Buy sports cards privately, with CardBridge in the middle
Private deals are where the best cards change hands, and where the risk is. With Protect, the seller ships the card to us, we inspect and photograph it, and the money is only released once you're happy.
How it works
Safe private deals in four steps
Buyer and seller both see every step in their dashboard.
1. Register the deal
Buyer and seller agree the card and price, then register the deal with CardBridge.
2. Buyer pays
The buyer pays the agreed price plus the 5% protection fee, through our approved payment partner.
3. We inspect the card
The seller ships the card to us. We inspect it, photograph it and share the report.
4. Release and ship
Once the buyer approves, the seller is paid and we ship the card to the buyer, tracked and insured.
Representative example
Pay for the card you were promised
The buyer pays a 5% protection fee on the agreed price. The seller receives the full agreed price once the buyer approves the inspection.
Independent inspection and photos
Money released only after approval
Clear process if something isn't right
Example private deal
£2,000 graded card
Agreed price
£2,000.00
Buyer protection fee (5%)
£100.00
Buyer pays
£2,100.00
Seller receives on approval
£2,000.00
Example only. Full terms will be published at launch.
Who it's for
For deals done in DMs, forums and at shows
Buyers
Know the card is real and as described before your money moves.
Sellers
Give buyers confidence and close deals faster, without chargeback worries.
Cross-border deals
Buying from someone you've never met? We're the trusted middle.
Protect FAQs
What is sports card escrow?
Escrow means a trusted third party holds the money until the deal is done. CardBridge also inspects the card before any money reaches the seller.
How much does it cost?
The buyer pays a 5% buyer protection fee on the agreed price.
What if the card isn't as described?
The buyer reviews our inspection report and can reject the deal under the agreed terms. Full dispute terms will be published at launch.
Do both sides need a CardBridge account?
Yes. Buyer and seller each register so both can follow the deal in their dashboard.
When does Protect launch?
Protect is coming soon. Join early access and we'll let you know as soon as it opens.
Your grail. Within reach.
Join early access for priority on acquisition requests and launch updates.
Thanks, you're on the early-access list. We'll be in touch when reservations open.
Bridging the gap between collectors and their grails.
Company
How it works
Your dashboard
FAQs
Early access
Legal
Privacy policy
Terms of service
Cookie policy
© 2026 CardBridge Ltd. All rights reserved.
Registered in England & Wales · Company no. TBC
Important information. CardBridge is not a bank, lender or financial services firm. We do not lend money, provide card loans or credit, or give financial or investment advice. Your arrangement fee buys an exclusive option to purchase a card from CardBridge at a fixed price within 60 days, together with our sourcing, storage and reservation service. You are under no obligation to complete, and CardBridge owns the card until the completion price is paid in full. Arrangement fees are subject to our terms. Trading card values can go down as well as up and past prices are not a guide to future value, so please don't treat cards as an investment. Payments are processed securely by our third-party payment provider. CardBridge is an independent UK company and is not affiliated with Fund Your Cards or any other card acquisition service.