Issue 116 of Tabletop Gaming magazine contains an in-depth report titled ‘Fake it Till You Break It’ – all about the rise of counterfeiting in trading card games. While you might not be spending $3.5m on a collection of Pokémon booster boxes (only to find them filled with GI Joe cards, as a certain influencer […]
Issue 116 of Tabletop Gaming magazine contains an in-depth report titled ‘Fake it Till You Break It’ – all about the rise of counterfeiting in trading card games. While you might not be spending $3.5m on a collection of Pokémon booster boxes (only to find them filled with GI Joe cards, as a certain influencer did), you still want to know that what you’re buying is legit.
All props then to online retailer eBay, which is the first marketplace to bring expert verification and automatic authentication for high-value trading card purchases in the UK. The Authenticity Guarantee service will start rolling out for eligible trading cards – including collectable card games, sports trading cards and non-sports cards – sold for £500 and above. The move is designed to bring an added layer of trust and confidence for one of eBay’s most passionate enthusiast communities.
“Trust is critical in the world of collectables – it’s why collectors around the world turn to eBay and our 30 years of expertise, innovation and diverse selection in this category,” says Adam Ireland, Vice President and General Manager for Global Collectables at eBay. “The expansion of our Authenticity Guarantee service to trading cards in the UK offers buyers and sellers an enhanced experience for high-value trading card transactions, and represents a global milestone for our collectables business.”
The introduction of an Authenticity Guarantee for trading cards follows a similar service in categories including sneakers, luxury watches and handbags. Ireland says trading cards continue to see strong demand from collectors, as new record sales are set across the industry. A 1999 Pokémon 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard Base Set Holo Rare #4 BGS 9 MINT is the highest-value trading card sold in the UK, at £16,500.
On ebay.co.uk, collector interest spans everything from Pokémon to Formula 1, with cards such as Charizard ex and Ancient Mew among the most searched in 2025, and Lando Norris ranking as the most searched British athlete on the site.
How Does eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee for Trading Cards Work?
Eligible listings will display an Authenticity Guarantee blue badge, making it easy for buyers to shop with confidence. The service began rolling out across eBay.co.uk at no additional cost to buyers or sellers from 6 May 2026, with eligibility expanding throughout the month and all trading cards priced at £500 and above expected to be included by June.
In addition to marketplace listings, eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee for trading cards will also apply to eligible purchases made through eBay Live, bringing the same level of trust and confidence to interactive live streams.
When a service-eligible trading card is purchased, the seller ships it directly to eBay’s authentication facility, for a comprehensive, multi-point physical inspection carried out by eBay’s partner, Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Following this rigorous assessment, the card is sent via tracked, next-day delivery to the buyer.
The authentication process includes:
Thorough Inspection. Using an extensive database, authenticators assess the card’s condition and quality, ensuring it matches the listing description and verifying authenticity.
Proof of Authentication. A tamper-evident e-tag featuring a unique QR code is attached to the card’s protective packaging, preserving the condition of the card itself. Buyers can scan the code to view details about the card and its authentication journey.
Verified Returns. For sellers who offer returns, eBay ensures the exact item is returned via a verified process. Items are sent back to the authentication centre, where experts confirm condition and authenticity before returning to the seller.