The True Cost of Card Grading – What Collectors Should Know

This article is written for all collectors who want to understand the real cost of grading their cards – whether you are new to the hobby or a long-time collector.

The True Cost of Card Grading

On the surface, grading cards with big international names can look appealing. But once you add up hidden fees, shipping risks and long waits, the picture changes quickly. Here we break down the real card grading cost and show why MGC is the most affordable and accessible option for collectors in the UK.

MGC Pricing Explained

• Bronze – £12.99 per card: 2 to 8 week turnaround
• Silver – £22.99 per card: 14 working days turnaround
• Gold – £39.99 per card: 3 working days turnaround

We also offer a Bronze Membership at £34.99 per month. This lets you grade 5 cards for the price of 3 – saving over £30 every month for regular submitters.

How US Competitors Compare

Popular American grading companies like PSA, Beckett and CGC attract UK collectors, but their real costs are far higher:

• Submission price: Often £15 to £30+ per card at the cheapest level.
• Shipping to the US: £20 to £50 each way, depending on parcel size and insurance.
• Customs and VAT: Adds 20%+ on top when the cards come back into the UK.
• Upcharges: If your card is valued higher than expected, you may be forced to pay extra before it is released.
• Turnaround times: “Economy” level services can take several months.

By the time all these are added, a £15 service can quickly become £40 to £50+ per card – and you still face the risk of cards being delayed or lost in transit.

Worked Example: Grading 5 Cards

Here is what grading 5 cards might look like for a UK collector:

• MGC Bronze: 5 cards at £12.99 = £64.95 (or £34.99 with Membership).
• US Competitor: 5 cards at £15 each = £75 + £40 shipping + £25 return shipping + £28 customs/VAT = £168 total (before any upcharges).

That is nearly five times the price of MGC Membership – and you are waiting months instead of weeks.

Hidden Costs of Grading Abroad

The financial side is only half the story. UK collectors also face:

• Risk of loss or damage: Shipping valuable cards overseas always carries danger.
• Lack of support: If something goes wrong, you are dealing with a customer service team based abroad.
• Long turnaround: Waiting months can mean missing market opportunities to sell or trade.

With MGC, your cards never leave the UK. They are protected from start to finish, and you benefit from clear, direct support every step of the way.

What About UK Alternatives?

Some other UK grading companies exist, but many charge higher prices for similar services or lack the same community trust and recognition. MGC has grown into the UK’s most visible grading company, with slabs trusted and recognised by collectors nationwide.

Why MGC is the Smart Choice

• • Lowest cost per card in the UK
  • No customs, upcharges or international shipping fees
  • Fast, reliable turnaround times (as quick as 3 working days)
  • Membership deals that save regular collectors money
  • Trusted slabs recognised across UK communities and beyond

Notes: PSA, Beckett, and CGC are eBay verified, but involve higher costs and international risks for UK collectors. MGC is also eBay verified, offering local reliability and recognition. No other UK competitors are not eBay verified, which may affect trust and resale value.

Notes: US providers often use declared-value tiers. If the card’s value is above a tier cap, it moves to a higher-priced tier. International submissions add two-way shipping and may attract UK import VAT on the grading service value when re-entering the UK. MGC has fixed UK pricing, no upcharges, and no customs risk.

Final Thoughts

The true cost of grading cards abroad is far higher than many collectors realise. Between shipping, customs, hidden charges and long waits, it simply does not make sense for UK collectors. MGC offers a faster, safer and far more affordable solution right here at home.

Submit Your Cards Today

Ready to grade your collection? Submit your cards now and see why more UK collectors are choosing MGC for value, speed and peace of mind.