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How to get cards graded in the UK

Plan a UK grading submission by route, eligibility, packing requirements and the full cost of sending cards.

By the Trading Card Preservation team · Checked 2026-10-25

Grading prices and turnaround times change often. Use the individual source dates shown with the service figures; check the current price before you submit.
This isn't financial advice. A grade doesn't guarantee a resale price, and grading fees and postage can cost more than a card is worth.

Choose the route before packing

Route What to establish
UK grading service Supported cards, fee tier and return arrangements
Direct overseas submission Currency, shipping, insurance and submission requirements
UK intermediary Current authorisation, included charges and responsibility for each journey

Our checked examples include Ace direct, PSA direct in US dollars and CGC through its UK office. They are different routes, not a ranking of likely grades or sale outcomes.

Work through eligibility

Confirm your card type is accepted, check the service's declared-value rules and establish whether a membership or minimum order applies. An unlisted value cap is unknown, not unlimited. Do not choose a lower declared value merely to force a card into a cheaper tier.

Use the grading comparer to filter the verified fee rows. It calculates the published grading fee for your quantity. It does not quote a complete shipped order or convert currencies.

Budget and schedule separately

List grading, labels, membership, packing, outbound delivery, return delivery and any other charges the service identifies. Then allow for receiving and dispatch as well as grading. A business-day estimate is not a calendar delivery promise.

Read the selected service's live packing instructions before buying submission supplies. Keep a copy of the submission record and a list of the cards you send. Our packing guide explains why one grader's holder requirement should not be transferred to every route.

Sources & checks