap and the manufacturer monitors the platform. Buy from Amazon directly or from sellers with high ratings and many reviews. If you're concerned, buy from a specialty retailer instead.
Where can I find discontinued Bicycle editions?
eBay and specialty retailers like Ellusionist sometimes stock older or limited-edition Bicycle decks. Prices are much higher than current editions. Facebook groups for card collectors also buy and sell rare decks.