What is Authenticity Guarantee?

eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee is a service designed to help you shop with confidence. Professional authenticators physically inspect all eligible items before shipping to the buyer.

How does Authenticity Guarantee work?

It’s easy! Browse and shop eBay’s listings with the blue “Authenticity Guarantee” badge. When an eligible item is purchased, the seller ships the item directly to the authentication facility. There, the item goes through a meticulous inspection process. Once authenticated, the item is shipped to you via tracked shipping with a signature required for cards over $750. Please note, there is no grading or re-grading in this process. Our authenticators verify that the raw card or sealed plastic holder is authentic to ensure you receive exactly what you ordered.

What items are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?

Authenticity Guarantee is available for individual sports trading cards, collectible card games, autograph, and relic cards, and non‑sports trading cards $250 and above for ungraded cards, and $250 and above for autograph, relic, and other graded cards. Only cards graded by the following graders will be accepted: Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA); Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC); Certified Collectibles Group's affiliates, CGC Trading Cards, Certified Sports Guaranty (CSG); and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). Sets, lots, kits, decks, boxes, packs, art cards, and redemption cards do not qualify for Authenticity Guarantee at this time. U.S. territory locations (incl. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and Armed forces postal locations are not currently covered. Listings that offer only local pickup or items shipped to P.O. Boxes will not be eligible for Authenticity Guarantee. If the seller gifts a card free of charge to the buyer, the bonus card will not be eligible for the Authenticity Guarantee service.

Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?

No. Through the Authenticity Guarantee service, eBay covers the cost of authentication and tracked shipping from the authentication facility to you for a limited time.

What happens at the authenticator?

After the authentication facility receives the card, the authenticator will first perform a multi-point inspection. For ungraded cards, this involves checking the corners, edges, surface and overall condition of the card to ensure it matches the listing description and is not a counterfeit. For graded cards, this involves inspecting the sealed plastic holder for signs of tampering and verifying that the case and label are authentic to the grader. Then they confirm the item is consistent with the listing title, images, and listing description. Finally, the card will be packaged in custom packaging with a tamper-proof sticker seal. The card also receives a QR code sticker detailing the process. Scan it with your mobile device to learn more about your card’s authentication details.

Who is authenticating the cards?

Leading industry experts at Certified Collectibles Group including Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) and Certified Sports Guaranty (CSG) are authenticating raw cards. For graded cards, Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is authenticating the sealed plastic holder, not the underlying card.

How long will the Authenticity Guarantee process take? How long until I receive my item?

After you purchase an eligible item, the seller is required to send the item to the authentication facility, where authenticators typically inspect the item within one to two business days of receipt. Once the inspection is complete, the item will be sent to you with tracked four-day shipping.

How can I track the progress of my purchase?

Tracking information is available on the Purchase History page, where you’ll be able to track the shipment of your order and see exactly where it is in the authentication process. As part of the Authenticity Guarantee service, you will also receive an order update email once your item goes through inspection. Please contact eBay directly for questions about your order.

Is signature confirmation required upon delivery?

Yes, it is required for cards $750 and above.

What if the item does not pass inspection?

If the authenticator cannot verify the item’s authenticity or if the item is not consistent with its listing, you will be issued a full refund to your original payment method. For PSA-graded cards specifically, if a plastic sealed holder is found to be fake or exhibit signs of tampering, PSA will deactivate its certificate and issue a notice to the seller.

Should I contact the authenticator directly if I have a question about my order?

Please reach out to eBay customer service regarding all questions about your order.

What should I do if I want to change or cancel my order?

You can request to cancel your order through the Purchase History page within an hour of purchase if the seller has not yet shipped the item. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate address changes at this time. Learn more about canceling your order here .

Where is my item shipping to, and why is it not my address?

Your card will first ship to the authentication facility. Once verified, the authenticator will send your card to the address entered at checkout.

What does final sale mean?

For trading cards that are eligible for Authenticity Guarantee, an item is considered final sale when the seller doesn’t offer returns or the return is requested outside the seller’s stated return window. Final sale items are not eligible for returns.

Can I return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee if I change my mind?

You can return an item if the seller accepts returns, as stated in the listing, and the return is opened within the seller’s stated return window. Outside of this, the item is considered final sale.

What do I do if my item doesn’t arrive?

You can report to eBay that your item hasn’t arrived. If you didn’t receive your item, you are covered under eBay Money Back Guarantee.

What do I do if my item arrives damaged?

Open a return request for “item arrives damaged.”

• If the seller doesn’t offer returns, you can still request a return no later than three calendar days after the delivery date as stated in eBay Money Back Guarantee.
• If the seller offers returns, you must request a return within the seller’s return window, as stated in the listing.

How does the return process work?

If the seller offers returns for the item you purchased, you will first send the returned item to the authentication facility. Within two business days of receiving the item, the authenticator will re-verify that the raw card or sealed plastic holder is authentic and matches the listing description. Also, the raw card or graded card must have the untampered Authenticity Guarantee sticker still attached to it to be eligible for a return. Once verified, the authenticator will ship the item to the seller, and a refund will be processed. The seller or buyer (as defined by the listing) is responsible for shipping costs to the authenticator, and eBay covers the shipping cost to the seller.

Why was the item sent back to me by the authenticator after I opened a return?

If the authenticator determines the returned item is not the same item, is not in the same condition, or that the Authenticity Guarantee sticker has been tampered with or removed, the item will be sent back to you, and the return is denied.

Can I choose not to have my item authenticated?

Not at this time.

Can I get my card graded during the Authenticity Guarantee process?

No, PSA, CGC and CSG do not offer card grading or re-grading as part of the Authenticity Guarantee service.

Can I choose which authenticator my card goes to?

No. Raw cards will be sent to CGC/CSG. Graded cards will be sent to PSA.

The Authenticity Guarantee service for Trading Cards (“Authenticity Guarantee” or “Authenticity Guarantee for Trading Cards”) makes third-party inspection and authentication services (“Services”) mandatory for certain items sold on eBay.com. These Authenticity Guarantee Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to the Authenticity Guarantee service for Trading Cards and Eligible Items detailed below and sold or purchased on eBay.com, and set out the terms under which eBay offers you access to and use of the Authenticity Guarantee service for Trading Cards.

1. Applicability of eBay User Agreement.

   The eBay.com User Agreement , eBay’s User Privacy Notice , and all policies posted on our sites (collectively, and as the same may be amended from time to time, “eBay’s Policies”) apply in addition to these Terms. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between these Terms and eBay’s Policies, these Terms will control as to all matters that they explicitly address. For all matters not explicitly addressed by these Terms, eBay’s Policies will control.

2. Applicability of eBay Money Back Guarantee (“eMBG”).

   For authenticated items, purchases are covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee when all other eligibility requirements are met and the item isn’t received, or the item arrives damaged, or the seller doesn’t fulfill their return policy. If the seller does not accept returns or the return is opened outside of the stated return window, the item is considered “final sale” and cannot be returned. In the unlikely event that your item is damaged in transit, you must open a return request within 3 calendar days or if the seller offers returns, within the seller’s stated return window. Learn more about eBay Money Back Guarantee.

3. Description of the Authenticity Guarantee Service.

   After the purchase of an Eligible Item (description in Section 5(a) below) on eBay.com, the item is shipped to a vetted third-party authentication partner (“Authentication Partner”) to carefully inspect the item for authenticity and accuracy against the item listing. Upon confirmation of the item by the third-party authentication partner, it is properly packaged and securely shipped to the buyer. If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified or the item is significantly not as described, the item is returned to the seller and a refund is issued to the buyer.

   AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEE FOR TRADING CARDS DOES NOT INCLUDE GRADING SERVICES.

   If the item condition or any other aspect of the trading card does not match the listing, the trading card will be returned from the Authentication Partner to the seller, with the purchase canceled and payment price returned to the buyer. By listing for sale or purchasing an Eligible Item, you acknowledge and agree that the Eligible Item will be sent to the Authentication Partner to perform the Services. More information about the Authentication Partner and Services may be found here

4. Authenticity Guarantee Service Fees.

   The Services are provided at no cost to sellers and buyers for Eligible Items that are bought or sold on eBay.com; however, eBay reserves the right to institute, alter, or amend fees or costs associated with the Services at any time, at eBay’s sole discretion.

5. Eligibility
   1. Item Eligibility

      Only select listings on eBay.com are eligible for the Services. eBay reserves the right at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice to you, to alter or amend the eligibility requirements for Eligible Items, including, but not limited to category, and/or value of items and/or transactions.

      “Eligible Items” in the Trading Cards category must satisfy the following conditions:

      1. Category: Collectible Card Games, Sports Trading Cards, and Non-Sports Trading Cards
      2. Card Type: Single cards only
      3. Grading Type: Ungraded and graded cards
      4. Price: Raw cards listed or sold at auction for $250 or more, graded cards listed or sold at auctions for $250 exclusive of tax and shipping
   2. The following items are not eligible for Authenticity Guarantee:
      1. Items whose listings do not bear the Authenticity Guarantee blue checkmark badge
      2. Items listed in categories not named above
      3. Sets, lots, kits, decks, boxes, and packs of two or more cards
      4. Miscategorized items, e.g., other types of cards listed in eligible categories
      5. Graded autographed cards below $250. Ungraded autograph cards below $250.
      6. Art cards
      7. Redemption cards
      8. Additional cards that are gifted to buyers as a bonus and free of charge
      9. Items purchased using an offline payment method
      10. Listings that offer local pickup
      11. 1980’s Star Company Basketball Cards
      12. Items shipped to P.O. Boxes
      13. Items shipped to or from unincorporated territories (incl. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
   3. Ineligible items will not be authenticated.
   4. Country Eligibility.

      CThe Authenticity Guarantee service is only available for buyers and sellers in the United States, not including buyers or sellers in unincorporated territories (incl. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). eBay reserves the right to expand or limit the countries eligible for Authenticity Guarantee or the Services at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice. If your item sells abroad, you will be bound by the User Agreement and policies, including any buyer protection policies, of the site on which the item is sold and, potentially, the consumer and other laws of the country of the relevant site. You will also be responsible for eBay’s standard international fees that apply to these sales. If you do not want your item to be sold to buyers internationally, you can exclude countries or regions you don’t want to post to by updating your shipping settings.

6. Party Roles
   1. Your Role as Seller. By listing an Eligible Item for sale on the eBay platform, you authorize its inspection by the Authentication Partner subsequent to its purchase. Upon purchase, you are required to ship the Eligible Item, with appropriate insurance coverage, to a facility located within the United States, as directed by eBay. Items must be sent to the facility individually unless part of a multi-item order. The cost of shipping to the Authentication Partner is not covered by eBay. You acknowledge and agree that if the Authentication Partner cannot verify an item’s authenticity, a refund will be issued to the buyer and you shall cooperate with removing the item from marketplace circulation.

   2. Your Role as Buyer. By purchasing an Eligible Item on the eBay platform, you acknowledge and agree to inspection and photographing of the Eligible Item by the Authentication Partner prior to your receipt of the Eligible Item. In addition, if a return is requested, you acknowledge and agree to ship the Eligible Item with appropriate insurance coverage to the Authentication Partner and to inspect the Eligible Item before the return is processed or a refund is issued. More information on returns under the Authenticity Guarantee can be found here.
   3. Circumvention of Buyer and Seller Requirements.

      If buyer or seller circumvent or do not comply with Sections 7.a or 7.b of these Terms, or if buyer or seller violate or is found to be non-compliant with the Terms, eBay reserves the right to take immediate action such as, but not limited to, account restriction or suspension and/or the transfer of fees and costs associated with Authenticity Guarantee.

   4. Impact of Fraud Detection on Buyers and Sellers.

      You acknowledge and agree that if the third-party authenticator detects fraud or suspects that an item is counterfeit, the item will be removed from marketplace circulation and, if the card was graded by PSA, PSA will deactivate its certificate. If the slab is counterfeit or tampered with but the underlying card is authentic and has not been compromised, PSA will re-holder the card and create a new certification before sending the card to the buyer. In addition, eBay will work with the proper authorities as needed and reserves the right to confiscate or destroy any items determined to be counterfeit.

7. Data Privacy

   eBay’s collection of personal information in connection with the Authenticity Guarantee service is governed by the User Privacy Notice that applies to your use of the eBay.com website or, as applicable, another eBay international site. In order for the Authentication Partner to provide the Services under Authenticity Guarantee, the order information, including, but not limited to: your name, address, email address, and telephone number, is provided to the Authentication Partner. By selling or purchasing an Eligible Item, you direct eBay to provide this order information to the Authentication Partner, who may disclose this information, however collected, to its affiliates, service providers, and other third parties (e.g., shipping carriers and revenue authorities) as necessary to perform the Services.

8. Service Updates and Discontinuation.

   eBay has the right, but not the obligation, to alter, amend, replace, suspend temporarily, and/or discontinue permanently, the Authenticity Guarantee service, the name of Authenticity Guarantee, any of the Services provided, features, and/or functionality offered under Authenticity Guarantee, and/or the service providers used to provide any or all of the Services under Authenticity Guarantee, at any time, in its sole discretion, with or without notice to you.

9. Lost, Damaged, or Items Not Delivered.

   Items that are lost or damaged during the Authenticity Guarantee process are protected by eBay’s Money Back Guarantee, subject to the eMBG guidelines. Items that are undeliverable or otherwise unclaimed after thirty (30) days will be considered abandoned and eBay reserves the right to donate or otherwise dispose of the item in our sole and absolute discretion.

10. Amendment.

    eBay may amend these Terms, including applicable fees, at any time, by posting the amended terms on the eBay site. Except as stated elsewhere, all amended terms shall take effect immediately and automatically when posted on the eBay site.