Grading a card means sending it to a company like PSA, CGC or Beckett, which authenticates it, gives it a grade from 1 to 10 and seals it in a tamper-evident case. A high grade can be worth far more than the raw card. A low grade, or the wrong card, can cost you more in fees than you get back. Here is how to decide.
Do the math first
Look up recent sold prices for your card in the grade you realistically expect, and for the raw card. Then subtract the costs: the grading fee, shipping both ways and insurance. If the graded price minus costs isn't clearly higher than the raw price, grading usually isn't worth it. Remember that most cards don't come back a 10. Run the numbers with a 9 or an 8 too.
Don't forget the wait
Turnaround times change a lot depending on the grading company, the service level and how busy they are. Your card is out of your hands while it's away, so factor in whether you might want to sell it in the meantime. We track grading news in our TCG news section.
Check the condition yourself
Graders look at four things. Check each under a bright light, ideally with a loupe:
- Centering: are the borders even left to right and top to bottom, front and back?
- Corners: sharp, or soft, rounded or dinged?
- Edges: any white chipping, especially on the back?
- Surface: scratches, print lines, dents, fingerprints or holo damage?
Be honest. Most cards that look perfect in a binder show small flaws up close.
What's usually worth grading
- Valuable chase cards in excellent condition
- Vintage cards in great shape, where high grades are rare
- Cards where a 10 sells for a big premium over a 9
- Cards you want authenticated before you sell them
Bulk, low-value cards and cards with visible damage are usually not worth the fee.
Prep it right
Put the card in a clean penny sleeve, then a semi-rigid card holder (the kind most graders ask for), not a screw-down case. Pack it so it can't move during shipping. Our storage guide covers the supplies.
Get a second opinion
Not sure? Bring the card into any Cards2Go store and we'll look it over for free. If you'd rather sell it as is, we'll make you an offer on the spot. See how selling works.
