Grading

How much does CGC charge per card, and what won't it grade?

Published · By the Cards from Japan editors

Summary

For direct U.S. submissions, CGC Cards' cheapest tier is Bulk at $17 a card (25-card minimum, $500 maximum value), followed by Economy at $20. Both prices took effect March 24, 2026. Cards must be 2-5/8 by 3-3/4 inches or smaller and no more than 7.25 mm thick, and CGC names products it won't grade at all, including Funskool Pokémon cards and Kayou Naruto cards numbered NR-.

Fees and estimated turnaround

TierPer cardMax valueEst. turnaround
Bulk (25-card minimum)$17$500150 days
Economy$20$1,00090 days
Standard$55$3,00010 days
Express$100$10,0005 days
WalkThrough$300$100,0002 days

A Bulk order can mix games to reach 25 cards. Associate and Premium members get 10% off grading, and Elite members get 20%. Turnaround is counted in working days and is an estimate CGC does not guarantee. CGC also does not send back the sleeves, card savers, or other materials cards arrive in. The March increase applies to U.S. card submissions only.

The "does not grade" list

CGC says it grades "virtually all" trading card games, sports cards, and non-sports cards, then lists exceptions: Pokémon cards printed by Funskool, cards with missing foil, Kayou Naruto cards whose numbers start with NR-, Kayou Ultraman X-Files, unlicensed ACEO fantasy cards, and Square Cut cards from the Wizards of the Coast era without provenance. Altered, counterfeit, cleaned, or restored cards get no numeric grade and no holder. A card turned down for questionable authenticity, tampering, or added color is still charged.

Sources

  1. CGC Grading Services & Fees
  2. CGC Updates Bulk and Economy Tiers
  3. Cards We Grade

Details are as published on these pages on the date above and can change. Check the official page before you buy or submit.

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