Redeeming a Physical Card From a Token — Fees, Shipping and Australia

Every credible vault-backed platform lets you convert your token into the physical slab it represents — that convertibility is what makes the token meaningful. But redemption has real costs and real steps, and for Australian collectors all of it happens internationally. This is what the process actually looks like, drawn from the platforms’ own documentation (verified September 2026).

What redemption does

On both Courtyard and Phygitals, claiming a card works the same way at the structural level: you submit a redemption request, the platform pulls the slab from vault storage, ships it to your address, and permanently retires (burns) the corresponding token. After redemption the digital collectible no longer exists — you hold the physical card outright.

The steps (Courtyard example)

Per Courtyard’s own help documentation:

1. Open the Shipments/Redemption tracker (courtyard.io/redeem) and select the items to claim.
2. Confirm your shipping address and pay shipping — charged at-cost based on FedEx pricing, destination and weight.
3. Complete KYC (identity verification) — required before redemption.
4. The card ships from the vault in Delaware, USA. US delivery typically runs ~10 business days after invoice processing; international takes longer.
5. Handling fees can apply during high-demand periods (a $2/card handling surcharge is documented).
6. International buyers — including Australians — pay any customs and import taxes their country’s rules require.

Phygitals’ documented process is structurally identical: claim from your wallet, provide address/email/phone, pay applicable fees, the digital collectible is retired on successful claim.

Australian considerations

• Shipping time and cost: cards ship from US vaults. Expect international courier timelines and costs materially higher than US domestic; get the quote shown at checkout before committing.
• Import duty/GST: whether GST or duty applies depends on the item, value and how it’s declared. Courtyard’s docs note international customers are responsible for import/customs taxes under their country’s rules. Check the ATO’s imported-goods rules for your situation — an accountant beats a guide for anything material.
• Insurance in transit: check whether the platform’s stated insurance covers vault-to-door or vault-to-ship only — the gap matters on a high-value slab.
• Payment: redemptions typically invoice in USD via the platform’s payment rails; FX and card fees are yours.

When not to redeem

Redemption is one-way — the token is burned and you lose instant-settlement tradability. If you plan to resell, keeping the token vaulted is usually the better instrument. Redeem when you want the card itself: for a physical collection, to re-grade, or because you no longer want platform exposure.

Bottom line: redemption works — it’s documented, real, and the reason vault-backed tokens mean anything — but it’s international shipping with fees, KYC and possible import taxes. Check the platform’s current terms, verify the platform is still operating in the registry, and price the redemption before you buy the token. Related: the buying checklist · who holds it, and how to check.