Is PSA or BGS better for Pokemon cards?

PSA is the most popular for Pokemon cards and PSA-graded cards generally sell for higher prices. BGS is preferred by collectors who value the sub-grade detail and stricter grading standards. For maximum resale value, PSA is usually the better choice.

How much does it cost to grade a Pokemon card?

Pricing varies by company and service level. Economy services start at $15-20 per card with 3-6 month turnaround. Standard services cost $30-50 with 1-3 month turnaround. Express services range from $100-600 for faster processing.

What grade do I need for my card to be valuable?

PSA 9 and 10 are the sweet spots for value. A PSA 10 typically sells for 2-10x a PSA 9, and a PSA 9 sells for 2-5x a raw near-mint copy. Grades below 8 generally do not add significant value over raw cards for modern releases.

Can I grade any Pokemon card?

Yes, all legitimate Pokemon cards can be submitted for grading including standard cards, promos, error cards, and foreign language versions. However, it only makes financial sense for cards where the graded value exceeds the raw value plus grading costs.

Pokemon Card Grading Guide

8 min read · Updated 2025-07-15

What Is Card Grading?

Card grading is the process of sending your Pokemon cards to a professional authentication and grading company that evaluates the card condition on a standardized scale, authenticates it as genuine, and encapsulates it in a tamper-evident case (slab). The grade assigned to the card directly affects its market value, with higher grades commanding significantly higher prices.

The Big Three Grading Companies

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

PSA is the most recognized and widely used grading service for Pokemon cards. They use a 1-10 scale where 10 is Gem Mint, the highest possible grade. PSA 10 cards command the strongest premiums in the market. PSA is known for slightly more lenient grading compared to BGS, particularly at the 10 level, which is why PSA 10 populations tend to be higher. Current pricing starts at $20 per card for economy service (turnaround 150+ days) up to $600 for next-day service.

BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

BGS provides sub-grades in four categories: centering, corners, edges, and surface. Each sub-grade contributes to the final grade. A BGS 10 (Black Label, all four sub-grades are 10) is the most prestigious grade in the hobby and commands the highest premiums of any grading company. However, BGS 10 Black Labels are extremely rare. BGS tends to grade more strictly than PSA, which some collectors prefer. Pricing starts around $20 for standard service.

CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)

CGC entered the Pokemon card market more recently and has gained significant traction. They also use a 1-10 scale with sub-grades available as an option. CGC is known for consistent and fair grading standards. Their cases feature a UV-protective inner well. CGC cards typically sell for slightly less than PSA equivalents at the same grade, but the gap has been narrowing. Pricing starts at $15 for economy service.

Understanding the Grading Scale

10 (Gem Mint / Pristine): Perfect card. No visible flaws under 10x magnification. Corners razor-sharp, centering within tolerance, surface flawless.
9 (Mint): Near-perfect with one very minor flaw. Might have slightly off centering or one barely noticeable surface mark.
8 (Near Mint-Mint): Minor flaws visible on close inspection. Slight whitening on one corner, minor surface scratches, or centering slightly off.
7 (Near Mint): Several minor flaws. Light whitening on corners, a few surface scratches, or centering noticeably off.
6 and below: Increasingly visible wear including edge whitening, scratches, creases, or print defects.

When Is Grading Worth It?

Grading makes financial sense when the graded value exceeds the raw card value plus grading costs (including shipping and insurance). As a general rule, consider grading if the card is worth $50+ raw and is in excellent condition. For a $5 card, the $20-30 grading cost means it is only worthwhile if a PSA 10 would sell for $50+.

Vintage cards (Base Set through Neo era) almost always benefit from grading due to the significant premium graded copies command. Modern chase cards (alt arts, SARs) are worth grading if they appear to be in PSA 9-10 condition. Bulk modern ultra rares below $20 value are generally not worth the grading cost.

How to Prepare Cards for Grading

Evaluate the card honestly. Use a loupe or magnifying glass to check all four corners, both surfaces, and all edges. Centering should be roughly 55/45 or better for a shot at a 10.
Place the card in a penny sleeve, then into a semi-rigid card saver (Card Saver 1 for PSA, top-loaders accepted by BGS/CGC).
Fill out the submission form accurately with card name, set, year, and declared value.
Ship in a sturdy box with padding. Insure the package for the declared value.

Turnaround Times

Economy services (cheapest) typically take 3-6 months. Regular services run 1-3 months. Express and premium services can deliver in 1-5 business days but cost significantly more. During peak demand (holidays, set releases), turnaround times can extend beyond the stated estimates.

Using Pokex Before Grading

Scan your cards with Pokex to get current market values and determine which cards are worth the grading investment. The scanner helps you identify your most valuable cards quickly so you can focus your grading budget where it will generate the best return.