How to Submit Cards for Grading — PSA, BGS & CGC Guide (2026)

Step-by-step guide to submitting trading cards for professional grading.

Grading Costs Comparison

ServiceCheapest TierTurnaroundMarket Premium
PSA$18.99/card (TCG Bulk)95 business daysHighest (3–5x raw)
BGS (Beckett)$15/card45+ daysHigh (2–4x raw), Black Label 10 = 4–6x
CGC$15/card10–40 days (fastest)Growing (2–3x raw)

How to Submit to PSA (Step-by-Step)

  1. Pre-grade: Use Guardian TCG's AI Grader to estimate grade before paying
  2. Create account: Register at psacard.com/submit
  3. Choose tier: Bulk ($18.99) for most cards, Express ($149+) for high-value
  4. Prepare cards: Penny sleeve → Card Saver I semi-rigid holder (not toploaders)
  5. Pack securely: Bubble wrap, sturdy box, maintain card order matching your submission
  6. Ship with tracking & insurance

When Is Grading Worth It?

Use our Grading ROI Calculator to check. General rule: grade if the PSA 10 value is at least 3x the raw price + grading cost ($20–30).

How much does PSA grading cost?

PSA grading starts at $18.99/card (TCG Bulk tier, 95 business days) as of 2026. Express services range from $149 to $299/card.

Is PSA or BGS better for Pokemon cards?

PSA has the highest resale premiums (3-5x raw) and ~70% market share. BGS offers subgrades and Black Label 10s command 4-6x. CGC has the fastest turnaround.

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