eBay has introduced a significant alteration affecting trading card buyers and sellers.
The online platform is rolling out its Authenticity Guarantee service for trading cards in the UK. Under this system, sellers of eligible trading cards will be required to send them to eBay’s authentication facility for a physical inspection conducted by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).
Following the evaluation, the card will be dispatched to the buyer with an e-tag containing a unique QR code affixed to the card’s protective packaging. This code enables buyers to access information about the card and its authentication.
Initially, the authentication service will be available for qualifying trading cards, encompassing collectible card games, sports trading cards, and non-sports cards, priced at £500 and above.
By June, the eligibility criteria will extend to all trading cards valued at £500 and higher. The Authenticity Guarantee service is already operational for various categories such as trainers, luxury watches, and handbags, without any additional fees for buyers.
eBay emphasized the continued strong demand for trading cards, with popular brands like Pokémon and Formula 1 leading the way. Notably, cards like Charizard ex and Ancient Mew were among the most searched items in 2025, with Lando Norris ranking as the top-searched British athlete on the platform.
A rare 1999 Pokemon 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard Base Set Holo Rare #4 BGS 9 MINT card fetched the highest price of £16,500 in the UK.
Adam Ireland, eBay’s Vice President and General Manager of Global Collectables, highlighted the importance of trust in the collectibles realm. He underscored the enhanced experience that the expansion of the Authenticity Guarantee service offers to both buyers and sellers in high-value trading card transactions, marking a significant milestone for eBay’s collectibles business.
This development follows eBay’s recent $1.2 billion (£890 million) agreement to acquire the second-hand clothing app Depop from rival Etsy. The move is aimed at capturing a younger demographic as eBay seeks sustained growth.
The transaction is slated to finalize in the second quarter of this year, with Depop maintaining its identity, brand, platform, and culture. The executives of both companies expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing the potential to deliver substantial benefits to their users.
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