SGC Card Grading Guide: How to Submit Cards to SGC

SGC Card Grading Guide Last Updated: March 2026

SGC card grading is one of the most trusted grading services in the trading card market, especially known for its consistency, speed, and distinctive slab design. Whether you are grading sports cards, Pokémon cards, or other trading cards, understanding the full SGC submission process is critical.

This SGC card grading guide covers everything from start to finish:

SGC grading standards and scale
Service levels, pricing structure, and turnaround
Step by step submission process
Packaging and shipping instructions
Intake timeline after delivery
Complete SGC submission checklist
Common mistakes to avoid
Frequently asked questions

If you are preparing to submit cards to SGC, this guide is designed to eliminate uncertainty.

What Is SGC Card Grading?

Sportscard Guaranty Company, commonly known as SGC, is a third party grading company that authenticates and grades trading cards before sealing them in tamper evident holders.

SGC is known for:

Fast turnaround times
Consistent grading standards
Strong presence in vintage card markets
Clean, black insert slab design

Many collectors choose SGC for efficiency, reliability, and strong performance with vintage submissions.

SGC Card Grading Standards and Scale

SGC grades cards on a 1 to 10 scale based on four primary factors:

Centering
Corners
Edges
Surface

Understanding SGC’s grading scale before submitting helps set realistic expectations. In particular, small differences in condition can significantly impact final grades.

SGC uses a slightly different labeling system compared to other companies.

10 – Gem Mint
Virtually flawless. Sharp corners, excellent centering, and a clean surface.

9.5 – Mint Plus
Nearly perfect with only minor imperfections.

9 – Mint
Very strong condition with slight flaws.

8 – Near Mint Mint
Minor wear may be visible.

7 – Near Mint
Noticeable wear under inspection.

6 and Below
Increasing levels of wear, surface issues, and structural defects.

SGC’s full grading scale can be found here:
https://www.gosgc.com/card-grading/scale

Before submitting, evaluate:

Centering front and back
Corner sharpness
Edge wear
Surface scratches or print lines
Stains or discoloration

SGC Card Grading Service Levels, Pricing, and Turnaround

SGC pricing is typically more simplified compared to other grading companies. However, collectors should still review current pricing before submitting.

Standard Services

Max Declared Value	Pricing Structure (Per Card)	Turnaround Speed*
$1,500	$15	40-50 Business Days
$3,500	$85	40-50 Business Days

Expedited Services

Max Declared Value	Pricing Structure (Per Card)	Turnaround Speed*
$3,500	$150	2-3 Business Days
$7,500	$250	2-3 Business Days
$20,000	$500	2-3 Business Days
$50,000	$1,000	2-3 Business Days
$100,000	$2,000	2-3 Business Days
$100,000+	$3,750	2-3 Business Days

Key factors include:

Declared value
Service speed
Submission type

SGC is widely known for offering competitive pricing and faster turnaround times.

You can view SGC’s official services and pricing here:
https://www.gosgc.com/card-grading/services-pricing

Shipping fees and return costs can be reviewed here:
https://www.gosgc.com/card-grading/shipping-fees

Turnaround times are estimates and may fluctuate depending on submission volume.

Declared value determines both service eligibility and insurance considerations.

How to Submit Cards to SGC Step by Step

1. Create an SGC Account

2. Select Service Level

Next, choose based on your card’s declared value and desired turnaround time.

3. Enter Card Details

After that, input accurate information:

Year
Set
Player or character
Card number
Declared value

Accuracy helps avoid delays or corrections.

4. Complete Submission and Print Documents

Finally, print your submission confirmation and prepare your shipment.

Unlike some services, SGC does not require external barcode placement.

Always follow instructions provided in your confirmation email.

Preparing Your Cards for SGC

SGC requires cards to be submitted in semi rigid holders.

Cards should:

Be placed in penny sleeves
Be inserted into semi rigid holders
Not be submitted in top loaders
Be organized in submission order

Cards should also be free of dust, debris, or fingerprints.

Collectors who use a structured submission system reduce the risk of surface scratches, edge damage, or corner wear during handling.

Packaging and Shipping to SGC

Internal Protection

Cards stacked in order
Secured with light bands or team bags
Protected on both sides
Placed in a sturdy inner box

Outer Box

Inner box placed inside a shipping box
Void space filled to prevent movement
Submission paperwork included inside

Carrier Options

Common carriers include:

USPS
UPS
FedEx

Always use the shipping address provided in your SGC submission confirmation.

Add tracking and insurance to protect your shipment.

SGC Intake Timeline After Delivery

After your package is delivered:

SGC receives and logs the submission
Order appears in your account dashboard
Cards enter the grading queue
Grading and encapsulation begins
Quality control is completed
Cards are shipped back

Dashboard updates may not appear immediately depending on intake volume.

Complete SGC Submission Checklist

Documentation

SGC account created
Correct service selected
Declared values confirmed
Submission form printed

Card Prep

Cards inspected
Penny sleeves applied
Semi rigid holders used
No debris present
Correct order maintained

Packaging

Stack secured
Protective layers applied
Paperwork included
Inner box secured
Outer box padded

Shipping

Correct address used
Carrier label attached
Tracking added
Insurance included

Common SGC Submission Mistakes

Using top loaders instead of semi rigids
Submitting cards out of order
Including dirty or dusty cards
Loose packaging inside the box
Incorrect declared values

Small mistakes during preparation can lead to preventable damage or delays.

Why This Matters to Collectors

The submission stage is where collectors are most exposed.

This is the moment where cards are handled, inserted, stacked, and shipped.

Even minor mistakes during this phase can result in:

Surface scratches
Edge wear
Corner damage
Lower grading outcomes

Grading results are influenced before the card is ever evaluated.

Collectors who approach submission with structure reduce risk and protect long term value.

What Collectors Should Do Next

Before submitting to SGC:

Carefully evaluate each card
Choose the correct service level
Follow holder requirements exactly
Double check packaging and order
Use tracking and insurance

Approaching submission with discipline helps eliminate avoidable errors.

The Most Overlooked Step in SGC Submissions

Many collectors focus on grading outcomes but overlook the preparation process.

The way cards are handled, sleeved, and secured before shipment plays a major role in preserving condition.

The Graders Choice Submission Kit is designed as a structured prep and submit system that helps collectors organize, protect, and package their cards before they leave their hands.

It is not about adding more supplies.

It is about creating a consistent process during the highest risk stage of grading.

You can explore the system here:
https://graderschoice.com/product/card-grading-submission-kit/

Conclusion

SGC card grading offers a fast, consistent, and collector trusted option for grading trading cards.

A successful submission requires:

Accurate documentation
Proper holder selection
Careful preparation
Secure packaging
Reliable shipping

Collectors who follow a structured approach reduce mistakes and protect their cards during the most vulnerable stage of the grading process.

Prep and submit with confidence.

More Card Grading Guides for Collectors

If you are researching different grading companies, these guides walk through the full submission process for the most widely used grading services.

Comparing grading companies can help collectors decide where to submit based on grading standards, turnaround expectations, and market demand.