CGC adds FYE counters for card grading submissions

CGC added FYE stores to its submission network on September 25, 2026, giving collectors a retail drop-off route for grading. The launch covered 20 locations, with insured shipping to CGC and back to the store.

Participating stores accept sports cards, non-sports cards and TCG cards for authentication, grading and encapsulation. Collectors pick up completed submissions at the FYE location where they handed them over.

FYE locations accepting submissions

The FYE submission program sends cards to CGC’s headquarters in Sarasota, Florida. Insurance covers transport in each direction, including the shipment back after grading.

The September 25, 2026, launch list included these locations:

• California: Riverside, Montclair and Montebello.
• Texas: Grapevine and El Paso, with 2 locations in El Paso.
• Indiana: Merrillville and Fort Wayne.
• North Carolina: Greensboro and Concord.
• New Jersey: Victor and Edison.
• New York: Albany.
• Pennsylvania: Lancaster.
• Virginia: Roanoke.
• Ohio: Beavercreek.
• Michigan: Auburn Hills.
• Illinois: Aurora.
• Kentucky: Lexington.
• Florida: Altamonte Springs.

FYE operated more than 120 stores across 33 states as of September 25, 2026. CGC expected further FYE locations to join its submission network.

FYE already sold collectible cards at its stores before adding submission services. The new service lets participating stores handle the trip to CGC for authentication and grading, followed by encapsulation in a holder.

By September 25, 2026, CGC had certified more than 15 million cards since 2020. The total included sports, non-sports and TCG cards.

Direct-member charges and value limits

As of October 23, 2026, CGC Cards’ published grading charges applied only to direct submissions from Collector members.

The direct schedule listed $20 per card with a $1,000 value limit. A $55 per-card charge carried a $3,000 limit.

Express grading cost $100 per card, with a $10,000 limit. WalkThrough cost $300 per card, with a $100,000 limit.

Associate and Premium members received a 10% grading discount under the direct terms. Elite members received 20%.

CGC can move a submission into a higher tier when its assessed fair market value exceeds the value the submitter supplied. The submitter is responsible for the added charge.

Processing time after store drop-off

As of October 23, 2026, direct-submission processing estimates counted working days after delivery to CGC’s facility. The estimates were not firm completion dates.

Cards absent from CGC’s database can need extra time for research. National holidays do not count as processing days. Fridays immediately before a major convention are also excluded.

The direct terms barred order changes or cancellations once a shipment was traveling to CGC. CGC also stated that submissions could not be changed after receipt.

CGC does not send back sleeves, card savers or other storage and shipping supplies submitted with collectibles. Its direct terms also advised against enclosing a certificate of authenticity because it might not come back.

Related: How to check a card before grading, CGC pristine and perfect grades explained.

What to do

• Confirm that the FYE branch you plan to visit accepts CGC submissions. Ask whether it handles the card types you intend to submit.
• Ask for the store’s full submission charge, including grading, shipping and insurance. Confirm whether any membership discount applies to the store order.
• Check how the store records declared values and handles a higher-tier charge. Ask how it seeks approval for any added cost.
• Ask when the store sends submissions and how it notifies collectors about pickup. Confirm when its paperwork becomes final before handing over cards.