How to Get Coins in Pokémon GO

Having enough PokéCoins unlocks many of the game’s best features and content, and by having sufficient resources at your disposal, you’ll significantly enhance your gaming experience while accelerating your progression. 

With PokéCoins, you can purchase raid passes, expand your Pokémon storage, and even keep your inventory well-stocked. 

However, there’s a problem: these coins are not easy to come by, and you’ll have to be patient and make smart decisions to get the most.

Instead of wasting time on fruitless actions, this guide teaches you how to get coins in Pokémon GO, alongside methods for increasing your stash!

Mastering Gym Defense for Free PokéCoins

First up, the best way to earn free PokéCoins is by simply dominating Gyms. This is easier said than done, though, as you’ll have to master different game features, including strategy, timing, and Pokémon selection.

The Mechanics, A Numbers Game

While many players see Gym battles as complex tasks, they’re more straightforward than you might think. 

When you place a Pokémon in a friendly gym, you’ll start a passive process of coin earning. 

• You earn one PokéCoin for every 10 minutes your Pokémon successfully defends a gym.

• There is a daily earning cap of 50 coins per day. This is a hard limit, no matter how many Pokémon you have in gyms or how long they’ve been defending.

• The coins are awarded when your Pokémon is knocked out of the gym and returns to you.

The magic number is 8 hours and 20 minutes. That’s the exact time your Pokémon needs to defend to hit the 50-coin maximum for the day. After that, you won’t enjoy any other benefits. 

Tips for Gym Domination

Getting 50 coins is relatively easy as long as you have a solid gym strategy. Just make sure that you pick the right Pokémon, find the right spot, and have the right timing. Besides that, there are a few extra things you can do: 

• Analyze Your Defenders: Your front line needs to be resilient. We’re talking about high-stamina titans like Blissey, Snorlax, and Slaking. These Pokémon are designed to absorb damage and wear down their attackers, thereby maximizing the time they spend defending the gym. Their high CP and deep health pools make them a frustrating obstacle for rival teams.

• Location, Location, Location: The bustling gym in the city center might look tempting, but it’s a high-turnover warzone. The savvy Trainer looks for gyms off the beaten path, such as in suburban parks, quieter neighborhoods, or rural landmarks. Lower foot traffic means your Pokémon are more likely to defend for longer, hitting that 8-hour-and-20-minute sweet spot.

• Time Your Takeover: Placing your Pokémon in a gym late at night is the best way to go about things. With fewer players active, your defender has a greater chance of lasting through the night and returning to you with a full day’s pay in the morning.

The goal is to create a steady stream of income. Spreading your defenders across different gyms can help stagger their return times, ensuring you have a better chance of collecting your 50 coins each day rather than having them all return at once and wasting the potential earnings.

Acquiring PokéCoins with Style and Speed

While the daily grind builds character, understanding that time is the ultimate resource is essential.

For those who want to accelerate their progress and immediately access the game’s best items, directly acquiring PokéCoins is the most efficient route. 

It’s a power move that lets you bypass the daily limit and instantly stock up for Community Days, Raid Hours, and any other event Niantic throws your way.

In-Game Shop vs. The Web Store

You have options, and a smart player weighs them all. You can purchase items directly from the in-game store, but the official Pokémon GO Web Store often presents a superior value proposition. 

The web store frequently features exclusive bundles and bonus coins, rewarding those who plan their purchases.

As with any wise investment, buying in bulk yields better returns. A small purchase might get you a single Raid Pass, but larger packages significantly lower the cost per coin, giving you more firepower for your money.

Here’s a look at how the value scales with standard USD pricing:

For trainers who want to maximize their collection, secure rare Pokémon, and stay ahead of the curve, acquiring PokéCoins directly is the clear choice.

Alternative Routes to Getting Coins in POGO

While gym defense is the bedrock of free-to-play earnings, Niantic occasionally opens other avenues for hardcore players, such as:

• Event-Driven Windfalls: Keep a sharp eye on the in-game news for special events and Timed Research. Occasionally, Niantic offers paid research tickets (like the Daily PokéCoin Field Research) that reward a handful of coins for completing daily tasks. These are limited-time opportunities that can supplement your primary source of income.

• Platform Loyalty: For Android users, the Google Play Points program can be a source of value. In-app purchases earn you points that can be redeemed for Google Play Credit or, at times, special Pokémon GO coupons and item bundles. 

How to Best Spend Your PokéCoins

While earning coins sounds excellent on paper, it’s also a good idea to learn about different strategies for maximizing their value. Here are a few suggestions you should follow for getting as many benefits as possible: 

1. Prioritize Permanent Upgrades: Your first major investments should always be Pokémon Storage and Item Bag upgrades. These are permanent enhancements that will serve you for your entire Pokémon GO career. You’ll never regret having more space for new Pokémon or essential items.

2. Invest in Efficiency: Incubators provide excellent value for coins, especially during hatching-focused events. Remote Raid Passes are arguably one of the most game-changing items, allowing you to join raids anywhere in the world and hunt for regional exclusives or shiny Legendaries.

3. Wait for the Big Boxes: Niantic regularly releases special Event Boxes in the shop during major holidays and events. These bundles offer a collection of premium items, such as Raid Passes, Incubators, and Star Pieces, at a major discount compared to buying them individually. Saving your coins for these sales is the single best way to maximize their value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I earn more than 50 PokéCoins in a single day from gyms?
A: No, the 50-coin limit is a hard cap on earnings from gym defense in any 24 hours.

Q: What happens if my Pokémon defends a gym for multiple days?
A: You will still receive a maximum of 50 coins, and you’ll receive them on the day your Pokémon is finally knocked out and returns to you. Regardless of whether it’s there for two days or two weeks, the payout is capped at 50 coins.

Q: Are there other ways to earn free coins, like from spinning PokéStops?
A: Currently, gym defense is the best, consistent method for earning PokéCoins for free within the game. Special research and events are the other, less frequent, sources.

Q: Do I need to use third-party apps to get coins?
A: Absolutely not. Earning coins should be done through the official methods outlined by Niantic, such as gym defense, events, and direct, secure purchases. Using unauthorized apps or services is a quick way to get your account flagged or suspended.

After reading this guide, you have all the knowledge necessary to increase your PokéCoin balance. Whether that’s through earning them through gym battles or through smart purchasing, you can always use this article as a reference. 

Curious about the value of your dedication? Use our free Pokémon GO Account Value Calculator to see the value of your collection and track your progress!