Card grading companies inspect a card's centering, corners, edges and surface, give it a grade from 1 to 10, and seal it in a tamper-evident slab. PSA is the most widely traded and usually commands the highest resale prices for top grades. Beckett (BGS) shows subgrades for each category, CGC is popular for trading card games such as Pokémon, and SGC is known for fast service and vintage sports cards. Grade a card when its graded value clearly exceeds the raw value plus fees and shipping.
Grading turns a raw card into a slabbed, graded collectible with a clear condition and authenticity record. It can multiply a card’s value, or cost you more than the card is worth. Here is how it works and how the main companies compare.
How grading works
A grader inspects the card under magnification and assesses four things:
- Centering: how evenly the borders frame the image, front and back.
- Corners: sharpness and any wear or rounding.
- Edges: chipping, whitening and roughness.
- Surface: scratches, print lines, dents, stains and gloss.
The card gets a grade from 1 to 10 and is sealed in a tamper-evident plastic holder (a slab) with a label showing the grade and a certification number you can look up online.
The four major graders
| PSA | BGS (Beckett) | CGC | SGC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale | 1 to 10, with half grades | 1 to 10 in half steps, with four subgrades | 1 to 10 | 1 to 10 |
| Top grade | Gem Mint 10 | Pristine 10, and Black Label when all subgrades are 10 | Pristine 10 (gold label), then Gem Mint 10 | Pristine 10, then Gem Mint 10 |
| Known for | Highest resale demand at top grades | Detailed subgrades | Trading card games, modern cards | Vintage sports cards, fast service |
PSA
The largest grader and the most widely traded. PSA 10s generally sell for the most, which is why many collectors default to PSA for valuable modern cards.
Beckett (BGS)
Beckett’s labels show subgrades for centering, corners, edges and surface, so buyers can see exactly why a card got its grade. A BGS 9.5 Gem Mint is highly regarded, and a Black Label Pristine 10 with four 10 subgrades is among the most valuable labels in the hobby.
CGC
CGC entered cards from comics grading and is popular for Pokémon and other trading card games. Its top grade, Pristine 10, carries a gold label, and Gem Mint 10 is the next step down. CGC’s older Perfect 10 grade has been retired, though existing slabs keep their label.
SGC
SGC is known for its black “tuxedo” slab, quick turnaround and a strong following among vintage sports card collectors.
Is a card worth grading?
Work through the math before you submit:
- Check sold prices for the raw card and for graded copies at likely grades.
- Estimate the grade realistically by checking centering and inspecting corners, edges and surface under bright light.
- Add costs: grading fee for the declared value tier, shipping both ways and insurance.
- Grade it if the expected graded value comfortably beats the raw value plus costs.
Good candidates: valuable cards in excellent condition, key rookie cards, and cards you want authenticated before selling.
How to submit
- Put each card in a penny sleeve, then a semi-rigid holder (card saver), which most graders prefer over toploaders.
- Fill in the submission online, choosing the service level by declared value and turnaround.
- Pack the cards tightly between cardboard so they can’t move, and ship with tracking and insurance.
Expect turnaround from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the company and service level.
Common questions
Which grading company is best?
It depends on the card and your goal. PSA slabs usually sell for the most at the top grades and are the safest choice for resale. BGS suits collectors who want subgrades, CGC is strong for trading card games, and SGC is popular for vintage sports cards.
What is a BGS Black Label?
A Black Label is Beckett's rarest grade: a Pristine 10 where all four subgrades (centering, corners, edges and surface) are 10.
What is the difference between CGC Pristine 10 and Gem Mint 10?
Pristine 10 is CGC's top grade for a card that looks flawless under magnification, and it carries a gold label. Gem Mint 10 is the next grade down and is broadly comparable to a PSA 10. CGC's older Perfect 10 grade has been retired.
Is it worth grading a card?
Grade a card if it is valuable, in excellent condition and likely to earn a high grade, or if you want it authenticated and protected. Low-value cards rarely recover the grading fee.