Does CGC require a paid membership to submit cards?
CGC states that anyone can submit with a free account, while paid members may receive savings.
CGC Cards
CGC card grading cost, fees, and turnaround in 2026
CGC Cards publishes direct-submission grading tiers for sports cards and trading card games. Fanatics Collect also publishes a CGC Cards grading route. Collectors who want storage or selling should verify the live Fanatics Collect workflow and fees before submitting.
CGCQuick company guide
- How it grades cards
- Authentication, condition grading, and encapsulation with optional crossover services.
- How grades are shown
- A 10-point scale with descriptive grade names and half-point grades in parts of the scale.
- Best for
- Collectors comparing direct CGC tiers with a lower-priced Fanatics Collect route that currently has no submission limit.
Summary based on the company's published information. Check the official sources before submitting.
Is CGC card grading a good fit?
CGC offers sports card and TCG grading, certification lookup, and population tools. On September 4, 2026, direct Bulk was $15 per card at 25 cards with a $500 maximum value; Economy was $18 with a $1,000 maximum value. Fanatics Collect separately listed CGC grading at $11 with no submission limit and an approximately 15 to 20 business day estimate.
Before submitting, check card eligibility, order minimums, declared value, current fees, return shipping, and the official submission agreement.
Service facts that change the decision
Company-stated information, condensed and dated for comparison.
- Published service snapshot
- On September 4, 2026, direct CGC Bulk was $15 per card with a 25-card minimum and $500 maximum card value. Economy was $18 with a $1,000 maximum value. Fanatics Collect separately listed CGC Cards grading at $11 per card with no submission limit.
- Published turnaround
- Direct CGC Bulk was listed at 40 working days and Economy at 20 working days. Fanatics Collect listed an approximately 15 to 20 business day estimate. Treat all published timing as a target or estimate rather than a guarantee.
- Card eligibility
- CGC grades sports cards and a range of trading card games. Exact card types and special formats should be checked against current submission rules.
- Report detail
- CGC provides certification lookup and population-report tools. Fanatics Collect publishes a separate CGC Cards grading workflow at a lower per-card price.
- Verification
- Certification verification and population data are available on CGC's website. Verify the current card destination, storage, selling, withdrawal, and shipping terms inside the live Fanatics Collect flow.
- Grading model
- Authentication, condition grading, and encapsulation with optional crossover services.
Review the grading process step by step
Check each step so a price or feature does not hide an important requirement.
- Eligibility
Confirm the exact year, set, size, material, autograph, and card type.
- Assessment
A 10-point scale with descriptive grade names and half-point grades in parts of the scale.
- Service
On September 4, 2026, direct CGC Bulk was $15 per card with a 25-card minimum and $500 maximum card value. Economy was $18 with a $1,000 maximum value. Fanatics Collect separately listed CGC Cards grading at $11 per card with no submission limit.
- Record
Certification verification and population data are available on CGC's website. Verify the current card destination, storage, selling, withdrawal, and shipping terms inside the live Fanatics Collect flow.
- Use
Collectors comparing direct CGC tiers with a lower-priced Fanatics Collect route that currently has no submission limit.
Is CGC a good grading company?
CGC is a good option for sports card and trading card collectors who want flexible direct tiers and a lower-priced Fanatics Collect route. Direct CGC Bulk can work well when you have at least 25 eligible cards. Fanatics Collect currently lists CGC Cards grading at $11 per card with no submission limit and an approximately 15 to 20 business day estimate. Verify card eligibility, final destination, storage, selling, withdrawal, and shipping terms before choosing the route.
Use the grading decision toolOfficial sources
These links support the company-specific facts on this page.
- 01CGC Cards services and feesOfficial
Current grading tiers, fees, values, and working-day estimates.
- 02CGC grading scaleOfficial
Published grade names and condition standards.
- 03CGC certification verificationOfficial
Certification lookup for CGC-graded collectibles.
- 04CGC and Fanatics Collect partnershipOfficial
CGC's announcement of the on-site grading, vault, and marketplace partnership.
- 05Fanatics Collect gradingOfficial
Current CGC Cards price, submission limit, targeted turnaround, and live grading workflow.
CGC grading questions
What is the minimum for CGC Bulk?
CGC's official service page listed a 25-card minimum and a $500 maximum card value for Bulk on August 24, 2026.
Can I get discounted CGC grading through Fanatics Collect?
Yes. Fanatics Collect listed CGC Cards grading at $11 per card during our September 4, 2026 review, with no submission limit and an approximately 15 to 20 business day estimate. Verify card eligibility, final destination, storage, selling, withdrawal, and shipping terms in the live flow before sending a card.
Are CGC turnaround times guaranteed?
No. CGC labels its published turnaround times as estimates rather than guarantees.
Other good grading options
The best fit depends on the card and what you want to do next. Compare each company's strongest use case, then verify its current terms before submitting.
Advanced Grading
Great value for the price on larger submissions, with volume pricing, multi-angle imaging, AI-assisted analysis, and human quality control.
Good fit forAffordable bulk grading for collectors, groups, and dealers
Read Advanced Grading guidePSA
A premium option when collector familiarity, population research, vault storage, and a direct eBay selling path matter.
Good fit forPremium resale potential and a complete set of collector tools
Read PSA guideSGC
A strong fit for vintage cards, a published condition scale, and straightforward service information.
Good fit forVintage cards, clear grading standards, and simple pricing
Read SGC guideTAG
A modern-card option for collectors who want detailed images and a digital grading report.
Good fit forModern cards and collectors who want detailed grading information
Read TAG guideArena Club
A convenient option for grading, vault storage, collection management, and marketplace selling in one platform.
Good fit forGrading, storage, and selling in one place
Read Arena Club guide