As a sports card collector, we all know that protecting and keeping our most valuable cards in our collection safe is of the utmost priority. What better way to protect thousands of dollars worth of sports cards? A safe is one of the best way to store and protect large amounts of valuable cards.
However, there are a few things you need to consider when storing your sports cards in a safe such as heat and humidity, and fireproof or waterproof safes. Purchasing the right safe as well as protecting them from moisture are the most important aspects when using a safe for card storage.
In our comprehensive guide to the best safes to store your sports cards, we’ll show you the best safes on the market and give you some advice when it comes time to choose. Let’s get started.
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR TOP PICKS…
| Name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Top Pick: SentrySafe EF4738E Fireproof Waterproof Safe | 5/5 | Click for Price |
| SentrySafe SFW123GDC Fireproof Safe and Waterproof Safe | 4.5/5 | Click for Price |
| SentrySafe SF123ES Fireproof Safe | 4/5 | Click for Price |
1- SentrySafe EF4738E Fireproof Waterproof Safe
Our top pick for the best safe is the SentrySafe EF4738E Fireproof Waterproof Safe
This fireproof safe can withstand 30 minutes at 1400 degrees fahrenheit in case of a fire. It is also waterproof and is verified to protect your goods for 72 hours in water up to about 12 inches deep in case a floor were to happen. The solid steel door is constructed with five live-locking bolts on top of four additional deadbolts.
The lock is a digital combination that you will set during the initial setup which uses four alkaline AA batteries. It is also recommended to use high quality, long lasting batteries to support the long term storage and usage of your safe.
This safe is a great choice if you have a large collection of cards that you need stored since it offers a large storage capacity as well as additional storage compartments.
What we like
- Digital lock
- Lots of storage space
- Fire proof
- Water proof
What we don’t like
- Not theft-proof
- Digital keypad can feel flimsy/cheap
- May not sit flat on the floor
- Pricey
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
2- SentrySafe SFW123GDC Fireproof Safe and Waterproof Safe
The next safe on our list is the SentrySafe SFW123GDC Fireproof Safe and Waterproof Safe. Its able to endure heat for up to an hour at 1700 degrees Fahrenheit all while keeping your valuables inside safe.
On top of being fireproof, this safe is also waterproof can will protect your goods for 24 hours in water up to about 8 inches deep.
This safe also comes with a digital lock that is set during the initial setup. This steel safe is constructed with four live-locking bolts and offers extra security with a pry-resistant hinge, and a locking drawer.
What we like
- Decent price
- Digital lock
- High quality steel construction
- Fireproof and waterproof
What we don’t like
- Handle feels cheap/flimsy
- Quality control
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
3- SentrySafe SF123ES Fireproof Safe
The next safe on our list is the SentrySafe SF123ES Fireproof Safe. This safe is also similar to the previous two except it is a bit smaller and is only fireproof. It can endure up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour.
This safe is also able to withstand a 15 foot fall all while remaining closed. It uses a digital lock combination keypad that requires AA batteries for operation. Long lasting batteries are recommended to allow your safe to function properly for years.
The door features 4 live-locking bolts, a heavy duty steel construction, pry-resistant hinge bar, and the option to bolt it to the ground.
This is a great compact safe if you have a small amount of cards in your collection that you want to keep stored away.
What we like
- Compact design
- High quality
- Good price
- Fall proof
- Fireproof
What we don’t like
- Not waterproof
- Digital lock pad can feel cheap/flimsy
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
4- Amazon Basics Home Keypad Safe
Next on our list is the Amazon Basics Home Keypad Safe. This safe is good enough to store your sports cards without making a dent in your wallet. It’s a good size for a small collection. It is protected with a programmable electronic keypad that also comes with a backup key as an emergency.
This safe is constructed out of heavy-duty carbon-steel constructions with 2 live-door bolts and pry-resistant concealed hinges. There is also an option to mount the safe to the floor or wall.
What we like
- Good price
- Decent size
- High quality steel
- Electronic keypad
What we don’t like
- Not fireproof or waterproof
- Quality might not be up to par compared to other more well known brands
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
5- SentrySafe X125 Security Safe
The last safe on our list is the SentrySafe X125 Security Safe. It’s a decent sized budget safe that comes complete with removable shelving and power cord access for charging devices.
It has a digital combination lock for added security and works great as a personal home safe. The only downside is that this safe is smaller which in turn means you won’t be able to store as many cards.
It features 2 live-locking bolts, a sturdy steel construction, hidden hinges, and bolt down hardware. This is overall a great pick if you are on a budget or your collection is still small. The major flaw with this safe is that it doesn’t protect against fire or water.
What we like
- Low price
- Good size for a small card collection
What we don’t like
- May be too small for some
- Does not protect against fire or water
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
What to Look for in a Safe for Your Sports Cards
To find the best safe for your needs, consider the following major aspects before finalizing a purchase.
Fireproof
One of the main traits to look for in a safe is for it to be fireproof. Depending on the quality and build of the safe will determine the duration and amount of heat it can handle.
Having a fireproof safe for your sports cards and other valuables helps give you that piece of mind if something were to ever catch fire in your home.
Waterproof
Another option that a safe can come with is being waterproof. A waterproof safe is able to withstand a large flood, typically about 8 to 12 inches of water for about 24 to 72 hours depending on build of the safe.
A waterproof safe may be a great idea if you have a basement or a cellar in which you will be planning on storing your safe. Below ground level rooms are always more prone to flooding than your average bedroom or closet.
Mounting Options
Being able to either mount your safe to the wall or the ground is always a great option to have. Some safe have an option for one, both, or neither. Be sure to plan ahead and make sure the safe you are looking at offers the mounting option you are looking for.
Best Safe Brands
SentrySafe
SentrySafe is the biggest name and a global leader in offering fire-resistant security storage solutions at a massive scale. They started their journey in 1930, and now produce items to more than 50 countries worldwide.
Sentrysafe is an affiliate to the well known company, Master Lock Company LLC which is a world renown padlocks and security company.
The Master Lock Company’s mission is to provide a simple peace of mind to its consumers when it comes to protecting and securing their daily lives in the places they live, work, and play.
They have been an iconic brand since the beginning, and strive to offer only the best quality and service.
Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics is Amazons lineup to widely popular items. The Amazon Basics catalog is a great place to shop if you are looking for decent quality products at an affordable price.
We use the terms decent quality loosely, as most Amazon Basics items are produced with the intent of taking over competitors at a good profit margin for Amazon which usually includes lower cost products when manufacturing their goods.
FAQs
What’s the Best Fireproof Safe for Cards?
The best fireproof safe for cards is the SentrySafe EF4738E. It offers a ton of storage, is both waterproof and fireproof, and can withstand 30 minutes at 1400 degrees fahrenheit in case of a fire.
Final Thoughts
For the avid sports card enthusiast, we recommend the SentrySafe EF4738E Fireproof Waterproof Safe. It can withstand temperatures of up to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, and can also protect up to 72 hours in 12 inches of water during a flood. It also has more than enough storage space for your cards and other belongings.
Our runner up safe is the SentrySafe SFW123GDC Fireproof Safe and Waterproof Safe. Again, this safe is both fire and water proof allowing a great amount of protection. This option is cheaper and even does better against fire and water, but it is smaller than the first pick. If you dont mind sacrificing storage space for better safety, then this will be a great fit.
Whichever safe you choose to store your sports cards, we hope this guide has been helpful in your purchasing decision. Thanks for reading!