Pokémon GO has been a mobile gaming sensation since its debut back in 2016, maintaining a dedicated following of both new and longtime players. Developed by Niantic, the free-to-play app is highly accessible and regularly updated with new events and Pokémon to encounter. This keeps trainers busy catching Pokémon, visiting Gyms, battling Team Rocket, and participating in Community Day events. With so much to do, you need to stay stocked up on supplies, which can require spending some PokéCoins.
Luckily, there are two ways to earn coins, referred to as PokéCoins in Pokémon GO. The biggest pro here is that you don’t have to spend cold, hard cash to add to your stash — although, that’s also an option. Here’s a guide covering how you can get your hands on PokéCoins in Pokémon GO and a short FAQ answering the most pressing questions on every trainer’s mind.
How to Get Free Coins (PokéCoins) in Pokémon GO
Like the main game series, Pokémon GO encourages trainers to take on Gyms, which offer an entirely different experience and set of rewards than those received in mainline titles, namely PokéCoins. In fact, challenging Gyms is the only guaranteed way to earn free coins in the app. I recommend frequenting your nearest Gym to make easy bank. To do this, you’ll need to take over Gyms from other teams or defend those your own team has claimed. I’m repping Team Mystic at my local Gym.
By taking over or defending Gyms, you can earn up to six PokéCoins an hour. The only drawback here is that you can only receive 50 free coins a day, so you’ll need to visit regularly to continuously earn more.
How to Buy Coins (PokéCoins) in Pokémon GO
You can purchase PokéCoins with your own hard-earned money if you’re in a pinch and need to get coins fast. Available bundles range in price from as low as $5 to nearly $100. Just head to the Pokémon GO Web Store and choose one of the following PokéCoin bundles to receive more coins in the app.
- 600 PokéCoins + 50 Web Store Bonus Coins
- 1,300 PokéCoins + 100 Web Store Bonus Coins
- 2,700 PokéCoins + 200 Web Store Bonus Coins
- 5,600 PokéCoins + 400 Web Store Bonus Coins
- 15,500 PokéCoins + 1,000 Web Store Bonus Coins
What Can You Buy with PokéCoins in Pokémon GO?
With enough PokéCoins, you can buy just about anything a trainer needs on their journey in Pokémon GO. Here’s what you can get when you spend coins in the app.
- Poké Balls
- Lucky Eggs
- Egg Incubators
- Incense
- Lure Modules
- Bag Upgrades
- Pokémon Storage Upgrades
While you may be itching to spend some of the coins you’ve saved, be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest promo codes and events to receive free items and rewards in Pokémon GO. For more on the app, codes, and the mainline Pokémon series, check out these articles from us: How to Redeem Codes in Pokémon GO, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – How to Connect to Pokémon GO, Pokémon Unite Codes (July 2023).