KNOW WHAT YOU’RE ADDING TO YOUR COLLECTION
A closer look at card condition
A little wear can make a big difference when you’re choosing a card. This guide explains the condition labels we use at Chase Cards, from Mint through to Damaged, with examples to help you compare.
Use it alongside the photos and description in each listing. If you’re unsure about a particular card, please ask before ordering. We’re happy to help.
Mint
A card in Mint condition should look close to perfect. Our Mint category allows one or two very small imperfections, such as a tiny white dot on one or two corners.
- An overall near-perfect appearance.
- No more than one or two minimal imperfections.
- Mint does not mean completely flawless.
Near Mint
Near Mint cards show minimal wear from handling, shuffling or play. They can have a nearly unmarked surface, crisp corners and clean edges, with a few slight flaws.
- Minimal signs of wear.
- A few small surface, corner or edge imperfections may be present.
Lightly Played
Lightly Played cards may have minor edge wear, scuffs or scratches. They have no significant imperfections or damage affecting the structure of the card.
- Minor wear around the edges.
- Small scuffs or scratches may be visible.
- No significant structural damage.
Moderately Played
Moderately Played cards have more noticeable wear. This can include edge or surface wear, scratches, scuffs, and bends with creases, either individually or in combination.
- Visible edge and surface wear.
- Scratching or scuffing may be present.
- Bends and creases are possible.
Heavily Played
Heavily Played cards show substantial wear. They may have several imperfections together, including creasing, whitening and other visible faults.
- A significant amount of visible wear.
- Whitening and creasing may be present.
- Several types of wear or imperfections can appear together.
Damaged
Damaged cards have wear or faults beyond our other condition categories. This can include damage that affects the structure or integrity of the card.
- Major border wear, scratching or scuffing.
- Bends, tears or splitting.
- Food or liquid residue, or other substances and damage.
A FEW THINGS WORTH KNOWING
Understanding our condition descriptions
We want you to feel comfortable with what you’re buying. Here’s how to read our condition labels and example images.
How our condition labels work
Our labels describe our assessment of an ungraded card against the standards in this guide. Some judgement is involved, and cards within the same category may show different types of wear.
These categories do not replace the individual listing description or our responsibility to describe the card accurately.
Example images and listing photographs
The images on this page illustrate the condition categories. They are not photographs of every card available for sale.
Check the individual listing for its photos and any specific condition notes. If it is unclear whether an image shows the exact card you will receive, contact us to confirm.
Photographs may not show every small surface mark or imperfection. This does not change our responsibility to describe cards accurately.
Mint, Near Mint and professional grading
Our condition labels are not professional grading scores. Mint and Near Mint cards are not guaranteed to receive a particular grade from PSA, BGS, CGC or another grading company.
The imperfections permitted in each category are explained above. Our Mint category allows one or two minimal imperfections, such as tiny white dots on one or two corners.
Why cards in the same category can look different
One card may show wear at the corners, while another has surface marks or edge wear. A condition category describes a range of permitted wear, rather than an identical appearance across every card.
Read the category alongside the listing details, particularly if you’re looking for a card with specific qualities.
Questions or concerns about a card?
Before ordering, send us the product name or link and let us know what you’d like to check.
If a card has arrived and you believe it does not match its description, please get in touch so we can review your concern.
- Include your order number and the card’s name.
- Explain the condition issue you’ve noticed.
- If possible, include clear photographs of the card and the area of concern. These help us understand the issue.
Read our returns and refund policy