A Beginner's Guide to Getting Your Cards Graded

What Is Card Grading?

Card grading is the process of having a professional third-party company evaluate the condition of a trading card, assign it a numerical grade (typically 1 through 10), and seal it in a tamper-proof case — commonly called a "slab." The grade acts as an objective measure of a card's condition, covering things like centering, corners, edges, and surface quality.

A high grade — particularly a PSA 10 or CGC 10 — can multiply a card's value dramatically. A raw (ungraded) Pokémon card worth $50 might be worth $200 or more in a PSA 10 slab. On the other hand, grading a common card that's only worth a few dollars is a waste of money, since the grading fee alone can exceed the card's value.

The Major Grading Companies

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

PSA is the most recognized name in card grading and the industry standard for sports cards. Their 1–10 scale is universally understood by collectors and dealers. PSA-graded cards tend to command the highest premiums in the resale market, particularly for sports cards and vintage Pokémon. Turnaround times vary widely depending on the service tier you choose, ranging from a few weeks for economy service to a few business days for premium express tiers.

CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)

CGC entered the trading card market after establishing themselves as the dominant grader in the comic book world. They've gained significant traction in the Pokémon and TCG space. CGC uses a 10-point scale with half-point increments (e.g., 9.5) and offers sub-grades for centering, corners, edges, and surface — which some collectors prefer for the added transparency. Their slabs are also generally considered more durable than PSA's.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS)

Beckett has been a trusted name in sports cards for decades. Their BGS labels include sub-grades for each of the four categories (centering, corners, edges, surface), and a BGS "Black Label" 10 — where all four sub-grades are 10 — is considered by many to be the pinnacle of graded cards. Beckett is particularly popular among basketball and football card collectors.

When Should You Grade a Card?

Grading makes financial sense when the potential increase in value outweighs the cost of grading. As a general rule of thumb, consider grading when:

• The card's raw market value is at least 3–5 times the grading fee
• The card appears to be in near-mint or better condition
• It's a key card — a rookie, first edition, chase card, or vintage piece with strong demand
• You plan to sell the card and want to maximize its value

Grading doesn't always make sense for personal collection cards you never plan to sell, bulk cards, or cards with obvious flaws like creases or whitening. Be honest with yourself about a card's condition before spending money on grading.

How the Grading Process Works

The basic process is straightforward regardless of which company you choose:

1. Create an account on the grading company's website
2. Fill out a submission form listing each card, its estimated value, and which service tier you want
3. Pack your cards carefully — use penny sleeves, toploaders, and painter's tape (never tape directly to the card or toploader opening)
4. Ship your submission with tracking and insurance
5. Wait for grading — turnaround varies from days to months depending on service level
6. Receive your slabbed cards back via insured shipping

Group Submissions at Your Local Card Shop

Many local card shops offer group submission services for PSA, CGC, or Beckett. This is often the best option for beginners because the shop handles all the paperwork, packaging, and shipping — and because group submissions can qualify for bulk pricing that's significantly cheaper than submitting on your own.

Check with shops in your area to see if they offer grading submission days. You can search our directory and filter for shops that offer PSA grading services.

Tips for Getting the Best Grades

Handle cards by the edges only. Fingerprints on the surface are one of the most common reasons for a card to lose points. Use clean, dry hands or cotton gloves when handling cards you plan to submit.

Use good lighting to inspect cards before submitting. Hold the card at different angles under a bright light to check for surface scratches, print lines, and whitening on edges and corners. A jeweler's loupe or magnifying glass can reveal imperfections invisible to the naked eye.

Be realistic about centering. Centering is one of the most common reasons a card misses a 10. PSA generally allows up to about 55/45 front and 75/25 back for a 10 grade. If your card is clearly off-center, it's likely looking at a 9 at best, regardless of how perfect the rest of the card is.

Protect your cards properly before submission. Place each card in a clean penny sleeve (opening facing down), then slide it into a semi-rigid cardholder (Card Saver 1 for PSA, or a toploader for CGC). Never use rubber bands, paper clips, or scotch tape anywhere near your cards.