Definition: A redemption card is a card inserted into a pack of sports cards in place of a card - usually an autographed card or memorabilia card - that was not ready at the time the cards were printed. The holder of the redemption card either mails it to the card company or enters information on the company's website, and the manufacturer mails the delayed card back whenever it is actually produced. Card companies see redemption cards as a necessary evil to create certain types of cards that are difficult to finish in the same time frame as the rest of a set (such as cards autographed by multiple athletes), but collectors generally dislike them due to the length of time it takes for the cards to be redeemed.
Also Known As: redemption
Examples: It can be a little depressing when you expect to find an autographed card and pull a redemption card instead.