Platinum, rhodium and palladium are some of the elements known as platinum-group metals, otherwise known as PGMs.
The amounts and proportions of PGMs depends on the age and type of vehicle.
- Cars, light-duty trucks, and motorcycles average total is 2-6 grams.
- Larger-engine SUV's and trucks average total can range anywhere from 6-30 grams.
Gasoline-powered-vehicle catalytic converters use all three of the aforementioned rare-earth metals (update: at current prices, I highly doubt rhodium is still being used). Diesel-powered-vehicle catalytic converters use only platinum and rhodium (update: rhodium usage for new vehicles is questionable). As a side note, PGMs are also in heavy demand in the electronics industries.
How Much Is a Catalytic Converter Worth?
The Shorter Answer...
Depending on the age and type of vehicle, the PGMs in a catalytic converter can be worth anywhere from $100 to a rare $1,000 or more. The newer and/or smaller cars being closer to $100. The larger, older vehicles could have catalytic converters worth $600 and up. As for the $1,000 and the rampant inflation, older vehicles with the original converter are becoming more and more valuable; something to consider when buying or selling an older vehicle.Regarding the catalytic converter, keep in mind that what the PGMs are worth is not what you will be paid. There is the labor, cost of metal extraction, overhead, and the buyer's expected profit margin; not to mention the greed factor. It would also be wise to be able to prove ownership. Otherwise, a phone call might be being made inside while you are talking with the potential buyer outside. Driving in with the actual vehicle or at least the vehicle's paperwork will give you more legitimacy and probably even a higher price. Do extensively ask around and shop around. As a side note, oxygen sensors also use PGMs and have a recycle value.
The Longer Answer...
As a general rule: the older the vehicle, the more PGMs present in the catalytic converter. Because of the high cost of PGMs, industry continually strives to reduce the amount necessary by the use of other metals and materials and/or design changes- Due to the neverending supply chain issues and chip shortages, platinum prices are basically unchanged during the last three months. Prices bounced around from $981 a troy ounce to $1005 a troy ounce. This works out to a change from $31.54 a gram to 32.32 a gram. However and as usual, that troy ounce price could change either way by $50 in a heartbeat.
- Palladium has erratically migrated from $3,100 a troy ounce to $2,322 a troy ounce within the last 30 days, per gram price now being $74.66.
- Rhodium prices have been the most chaotic of the three during the last 30 days. Prices have ranged from a high of $20,000 per troy ounce to a low of $17,400; price is currently around $18,500, price-per-gram now being around $594.86; fluctuations of $500 to $2,000 per troy ounce are the norm. It's a pretty good bet that catalytic converter manufacturers are still avoiding rhodium usage as much as possible. It sure would be nice to know when rhodium usage for catalytic converters was at its peak; those older model cars I would think are really worth something. The charts show rhodium about $575 a troy ounce/$18.50 a gram five years ago.
Current prices for platinum and palladium can be found here, note the historical charts as well. Rhodium prices can be found here. Price information resources come and go. If the links stop working, a search will quickly find a new one.
It turns out the information to write this page was not easy to find. Fortunately, I stumbled across much of it buried in a government-archived article about catalytic converter cerium recovery written by the USGS. The article has more information scattered around about catalytic converters, what recyclers might be willing to pay for them, about platinum and the other PGMs, and other recycling information, etc. The prices stated in the government article are woefully obsolete, but the rest of the information is still valid.
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Platinum Nugget. Source: USGS |
- End of Article -
[There are lots of buy/sell leads and advice in the following comments section. Be advised that the leads and advice have not been vetted, usual business caution applies.]
[A regretful February 2022 update. Spammers have been inundating this website with junk links; as such I've been forced to temporarily disable the comments section. The remaining comments following this article are all non-spam. Hopefully I'll be able to re-enable the comments section in the near future. [UPDATE! COMMENTS HAVE BEEN RE-ENABLED. We will see how it goes.]]
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Can you explain why Palladium is still being used as a catalyst in cars and trucks when platinum is 40% cheaper? At the time Palladium was first used it was about 1/3 the price of Platinum, so that made sense at that time to use it, but why now? Thanks for this tip.
ReplyDeleteC E Carl
Platinum is mainly used for diesel engines, which are being phased out in europe. Petrol engine cats require more palladium. That is why platinum is down and palladium is up.
DeletePlatinum Group Metals and Rare earth metals are not the same. The demand for rare earth metals is due to the Electric and Hybrid vehicle market. Rhodium is mainly used to reduce the formation of NOx palladium is not as efficient as platinum at converting HCs and CO to CO2 and H2o. It is costly however to convert over to another metal in manufacturing of catalyst.
ReplyDeleteHow much palladium or other PGM is used in the average new hybrid? The electric car? I understand rare earth metals used in electric motors is also essential to production.
ReplyDeleteI belive most electric motors use electromagnet not rare earth magnets.
DeleteCopper is 2 bucks a pound clean scrap.
50hp motor might have 100lbs of copper. I might be wrong though there are motors that use earth magnets. I though they were only pretty small ones.
How much moneys worth of precious metals do u get out of one converter I and going to use a plasma cutter to open them up will that work
ReplyDeleteEvery converter has a different amount of each of the platinum group metals. I am a converter buyer, the amount of each platinum group metal in each converter is what controls the scrap value and they are constantly changing. I have around 7000 different scrap converter prices on my price sheet. With some converters you would be lucky to get $10 worth of PGM's out and other converters have over $1000 worth of PGM's
DeleteHello Shane! Are you ok sharing your price sheet?
DeleteI am a scrapper and would be interested if you could share that price sheet. I never know what to do with these things, open them and extract or ship whole. Maybe knowing prices would make it an easier decision.
DeleteI can share some info with you about cats
DeleteI will pay you for your price sheet.Where would you go to refine .your converters.ty for your time
DeleteI do not own rights to the pricing data. Pricing changes daily with the market. The smelters and refiners control the price data and you have to start doing business with them and contracts have to be signed to get the info. They all have there own database for prices. They don't give it out freely because it cost millions to assay each part # converter to get the PGM content just to create a price list. If you plan on going in deep and being a top tier buyer you need to plan on investing $100,000 to $150,000 at a minimum and deal with a refinery or smelter. I started about 20 years ago as a small time buyer and built myself up. I eventually started dealing with a company that had a pdf file price sheet. I sold a few loads to them and then started working on dealing with a refinery. The refinery wouldn't give me any pricing data until I traveled to the refinery with a load of converters and signed a non disclosure agreement. I simply used the pdf file to buy converters with until that point. Refineries won't deal with you unless you buy loads. Most that I've seen have around a 500 piece minimum, or the equivalent if you are decanting. Bottom line is if your not going to be investing a lot of cash just shop around and find a reputable buyer, beware!!! a lot of buyers will pay real good and sometimes even lose $ on the first few that they price for you just to get your business and then start lowballing you later. If you go big set you a percentage that you want to make and just stick with it across the board. Don't try to double your money. Treat people right and the business will steadily grow into a lasting income. I run on a 10% profit margin. Doesn't sound like much but if you build your business right you can make a very good and lasting income.
DeleteShane Sparks
DeleteAfter searching the market of pgms I pretty agree with you.
However, how is it possible to be some catalyst so cheap like 10$ ? Even the 100$ catalysts have very low percentages in PGM, therefore 10$ catalysts have no pgms, and their whole value are the ceramics, aluminium, iron etc. So, have I to suppose that many catalysts are not doing the work that were made for? And how is this not illegal according to the environmental laws? (pgms are the reason of making the exhaust fumes less hazardous for the environment)
I'm in the state of Georgia I wanted to know is there any Refinery company out there that is willing to refine my converters for me Here is my contact number anyone with any information please feel free to contact me 706-308-5947 Dexter
DeleteHave you did business with metallic metals It doesn't pay more to have them decant or just send them whole
DeleteI have 8000 pounds of catalytic converters what refinement would you recommend
Deletedaniellambeth80@gmail.com
DeleteCan someone sell the precious metals without the catalyic converter
ReplyDeleteThey are sold as bullion
DeleteNO IMPOSSIBLE!!! KEEP.INTACT!!!
DeleteSomewhere someone is doing that, but they are set up to do it. It's not easy to extract and separate the different precious metals from old used catalytic converters. In fact it's quite a difficult and drawn out process. If it was easy enough that you could do it at home everybody would be doing it.
DeleteDoes anyone buy new converter pellets? I have some from the early 1980's that was part of a general motors recall on the 307 Oldsmobile .
DeleteDid you find someone to buy ur pellets?How many lbs are we talking,before I even explain what we would have to do to shop,transport,etc..U know,the stuff can add up to be valuable and need be insured and tracked from weight and boxed to received.
DeleteWhere can one attain that price sheet
ReplyDeleteHello, if you don’t mind please contact me at ams93@mail.aub.edu
ReplyDeleteI am a researcher and I would like to know more about the types of converters and the distribution of metal accordingly.
Thank you in advance
What are the possibilities of this business in india
ReplyDeleteDO NOT TAKE OUT TJE HONEYCOMB!!!! VERY HARD IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO SELL THAT WAY !!!! KEEP INTACT NUMBERS ON SHELL DETERMINES PRICE!!! PROVES WHAT IT IS INSIDE!!!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't prove what's inside.I happen to know plenty of uneducated,or uncaring people that bust whatever is in the way of them getting the exhaust out their pipes..It's not a bit different looking on outside after a long metal rod has reemed everything out .or just burnt nd flew out in some engines I hear..Don't Know of that .but You Have To Look Them Up And Know Half Or Whole Cat..And Light It Up In Their..Take A Piece Of Wood and Measure What Depth..To Bad Can't Look That Up On Them..
DeleteHello, trying to sell a big volume of cat scrap from El Salvador Central America but kind of confused, some people recommend keeping the cats intact and sell them by part number and other ask us to use a decanner and just ship the honeycomb-dust to them. Our volume is big and we would like to get the best possible value. Your advice will be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteAbel. Estoy interesado en hablar contigo. Envíame un mensaje aquí. O a Hugo.portlandautos@gmail
DeleteHablo english!?
DeleteContacto me @ boleyg88@gmail.com
Top dollar!$$$$
I've been in the junk car business for over twenty-five years. I was always told to never take the converters apart as it makes them nearly impossible to identify. The value of a scrap catalytic converter is based on the serial number stamped or etched on the outside shell of each converter. If you separate the shell from the honeycomb (honeycomb=the guts of a catalytic converter) there is no way to verify the type of CC (CC=catalytic converter) that honeycomb was in originally. As a rule, the honeycomb in CC's all look the same. Without the shell or outer casing there is no serial number. Without a serial number the honeycomb from a CC is basically worthless in my experience.
DeleteWho will buy my converters at the best prices in from Canada and I will ship as long as I'm getting the proper dollar for my converters
ReplyDeletecontact me at BBMsales@gmail for Canadian Cats. Thks
DeleteSend your price here: fidelodum8@gmail.com.
DeleteThanks a bunch
im a core buyer in michigan id like to talk with you further about potential buisness contact me at.
ReplyDeleteCardoctor5176269338@gmail.com
You have a price sheet to what you pay and what coverters you want the most
DeleteI would love to see it if all possible.ty for your time
Deletehow much does my clk320 2005 catalytic converters have PGA?
ReplyDeleteVW converters. Whats the best 1.
ReplyDeleteOn average how much rhodium is found in a gas catalytic converter?
ReplyDeleteI like the rest of you guys are interested, slightly intrigued and even more so have the fever and twinkle in both eyes when it comes to the potential life changing kinda numbers I'm reading and learning about a possible business in the PGM industry I'm a lifelong go getter that trys on a daily to put my own spin on just about anything and everything I come in contact with most the time I strike out sometimes I get lucky and break just below even. And far and few in between I muck up and make a mistake that somehow by no fault of my own I slip up and fall into a puddle oozing in Pgms.
ReplyDeleteLong story short we all have a common interest how can we come together and actually build something together over this interweb thingy that is beneficial to all that helps accordingly? If interested in my next grand idea send me email kingmikeconverter@gmail.com
Price sheet
ReplyDeleteA dated price sheet would be a great benefit.But you guys with the sheets like to keep them secret, like Diamond dealers do a rap, (rapport) price sheet. Bottom line little guy, get it from a smelter/refiner.
ReplyDeleteIndian please contact in this no +917008098616- Noorain.
ReplyDeletePlease get in contact with me I need more information about this business thanks so much my whats app is +447570053565 email Jmsalesteam121@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI am from Pakistan. I can provide CC.
ReplyDelete0092-317-1111101 Dont feel hesitate to contact.
I can help you with your CC sales and get you top value for each individual CC please contact me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss
Delete502-293-8670
I am from Nigeria. I can supply you exhaust catalyst in large quantities. And I need your email address and your WhatsApp number too. Thanks
ReplyDeleteLet me know
DeleteContact me at
ReplyDelete804-661-4279
My name is Samuel Stephenson
My company name is: Sam Cores
I have a bundle of cats who can I ship to for a good profit leave me your direct number hereof text 9515798051 John strickland
ReplyDeleteI am located in Japan, in the used car export business and have just set up a shop for dismantling. Would be interested in working with someone who is interested in importing catalysts from Japan. Contact me if interested: Edward
ReplyDeleteinfo@jce.international
Contact me with some details of what you have or may have in future. We are in Canada and we import from all over the world. arizeco@gmail.com
DeleteHave some converters from 3 lincoln town cars
ReplyDeleteOne us 1983,1996,and 1995
How much are they worth
Email me at
DeleteCocas820@gmail.com
650 a set off each car the 96 and 95 cause they got a total of 4 2 half cats and 2 full cats for a total of 1300 if the 83 gots a torpedo style converter it can be worth 1800 by it's self
DeleteLurch .. I text u about my list of cats I have bought today.. wanna see if I could possibly get more for mine elsewhere. I think my people believe their family is more worthy to eat.. than mine. So its time to find a new buyer. I am just starting out in this field.. however I bring about 500 cats a month at the moment
DeleteI am dismantler from UAE and can supply Cats in loads. Interested buyers info@247spares.ae
ReplyDeletePlease contact me so we can discuss 502-293-8670
DeleteHave a cat off of a 2001 ford excursion how much is it worth
ReplyDelete$800-$1000
DeleteI am a buyer in New Brunswick Canada, looking for someone that can get me a real time price app. Yes I will pay the money.
ReplyDelete100 too 500 a week. Thanks
U looking for somebody to by used cats in the u.s.a....for u..is that what ur asking
DeleteGoldencirclerecycling@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks
price value for actual sreening in rolls ?
ReplyDeleteLol if ya don't have a sheet there's a reason it's tricky to the trade
ReplyDeleteHi I have 2002 0pel Astra with original catalytic converter how much can get in south Africa
ReplyDeleteHow much for 1999 ford taurus cats...looks like a mesh wiring around something and then in front of it is a cat I know that looks like a grenade kind of. How much for this style year and model? Best I'm able to describe...also hoe many cats are there ?
ReplyDeletePls I need someone that will buy pt catalyst from me...youngdayla21@gmail.com contact me
ReplyDeleteNeed buyer my cats
ReplyDeleteI have an 02 Chevy avalanche how much would the cats be worth
ReplyDeleteCan u guys suggest me some refiner or smelter companies where I can do business with... BTW I am in the uae... Contact 0545601499
ReplyDeleteHow much are the cats of a 2003 Nissan maxima
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post. So, do I understand correctly if I say that diesel catalytic converters are less worthy than petrol ones for thieves?
ReplyDeleteCan you send me a list of the numbers off the convertors and some photos then we can talk pricing and how to ship and your payment can also reach me at 7086257800
ReplyDeleteI have a cat off my Ford RV numbers read 9u94-5k282-aa. I am in PHX. How much is it worth and is anyone local? Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI'm wanting to start something legit on my end for what I can market to receive and then trade hands to a reputable and honest buyer, lmao I know that's probably tricky but I know it exsist I need some data and PDF sent with up to date prices and pictures to be able to give sellers the best possible price fast and effectively as anyone wanting to navigate the profits of a mobile buyer and sales service entrepreneur my # is griffinray40@gmail.com.
ReplyDelete