Getting Started
Dates, pricing and what happens first.
6
When is HGA officially relaunching?
We're officially relaunching November 23, 2026.
We'll be unveiling an entirely new HGA, including redesigned card housing, an improved grading process, and a new approach to the collector experience.
Pre-orders will open November 23, with grading operations beginning February 1, 2027.
When can I start submitting cards?
You'll be able to place grading pre-orders beginning November 23, 2026.
Actual grading operations begin February 1, 2027. We'll provide detailed packaging and shipping instructions before customers begin mailing cards to our facility.
How much does HGA grading cost?
Our standard grading service starts at just $29 per card.
That includes:
- Professional card grading
- Four detailed subgrades
- Comprehensive grading report
- High-resolution card photography
- Our new standard protective slab
We'll also be introducing an innovative premium housing option. More information will be revealed at launch.
What is HGA's turnaround time?
We're introducing a 30-day turnaround guarantee.
Our goal is to provide consistent grading, dependable turnaround times, and an exceptional collector experience.
Full turnaround terms and conditions will be available when submissions open.
Where is HGA located?
Our new grading operations are located in the Phoenix, Arizona area.
We're no longer operating our grading facility in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Our official submission shipping address will be provided when physical submissions begin.
Can I drop off my cards in person?
Local drop-off and pickup services have not yet been announced.
Customers should plan on using our official shipping and submission process until additional options become available.
Existing HGA Customers & Legacy Cards
Your old slabs, your old cert numbers, and what happens to them.
10
I already own HGA-graded cards. Are my old certifications still valid?
Yes.
Your original HGA grading records remain part of our legacy certification system.
We're preserving the historical grading records of cards previously graded by HGA.
How do I look up my old HGA certification number?
We're restoring the legacy HGA certification lookup. It is not live yet — when it is, it will be at hybridgrading.com/cert, and that page will say so the day the search goes live.
Until then we will look it up for you. Email support@hybridgrading.com with the certification number from your label and we'll send back the grading record we hold for that card. The lookup page lists what to include.
Will my old grading history be lost with the new HGA?
No.
Your historical grading records will remain preserved and associated with your original certification number and / or customer records.
We're committed to maintaining the grading history of cards submitted under the original HGA system.
Can I send my previously graded HGA cards back for new slabs?
Yes.
We're developing a crossover and regrading program for existing HGA cards.
Because we're introducing an entirely new housing and certification system, cards transitioning into the new system will require regrading.
Your original grading history will remain preserved.
If I have an HGA 9.5, could it become a 10?
It's possible.
However, an existing grade will not automatically convert to a different grade.
Every card submitted for regrading will undergo a new evaluation under our updated grading standards.
Your new grade could be higher, lower, or remain the same.
Will HGA bring back the original custom color-matched labels?
We know collectors loved our original custom color-matched labels.
However, we won't be bringing back the original label designs.
We've completely redesigned our labeling and housing systems, introducing a new look and some incredible innovations that we'll reveal at launch.
Are the original horizontal slabs coming back?
The original horizontal slab design will not be returning.
However, our new housing lineup is designed to accommodate a wider variety of card orientations, sizes, thicknesses, and specialty formats.
Can I correct an old HGA label without having the card regraded?
Transitioning a legacy card into our new housing and labeling system requires a new grading evaluation.
If you believe your original label contains an error, please contact our support team at support@hybridgrading.com with your certification number and clear photos so we can review the issue and explain your options.
Will existing HGA customers receive special discounts on regrading?
We're exploring special pricing opportunities for longtime HGA customers.
Any legacy crossover discounts or promotions will be announced once finalized.
We genuinely appreciate everyone who supported the original HGA and want to make transitioning into the new HGA a great experience.
What if I had an unresolved order or issue with the old HGA?
We understand that some customers experienced difficulties before HGA's restructuring.
If you have an unresolved order, missing card, or previous service issue, please contact our customer support team at support@hybridgrading.com with your original order number and any relevant details.
We're reviewing historical customer inquiries and working to address outstanding concerns.
Grading Standards & Technology
How cards are evaluated, and what you get back.
6
What makes the new HGA different?
We're rethinking the entire grading experience.
From the way cards are evaluated to how they're protected, displayed, and verified, we've taken a fresh approach to what collectors should expect from a grading company.
Our priorities include:
- Consistent and accurate grading
- Greater transparency
- Detailed grading reports
- Innovative card protection
- Competitive pricing
- Reliable turnaround times
We believe collectors deserve more than just a number on a label.
Does HGA still provide subgrades?
Absolutely.
Every graded card will include four subgrades:
- Centering: how well the card's design is aligned
- Corners: the condition of the card's corners
- Edges: the condition and finish of the card's edges
- Surface: the condition of the card's front and back surfaces
Subgrades are included with grading at no additional charge.
Will I receive a detailed grading report?
Yes.
Every graded card includes a detailed grading report covering the four major grading categories.
We want collectors to understand how their cards were evaluated.
Does HGA use AI or computer technology to grade cards?
HGA incorporates technology and specialized human evaluation into its grading process.
Rather than having one person handle every aspect of grading, our process uses specialists focused on individual grading categories.
Our objective is to improve consistency, accountability, and grading transparency.
Will my cards receive high-resolution photos?
Yes.
Every graded card includes high-resolution photography at no additional charge.
Is HGA affiliated with PSA, BGS, CGC, or other grading companies?
No.
HGA is an independent grading company offering collectors another choice for professional card grading.
Our goal is to earn your trust through consistency, transparency, innovation, and customer experience.
What Cards Does HGA Accept?
What we grade, and what we don't.
6
What types of cards can I submit?
HGA grades sports trading cards and trading card game (TCG) cards.
This includes baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, Pokémon, and other eligible sports and TCG cards.
Can you grade thick cards, booklets, and unusual card sizes?
Yes.
Our new housing lineup is being developed to accommodate a wide variety of card sizes, thicknesses, orientations, and specialty configurations.
This includes many thick cards, oversized cards, and specialty booklet formats.
For unusual sizes, please contact support@hybridgrading.com before submitting so we can confirm the appropriate housing option.
Does HGA grade custom-made cards?
No.
HGA only grades eligible sports and TCG cards. We do not grade custom-made cards.
Does HGA grade autographed trading cards?
Yes, but only when the autograph was originally issued and certified by the card manufacturer.
HGA accepts eligible factory-issued autographed sports and TCG cards.
At this time, we do not accept cards with aftermarket, personally obtained, or in-person autographs, even if the autograph has been authenticated by a third party.
We also do not offer independent autograph authentication services.
Our priority is providing consistent, accurate grading while maintaining the highest standards of trust and authenticity.
Does HGA grade comics, tickets, or other collectibles?
No.
HGA specializes in sports trading cards and TCG cards.
We do not grade comic books, tickets, or other non-card collectibles.
Does HGA grade cards containing adult nudity?
No.
Cards containing adult nudity are not eligible for grading, including manufacturer-certified or pack-pulled cards.
Shipping, Submissions & International Customers
Getting your cards to us and home again.
4
Can I submit cards from outside the United States?
Yes.
We welcome card submissions from collectors around the world.
International customers will need to ship their cards to our U.S. grading facility and cover applicable international shipping and return costs.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs are separate from grading fees.
Final shipping charges depend on factors such as your destination, package size, and insurance requirements.
Full shipping options and prices will be provided through the submission process.
How should I package my cards for shipping?
We'll provide detailed packaging and shipping instructions when our submission process opens.
Please wait for our official instructions before mailing cards to our facility.
Will HGA offer bulk grading discounts?
We're evaluating additional pricing options for collectors, dealers, and high-volume submitters.
Our announced standard grading price is $29 per card.
Any additional volume pricing or promotions will be announced when finalized.
UCollect, Partnerships & More
The wider platform, and how to work with us.
7
What's the difference between HGA and UCollect?
HGA is our grading company. UCollect is our broader collectibles platform.
HGA focuses on professionally grading, protecting, and certifying trading cards.
UCollect is being developed as a platform offering additional services such as buying, selling, collection management, and optional card storage.
Our vision is to make the overall collecting experience easier and more connected.
Will I be able to sell my HGA-graded cards through UCollect?
That's part of our vision.
UCollect is being developed to support buying and selling collectible trading cards.
Marketplace features and availability will be announced separately as the platform develops.
Will UCollect offer card storage or vaulting?
Yes, optional card storage and vaulting services are being developed.
We'll announce availability, pricing, insurance, and storage procedures once the service is ready.
Does HGA have an Ambassador Program?
We're setting up the HGA Ambassador Program now.
It will let approved ambassadors earn commission on referred sales, give their followers a discount, and take part in opportunities to help grow the HGA community.
Full details, including how to apply, will be announced in the next couple of weeks.
Does HGA work with influencers, content creators, and card shops?
Yes.
We're interested in building relationships with collectors, influencers, content creators, and businesses that share our passion for the hobby.
Our Sponsorship & Partnerships Team reviews potential collaborations, including promotional opportunities and high-volume submissions.
Email support@hybridgrading.com with information about your business, audience, and proposal.
Will HGA sell branded merchandise?
Yes.
We're planning new HGA merchandise, including shirts, hats, and stickers, beginning February 1, 2027.
How can I contact HGA customer support?
For questions about grading, legacy certifications, previous orders, or general support, please contact our support team.
Email: support@hybridgrading.com
Instagram: @hybridgradingapproach
No answers matched
Try a shorter word, or email support@hybridgrading.com and a person will answer you.