The Short Answer
- Every card must be in a penny sleeve inside a top loader or card saver before shipping. Never ship raw cards loose.
- USPS Priority Mail with insurance and signature confirmation is the standard shipping method for card submissions. Budget $15-30 per submission.
- For high-value submissions ($2,000+), use FedEx or UPS with adult signature and declared value insurance. Budget $40-60 per direction.
- Always photograph the front and back of every card before shipping. These photos serve as insurance proof if cards are damaged in transit.
- PSA returns cards via FedEx Ground (included in submission fee). CGC charges $10-25 return shipping. BGS and SGC include return shipping.
- AI pre-grading photos can serve double duty as insurance documentation — scan cards before shipping to get both a grade prediction and condition proof.
- Never use bubble mailers without rigid backing for card shipments. Cards can be bent or crushed in standard bubble mailers.
Short Answer: How to Ship Cards to PSA
To ship cards to PSA in 2026: place each card in a penny sleeve inside a top loader (or PSA Card Saver 1), stack them in a team bag, wrap in bubble wrap, place in a rigid cardboard box or fiberboard mailer, and ship via USPS Priority Mail with insurance and signature confirmation.
The total shipping cost for a typical 10-card submission is approximately $15-25 outbound and $0-25 return (PSA includes return FedEx Ground in the submission fee). For high-value submissions ($2,000+), use FedEx or UPS with adult signature and declared value insurance, budgeting $40-60 per direction.
The most important rule: never ship cards in a bubble mailer without rigid backing. Standard bubble mailers offer no crush protection, and cards can be bent or destroyed in transit. Always use a rigid box or fiberboard mailer.
Packaging Materials You Need
Before shipping cards to PSA, BGS, CGC, or SGC, gather these materials:
| Material | Cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Penny Sleeves | $5/100 | First layer of protection. Prevents surface scratches. |
| Top Loaders (or PSA Card Saver 1) | $10/25 | Rigid holder that prevents bending. PSA prefers Card Saver 1 holders. |
| Team Bags (or Graded Card Bags) | $3/100 | Seals the group of sleeved cards and prevents moisture/dust. |
| Bubble Wrap | $5/roll | Cushions the card stack inside the box. |
| Rigid Cardboard Box or Fiberboard Mailer | $2-5 | Crush protection. Do NOT use standard bubble mailers alone. |
| Packing Tape | $3 | Seal the box securely. |
| USPS Priority Mail Small Box | Free from USPS | Free flat-rate box, perfect for 10-30 card submissions. |
Step-by-Step Card Packaging Guide
Follow these steps to properly package your card submission:
- 1. Photograph every card: Before packaging, photograph the front and back of every card under good lighting. These photos are your insurance proof. AI pre-grading photos work perfectly for this — you get a grade prediction AND condition documentation.
- 2. Penny sleeve each card: Place each card in a fresh penny sleeve. Use new sleeves only — old sleeves can transfer dust and oils. Hold the card by the edges and slide it in gently.
- 3. Insert into top loader or Card Saver: PSA prefers Card Saver 1 holders (a rigid, flat holder). Other graders accept standard top loaders. Slide the sleeved card into the holder. Never tape the holder shut — grading companies need to remove the card easily.
- 4. Stack and team bag: Stack your card-filled holders together and place them in a team bag. Seal the team bag to protect against moisture and dust.
- 5. Wrap in bubble wrap: Wrap the team bag in 2-3 layers of bubble wrap. Tape the bubble wrap securely but do not over-tape — the grader needs to unwrap it easily.
- 6. Place in rigid box: Place the bubble-wrapped stack in a rigid cardboard box or fiberboard mailer. Add packing material (crumpled paper, foam peanuts, or additional bubble wrap) to fill empty space and prevent movement.
- 7. Include submission form: Print your online submission form and place it in the box. Do not tape it to the cards or bubble wrap.
- 8. Seal and label: Tape the box securely with packing tape. Write the grading company address clearly. Use a return address label.
- 9. Ship with tracking and insurance: Ship via USPS Priority Mail with insurance and signature confirmation, or FedEx/UPS for high-value submissions.
Shipping Methods & Costs
The shipping method you choose depends on the value of your submission and your timeline:
| Method | Cost (Outbound) | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Priority Mail | $8-15 + insurance | 2-3 days | Standard submissions (5-20 cards) |
| USPS Priority Mail Express | $25-40 + insurance | 1-2 days | Time-sensitive submissions |
| USPS Ground Advantage | $5-10 + insurance | 2-5 days | Budget shipping for low-value submissions |
| FedEx Ground | $10-20 + insurance | 1-5 days | High-value submissions with declared value |
| FedEx Express | $30-50 + insurance | 1-2 days | Urgent high-value submissions |
| UPS Ground | $10-20 + insurance | 1-5 days | Alternative to FedEx for high-value |
Insurance costs: USPS insurance is approximately $2.50 per $100 of declared value. FedEx and UPS charge similar rates. For a $500 submission, budget $12.50 for insurance. For a $2,000 submission, budget $50.
Insurance & Declared Value
Insuring your card submission is non-negotiable. If your cards are lost or damaged in transit, insurance is the only way to recover your investment.
USPS Insurance: USPS offers insurance up to $5,000 for Priority Mail. The cost is approximately $2.50 per $100 of declared value. For submissions over $5,000, you need additional insurance through a third-party provider like Collectibles Insurance Services.
FedEx Declared Value: FedEx offers declared value coverage up to $1,000 per package for free, with additional coverage available at $3 per $100 over $1,000. FedEx declared value is not technically insurance, but it functions similarly for loss or damage claims.
UPS Declared Value: UPS offers declared value coverage at $3 per $100, with a maximum of $50,000 per package. UPS is a good option for very high-value submissions.
Documentation requirements: To file an insurance claim, you need: (1) photos of the cards before shipping, (2) the receipt or invoice showing card value, (3) the tracking number and proof of mailing, (4) photos of the damaged package and cards upon return. AI pre-grading reports from PreGradeCards can serve as condition documentation for insurance claims.
PSA Shipping Specifics
PSA has specific shipping requirements and preferences:
- Preferred holder: PSA prefers Card Saver 1 holders over standard top loaders. Card Savers are flat, rigid holders that are easier for PSA to open and process. Standard top loaders are accepted but may slow processing.
- Submission form: Complete the online submission form at PSAcard.com before shipping. Print the form and include it in the package. Do not handwrite submission forms.
- Return shipping: PSA returns cards via FedEx Ground, which is included in the submission fee. You do not need to pay extra for return shipping with PSA.
- PSA mailing address: PSA, 10 Turner Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Always verify the current address on the PSA website before shipping.
- Declared value: PSA requires you to declare the value of each card on the submission form. The declared value affects the grading tier and insurance. Be honest but realistic — over-declaring can result in higher fees, under-declaring can result in insufficient insurance.
CGC, BGS & SGC Shipping
CGC shipping: CGC accepts cards in penny sleeves and top loaders or CGC holders. Complete the online submission form at CGCcards.com. CGC charges $10-25 for return shipping depending on the number of slabs. CGC's mailing address is available on their website.
BGS shipping: Beckett accepts cards in penny sleeves and top loaders or Card Savers. Complete the online submission form at Beckett.com. BGS includes return shipping in the submission fee. BGS is located in Dallas, TX.
SGC shipping: SGC accepts cards in penny sleeves and top loaders or Card Savers. Complete the online submission form at SGCcard.com. SGC includes return shipping in the submission fee. SGC is located in Boca Raton, FL.
International Shipping Tips
International collectors face additional challenges when shipping cards to US-based grading companies:
- Customs forms: You must complete a customs declaration (CN22 or CN23 form for USPS, commercial invoice for FedEx/UPS). Declare the items as "collectible trading cards" with their actual value. Do not declare "gift" or undervalue — this can void your insurance.
- Shipping method: Use a tracked, insured service like USPS Priority Mail International, FedEx International, or UPS Worldwide. Standard First Class Mail International does not include tracking or insurance.
- CGC UK office: CGC operates a dedicated UK office at CGCcards.uk, meaning European collectors can submit directly without international shipping to the US. PSA has announced a Frankfurt grading centre expected to open in summer 2026.
- Return shipping: International return shipping is more expensive. PSA charges additional fees for international returns. Budget $30-60 for return shipping on international submissions.
- Third-party services: Companies like Subcentre (UK) and other authorized middlemen handle international submissions to PSA, routing cards via Canadian facilities to simplify customs.
Common Card Shipping Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most common mistakes collectors make when shipping cards to grading companies:
- Using bubble mailers without rigid backing: The #1 mistake. Cards in bubble mailers alone can be bent by postal sorting machines. Always use a rigid box or fiberboard mailer.
- Taping top loaders shut: Grading companies need to remove cards easily. Tape on top loaders slows processing and can damage cards when removed. Use team bags to keep cards secure instead.
- Underinsuring packages: Declaring $100 on a $1,000 submission means you only recover $100 if lost. Always declare full replacement value.
- Not photographing cards before shipping: Without pre-shipping photos, you cannot prove the condition of cards if they arrive damaged. AI pre-grading photos serve as excellent documentation.
- Using old penny sleeves: Old sleeves transfer dust, oils, and residue to card surfaces. Always use fresh, clean penny sleeves.
- Overstuffing boxes: Cramming too many cards into a small box can cause pressure damage. Use an appropriately sized box with enough padding to prevent movement but not so tight that cards are compressed.
- Forgetting the submission form: Packages without submission forms are delayed while the grading company contacts you. Always print and include the form.
- Shipping to the wrong address: Grading companies occasionally move facilities. Always verify the current mailing address on the company's website before shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship cards to PSA?
What packaging should I use to ship cards to PSA?
Does PSA include return shipping?
Should I insure my card submission?
Can I ship cards internationally to PSA?
Should I photograph my cards before shipping?
What is a PSA Card Saver 1?
Sources & Further Reading
The PreGradeCards Research Team combines machine-learning engineers, grading analysts, and collector-education specialists to produce accurate, data-driven guides on AI card grading, professional grading standards, and collecting strategy.
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