SMC Authentication is a buyer-optional $10 add-on available on cards priced at or above $500. It gives buyers of higher-value cards an independent verification step before the card ever reaches you — the seller ships to SMC, our team confirms the card matches the listing, and then we repack and ship it directly to you.

How it works

1. 1

   Buyer opts in at checkout

   When a card is priced at or above the authentication threshold, buyers see an optional $10 SMC Authentication add-on at checkout. Opt in and the card routes through SMC before reaching you.

2. 2

   Seller ships the card to SMC

   Instead of shipping directly to the buyer, the seller sends the card to the SMC authentication address so our team can verify it first.

3. 3

   SMC receives & verifies it

   Once the card arrives, we compare it against the original listing photos and description to confirm it matches what the seller advertised.

4. 4

   SMC repacks & ships to you

   After the match check passes, we repack the card in SMC-branded packaging and ship it directly to you with a new tracking number.

5. 5

   You receive & confirm

   When your card arrives, confirm receipt in My Orders. That starts the normal buyer protection window and the seller’s payout proceeds through the standard schedule.

What SMC Authentication checks

SMC Authentication is a match-to-listing verification, not third-party numerical grading. Our team confirms the physical card that arrives matches the original listing photos and description — the player, set, year, condition as described, serial number if applicable, and any autograph or variation details the seller advertised. We do not assign a numerical grade. If you want a formal grade, look for cards already graded by PSA, BGS, SGC, or CGC in the listing — those graded cards are supported on the marketplace and ship directly to you.

Have more questions? Visit our FAQ or Help Center.