The Short Answer
- Use semi-rigid Card Savers or top loaders to protect cards during shipping
- Ship BGS submissions via UPS or FedEx with adult signature and full insurance
- Declare accurate values for insurance and avoid under-declaring high-value cards
- Complete the BGS submission online and include a printed packing slip
- Turnaround times range from 5 business days (Priority) to 75+ days (Base)
Quick Answer: How to Send Cards to BGS
To send cards to BGS, package each card in a penny sleeve and Card Saver, complete the BGS submission form online, print the packing slip, and ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature and full insurance. Include the packing slip inside the package and keep a copy of your tracking number. BGS turnaround ranges from 5 business days (Priority) to 75+ days (Base).
Packing Supplies for BGS
- Penny sleeves: Protect the card surface from dust and scratches.
- Card Savers (semi-rigid): BGS prefers Card Savers over top loaders. They are lightweight and protect corners.
- Team bags: Seal groups of cards together to prevent movement.
- Bubble wrap or foam: Fill empty space in the box.
- Sturdy cardboard box: USPS Priority Small Flat Rate boxes work for small submissions.
- Packing tape: Reinforce all seams.
How to Package Cards for BGS
- Sleeve each card: Place the card in a clean penny sleeve.
- Insert into Card Saver: Slide the sleeved card into a semi-rigid Card Saver. Do not over-tighten.
- Group cards: Stack Card Savers in team bags or wrap with rubber bands (not too tight).
- Protect the box: Place the grouped cards in a box with bubble wrap or foam on all sides.
- Seal securely: Tape all seams and reinforce corners.
Never use top loaders without padding, as they can crack under pressure. Never ship loose cards in envelopes.
Completing the BGS Submission Form
Before shipping, complete the BGS submission process online:
- Create an account at beckett.com/grading.
- Select your service tier (Base, Standard, Express, Priority).
- Enter each card (player, year, brand, card number, expected value).
- Choose add-ons (subgrades, autograph authentication, etc.).
- Print the packing slip and include it inside the package.
Include a printed copy of the submission form. BGS uses it to verify your cards match your declared submission.
Shipping to BGS
Best carriers for BGS submissions:
- UPS Ground: Reliable, insured, and includes tracking. Recommended for most submissions.
- FedEx Ground: Similar to UPS, often faster depending on your location.
- USPS Priority: Acceptable for low-value submissions, but insurance claims are harder to resolve.
Always require an adult signature and purchase full declared-value insurance. Do not use First-Class Mail or untracked services for graded card submissions.
Insurance and Declared Value
Insurance protects you if the package is lost or damaged. Declared value also affects BGS fees and return shipping insurance.
- Declare the current market value of each card, not what you paid.
- Insure for full declared value with your carrier.
- Photograph cards before shipping in case of damage claims.
- Under-declaring risks: Lost packages are reimbursed at declared value, and BGS may not cover cards above your declared tier.
Tracking and Turnaround Times
After shipping, save your tracking number. BGS will email you when the package is received and when grading is complete. Current 2026 turnaround times:
| Service | Turnaround | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Base | 75+ business days | ~$20-40 |
| Standard | 45 business days | ~$40-80 |
| Express | 15 business days | ~$100-150 |
| Priority | 5 business days | ~$200+ |
Turnaround times are estimates and can change based on submission volume.
Pro Tips for BGS Submissions
- Pre-grade first: Use AI pre-grading to only submit cards with 9.5+ potential.
- Add subgrades selectively: Subgrades add cost but increase BGS Black Label chances and resale value.
- Declare value accurately: BGS uses declared value for return shipping insurance.
- Keep copies: Photograph every card and the sealed package before shipping.
- Be patient: BGS is stricter than PSA and may take longer than estimated.
For a cost estimate, try our BGS Grading Cost Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I send cards to BGS for grading?
Package cards in penny sleeves and Card Savers, complete the BGS submission form online, print the packing slip, and ship via UPS or FedEx with full insurance and adult signature.
How much does BGS grading cost in 2026?
BGS pricing ranges from ~$20-40 for Base tier to $200+ for Priority. Subgrades, autograph authentication, and high declared values add cost. Use the BGS Grading Cost Calculator for exact estimates.
What is the best way to ship cards to BGS?
Ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature and full declared-value insurance. Use a sturdy box with bubble wrap or foam padding around Card Savers.
Does BGS prefer Card Savers or top loaders?
BGS prefers semi-rigid Card Savers. Top loaders are heavier and can crack; if used, they must be well padded.
How long does BGS take to grade cards?
BGS turnaround is 5 business days for Priority, 15 days for Express, 45 days for Standard, and 75+ days for Base in 2026.
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.