How to Submit Cards to EGC for Grading: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Submit Pokémon Cards to EGC for Grading: Step-by-Step Guide

Sending cards off for grading can feel intimidating the first time, what tier do you pick, how do you pack the cards, and what happens once they leave your hands? Here's the full process broken into simple steps.

Quick Answer

To submit cards to EGC: create an account, choose a service tier (Core, Pro, Max, or PC for personal-collection encapsulation only), check out and pay, download and fill out the card list PDF, pack each card securely in a penny sleeve and semi-rigid holder, and ship the box with your invoice and card list included. EGC accepts all standard-size TCGs, including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Digimon, One Piece, Disney Lorcana, and Star Wars Unlimited, up to roughly 50pt thickness.

Step 1: Create Your Account and Choose a Tier

Start by signing into an EGC account and heading to the Submissions page. You'll choose from several service tiers depending on your budget and how quickly you want your cards back. If you're a frequent submitter, check whether a membership program applies, annual memberships can unlock ongoing discounts on every future submission.

Step 2: Decide Between Grading and Encapsulation-Only

Not every card needs a numeric grade. If you have a personal-collection card that's too worn to grade well, or a custom card that fits standard dimensions, the PC (Personal Collection) option encapsulates it in a protective slab with a custom label, without assigning a grade. This is a popular option for sentimental cards or customs that wouldn't benefit from a formal grade.

Step 3: Add Cards to Cart and Check Out

Select the number of cards you're submitting under your chosen tier and add them to your cart. Any applicable bulk or membership discounts are typically applied automatically at checkout, bulk submissions (commonly 25+ cards) often qualify for reduced per-card pricing.

Step 4: Download and Complete the Card List

After checkout, you'll receive instructions and a card list PDF. Filling this out accurately matters, it's how the grading team matches physical cards in your box to your order, so double-check card names, sets, and quantities before printing it out.

Step 5: Pack Your Cards Properly

Proper packing protects your cards in transit and prevents delays from damaged submissions:

• Place each card in an individual penny sleeve.

• Slide the sleeved card into a semi-rigid holder for structural protection.

• Stack your protected cards securely inside a sturdy shipping box, avoid loose movement during transit.

• Include a printed copy of your invoice and your completed card list.

Step 6: Ship and Track

Once packed, ship your box to EGC's submission address (provided in your account instructions). Most grading services will email you as your order moves through intake, grading, and encapsulation stages, keep an eye on your inbox, and reach out through the company's contact form if you don't receive expected updates.

Step 7: Verify Your Grades

After grading, each card is sealed with a unique serial number. You can typically enter that number into the grading company's public database to view the final grade and sub-grade breakdown, a useful way to confirm authenticity when buying or selling graded cards later.

What Cards Are Eligible?

EGC currently accepts standard-size trading cards (6.3cm x 8.8cm), including:

• Pokémon

• Magic: The Gathering

• Sorcery: Contested Realm

• Flesh & Blood

• Digimon

• Dragon Ball Super

• One Piece

• Disney Lorcana

• Star Wars Unlimited

• Grand Archive

• Other retired/out-of-print TCGs that match standard dimensions

Japanese-sized cards (like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Cardfight!! Vanguard) are not yet supported for most grading services in this size format, so check current availability before submitting those titles, and consider joining a mailing list for updates if you collect Japanese-format cards.

FAQ

What's the minimum number of cards for a bulk discount? Bulk pricing tiers commonly start around 25+ cards, though minimums can vary by promotion, check current pricing before submitting.

Can I submit damaged or heavily played cards? Yes, though very low-grade or heavily damaged cards may be better suited to encapsulation-only (personal collection) options rather than a numeric grade, depending on your goals.

How thick can a submitted card be? Standard submissions typically max out around 50pt thickness, which generally excludes patch or relic cards with embedded memorabilia.

Do I need to be a member to submit cards? No, but memberships often provide ongoing discount codes that can offset costs across multiple submissions over a year.