How much does CGC charge per card, and what won't it grade?
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 Pokémon cards printed by Funskool and cards with missing foil.
Fees and estimated turnaround
| Tier | Per card | Max value | Est. turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk (25-card minimum) | $17 | $500 | 150 days |
| Economy | $20 | $1,000 | 90 days |
| Standard | $55 | $3,000 | 10 days |
| Express | $100 | $10,000 | 5 days |
| WalkThrough | $300 | $100,000 | 2 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, Square Cut cards from the Wizards of the Coast era without provenance, and fantasy, unlicensed, or homemade cards. 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
- CGC Grading Services & Fees (checked 2026-11-02)
- CGC Updates Bulk and Economy Tiers (checked 2026-11-02)
- Cards We Grade (checked 2026-11-02)
Details are as published on these pages on the date above and can change. Check the official page before you buy or submit.