Is PSA Grading Worth It? Pokemon Card Grading Guide

Grading can multiply a card’s value — or waste your money. Here’s how to know if PSA grading makes sense for your Pokemon cards.

What Grading Costs

PSA grading isn’t free. Current pricing (as of 2026):

Service Level	Cost	Turnaround
Value	$25	65+ days
Regular	$75	45 days
Express	$150	20 days
Super Express	$300	5 days
Walk-Through	$600	1 day

Additional costs:

• Shipping to PSA ($10-30)
• Insurance (recommended for valuable cards)
• Return shipping ($10-20)
• Submission supplies (holders, forms)

Total minimum cost: ~$50-60 per card for Value tier

When Grading Makes Sense

Grading is worth it when the increase in value exceeds the cost. Here’s the math:

The Breakeven Formula

PSA 10 value - Raw NM value > Grading cost + Risk

Example:

• Raw NM card: $100
• PSA 10 value: $400
• Grading cost: $50
• Potential gain: $250+ (if it grades PSA 10)

This makes sense. Even a PSA 9 at $200 would be profitable.

Bad example:

• Raw NM card: $15
• PSA 10 value: $50
• Grading cost: $50
• Potential gain: Negative or break-even

Don’t grade $15 cards. The math doesn’t work.

Minimum Raw Value Rule

As a general guideline, consider grading if:

• Raw value is $50+ for standard cards
• Raw value is $100+ for cards with tough centering
• The card has PSA 10 potential (condition matters)

If your raw card is worth less than $50, grading rarely makes financial sense unless you’re building a personal graded collection.

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Check Your Card's Value

Scan to see if your card meets the $50 threshold.

The PSA 10 Gamble

Here’s the catch: not every NM card grades PSA 10.

Typical grade distribution for “Near Mint” cards:

Grade	Approximate Rate
PSA 10	15-30%
PSA 9	40-50%
PSA 8	20-30%
PSA 7 or lower	5-15%

You might send in a card expecting a 10 and get a 9. The value difference can be substantial:

Card	PSA 10	PSA 9	Difference
Base Charizard (Unlimited)	$3,000	$800	73% less
Evolving Skies Umbreon Alt	$400	$280	30% less
Modern SAR	$150	$100	33% less

Factors That Affect Your Grade

Before submitting, honestly evaluate:

Centering

PSA is strict on centering. Even 60/40 can prevent a PSA 10. Check:

• Front left/right balance
• Front top/bottom balance
• Back centering (yes, it matters)

Surface

Holo scratches kill grades. Even light scratches only visible at angles can drop you to PSA 9 or 8. Check:

• Surface under direct light at various angles
• Holo pattern for scratches or scuffs
• Print lines (minor ones are okay)

Edges

Whitening is common and graders catch it. Check:

• All four edges against a dark background
• Corner points for wear
• Any nicks or chips

Corners

Soft corners are an instant downgrade. Check:

• Sharpness of all four corners
• Any bends or dings at corners
• Whitening at corner points

PSA vs. Other Graders

PSA isn’t the only option:

Grader	Pros	Cons
PSA	Most recognized, highest resale premium	Expensive, long wait times
BGS	Subgrades provide detail, “Black Label” 10s are valuable	Less liquid market than PSA
CGC	Faster turnaround, good reputation	Lower resale premiums than PSA
SGC	Quick, affordable	Lower recognition, smaller premiums

For maximum resale value: PSA is still king for Pokemon cards. The premium buyers pay for PSA slabs exceeds other graders.

For personal collection: Any reputable grader works. CGC offers good value.

Cards Worth Grading

Definitely Grade (if condition allows)

• 1st Edition vintage holos
• Gold Star cards
• Base Set Charizard (any print)
• High-value alternate arts ($100+ raw)
• Shining cards
• Crystal types

Maybe Grade

• Modern chase cards worth $50-100 raw
• Vintage holos in exceptional condition
• Cards you believe are true PSA 10 candidates
• Investment cards you’ll hold long-term

Don’t Grade

• Cards worth under $50 raw
• Anything with visible damage
• Cards with obvious centering issues
• Commons and uncommons
• Cards you’re not planning to sell

The Grading Process

If you decide to grade:

1. Evaluate Honestly

Look at your card under bright light from multiple angles. Be critical. If you see any issues, expect at least a PSA 9.

2. Protect the Card

• Place in a perfect-fit sleeve
• Use a semi-rigid holder for shipping
• Don’t use tape on the holder
• Label clearly

3. Submit Correctly

• Create a PSA account
• Fill out the submission form accurately
• Declare accurate values for insurance
• Choose appropriate service level

4. Wait

Current PSA turnaround times are lengthy. Value tier submissions can take 2-3 months. Plan accordingly.

5. Receive and Verify

When your card returns:

• Check the grade
• Verify it’s your card
• Store properly (slabs can crack)

Bulk Submissions

For multiple cards, some strategies help:

Quality over quantity: Don’t submit everything. Cherry-pick your best candidates.

Use submission services: Third-party services submit on your behalf, sometimes at lower per-card costs. They also pre-screen cards that won’t grade well.

Group by value: Don’t pay Express shipping for $50 cards.

The Honest Answer

Is PSA grading worth it?

Yes, if:

• Raw value exceeds $50-100
• The card is in genuine PSA 10 condition
• You’re selling or holding long-term
• The grade will meaningfully increase value

No, if:

• Raw value is under $50
• Condition is questionable
• You’re keeping it in a personal binder
• The grading cost exceeds potential gain

Most cards aren’t worth grading. The ones that are can see significant value increases. Know the math before you submit.

Check Your Cards First

Before paying for grading, know what your cards are worth raw. Scan them to see current market prices, then decide if the grading math works.

If a card is worth $20 raw and $40 graded, grading costs you money. If it’s worth $100 raw and $500 graded, that’s a different story.