The Short Answer
- Use penny sleeves + Card Saver 1 holders for PSA and CGC submissions
- Never use hard top loaders for PSA; they can cause corner damage
- Ship in a sturdy box with no empty space, not a padded envelope alone
- Insure for full declared value and require adult signature
- Photograph every card front and back before shipping
The Quick Answer
To ship cards safely to a grading company, place each card in a penny sleeve and Card Saver 1 semi-rigid holder, organize them in the same order as your submission form, sandwich the stack between two pieces of cardboard, wrap in bubble wrap, and pack tightly inside a sturdy box. Use USPS Priority Mail or UPS/FedEx with tracking, full insurance, and adult signature. Photograph every card before shipping in case of damage or loss claims.
Essential Supplies
- Penny sleeves: New, clean sleeves for every card. Old sleeves can hold dust or grit.
- Card Saver 1 semi-rigid holders: PSA preferred. Do not use top loaders for PSA submissions.
- Team bags or resealable bags: Keep Card Savers grouped and clean.
- Cardboard sandwich: Two clean pieces of cardboard slightly larger than the card stack.
- Painter tape: Low-tack tape to seal the cardboard sandwich without residue.
- Bubble wrap: Wrap the sandwich to prevent movement.
- Sturdy box: USPS Small Flat Rate Box or a corrugated box with at least 1 inch of padding on all sides.
- Shipping labels and insurance: Print online for tracking and proof of value.
Packing Step-by-Step
- Sleeve and holder. Place the card in a penny sleeve, then slide the sleeved card into a Card Saver 1. Insert gently to avoid corner dings.
- Sort by submission order. Lay Card Savers in the exact order listed on your PSA/BGS/CGC submission form.
- Cardboard sandwich. Stack the Card Savers between two pieces of cardboard. Tape the edges with painter tape to hold them together.
- Wrap and box. Wrap the sandwich in bubble wrap. Place it in a box with padding on all sides so nothing moves when shaken.
- Include paperwork. Place the printed submission form and barcode page on top of the card stack. Some graders also want a copy on the outside of the box.
- Seal and label. Use strong packing tape. Attach the shipping label and any required barcode pages.
Carrier, Tracking, and Insurance
The three main options are USPS, UPS, and FedEx. All are acceptable if you use tracking and insurance.
- USPS Priority Mail: Reliable, includes $100 insurance, and offers flat-rate boxes. Add extra insurance for values over $100.
- UPS Ground: Good for high-value submissions. Includes $100 base coverage; declare full value for additional insurance.
- FedEx Ground or Express: Fast and reliable. Use for walkthrough or high-value tiers.
Always require a signature (Adult Signature Required for high-value submissions). This prevents packages from being left unattended. Keep your tracking number and receipt until the cards are returned safely.
Declared Value and Insurance Tips
Declared value determines your service tier and insurance cap. Be honest but realistic. Over-declaring raises fees; under-declaring reduces insurance coverage if the package is lost.
For insurance claims, you need proof of value. Recent eBay sold listings, auction records, or a professional appraisal are accepted by most carriers. Take clear photos of every card front and back before packing; these photos are critical evidence if damage occurs during shipping.
Common Shipping Mistakes
- Using padded envelopes alone: They do not protect against bending or crushing.
- Top loaders for PSA: PSA prefers Card Savers. Top loaders can press corners during removal.
- Loose packing: Cards that move inside the box can slide and damage edges.
- No insurance: A lost package without insurance is a total loss.
- Wrong declared value: Can cause service tier mismatches or claim denials.
- Missing documentation: Without a submission form, graders may delay processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use top loaders for PSA submissions?
PSA recommends Card Saver 1 semi-rigid holders. Top loaders are too rigid and can cause corner damage when the grading team removes the card. BGS and CGC may accept top loaders, but Card Savers are safer for all companies.
How much insurance do I need?
Insure for the full declared value of the submission. If you are sending $5,000 worth of cards, declare and insure $5,000. Carriers may require proof of value for claims over $500.
What carrier is best for grading submissions?
USPS Priority Mail is the most common choice for regular submissions due to cost and flat-rate boxes. UPS and FedEx are better for high-value or time-sensitive submissions. All three are reliable if you use tracking and signature confirmation.
Should I photograph cards before shipping?
Yes. Photograph every card front and back in high resolution before packing. These photos are your evidence if the grading company reports damage or if the package is lost.
Sources & Further Reading
With submission floors rising, pre-screening is no longer optional. Use our AI Pre-Grade Calculator to score a card's PSA 10 odds before you pay, and the Submission Planner to pick the right tier.