How Does PSA Grading Work? An Expert's Inside Look at Card Grading

Trading cards have grown from childhood hobbies into serious investments, and PSA grading plays a vital role in this billion-dollar industry. PSA has verified more than 40 million sports cards and collectibles, with their total value going beyond $1 billion. 

The process works through expert evaluation, where trained professionals assess your card's condition with remarkable precision.Card grading's main goal is to ensure authenticity, and grades can affect a card's value by a lot. 

A half grade difference can mean thousands of dollars in value. This reality makes collectors take PSA grading prices seriously before submitting their cards. The stakes reach incredible heights - a graded 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card sold for over $12 million as a PSA 9. A PSA 10 Charizard from the 1999 Pokémon set can bring in upwards of $300,000.

This piece will take you through the whole PSA grading process, from submission to final grade. You'll learn about the four key factors graders look at, understand the grading scale, get clarity on pricing tiers, and figure out if grading your cards makes financial sense.

How does PSA grading work?

PSA grading uses a complete multi-step process to check and assess collectibles with precision. The core team verifies authenticity and assigns a numerical grade to each item that comes through specialized departments.

Step-by-step overview of the grading process

The PSA grading trip has 12 distinct stages from submission to delivery. Collectors must get their shipments ready by doing this: cards should match the order on the submission form, each card needs a semi-rigid Card Saver, a printed submission form must be included, and the Submission ID label goes on the package.

Collectors can submit their items in three main ways:

1. High-value items can be dropped off at PSA's Woodbridge, NJ office (by appointment)

2. Submit at PSA-attended trade shows

3. Use PSA's Online Submission Center—most collectors pick this option

PSA uses detailed methods for actual grading. Each card gets an authentication check first. The team checks legitimacy with black light inspections, texture analysis, and compares fonts with known authentic examples. Multiple graders look at each card to reach a final grade. They use special tools like magnifying lenses, centering gages, and angled lighting to spot tiny flaws.

Cards get a unique certification number after grading and are sonically sealed in tamper-evident holders. The PSA Lighthouse™ label shows the card's details, grade, certification number, and barcode—this becomes its permanent ID.

What happens when your card arrives at PSA

PSA scans your package's Submission ID label and sends you a confirmation email right away. Your account and orders pages show the arrival status too. This marks the start of your card's journey.

Your submission waits in line for processing. The Receiving Department opens packages under camera surveillance to match contents with submission forms. They count all cards and place them in individual boxes with the submission form. You'll get an email with an order number that confirms your submission is moving forward.

Your cards then move through several steps:

The Research Department makes sure label information is correct. You can review descriptions for accuracy once you get the completion email.

Specialists look at four key things during grading: centering, corners, edges, and surface condition. At least two professionals check each card's authenticity and grade.

Quality control adds more checks. Another grader confirms grade accuracy, followed by a final check for any holder or label issues.

How long does PSA grading take?

Service level and current demand affect PSA's turnaround times by a lot. PSA announced longer estimated times for 2025 due to high submission volumes.

The receiving process (unboxing and system entry) takes about 15 business days now. Bulk and Value service levels face the biggest delays. Keep in mind—turnaround counting starts after your submission enters their system, not when your package arrives.

Recent estimates for specific service levels show:

• Value, Value Bulk, and TCG Bulk: 65 business days

• Value + Bulk Dual Service: 75 business days

Premium service tiers get faster processing but use the same grading standards. Express service and higher levels come before Regular, Economy, and Value pricing orders.

A collector using GameStop PSA Bulk grading shared this timeline: drop-off (January 7), PSA receiving scan (January 30), grading (February 7), assembly (February 10), quality assurance (February 14), and completion (February 17).

PSA clearly states these timeframes might change and aren't guaranteed. Business days (Monday–Friday, without holidays) count for all estimates, not calendar days. Collectors should plan ahead when they think about using PSA grading services.

The 4 key factors PSA uses to grade cards

PSA graders assess four vital factors to determine a card's final grade. These specific criteria help collectors learn how PSA grading works and the reasons behind each grade. Each element plays a substantial role in the assessment process. The card's centering usually creates the first impression.

Centering

The card's artwork position between its borders defines centering. PSA looks at both front and back sides. The front matters more because it shapes the card's visual appeal.

PSA calculates centering percentages by comparing opposite borders. A card with the left border taking 55% of total left/right width and right border at 45% would show 55/45 centering.

These strict centering requirements apply to a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade:

• Front: 55/45 or better (previously 60/40, changed in early 2025)

• Back: 75/25 or better

Requirements for a PSA 9 Mint grade:

• Front: 60/40 or better

• Back: 90/10 or better

PSA sometimes makes exceptions based on overall eye appeal. Cards with yellow backgrounds might get some leeway since off-center borders blend better with the background.

Corners

Corner quality stands as another key factor in PSA's assessment. Graders use 10x magnification to check all four corners for sharpness, wear, and cleanliness. This helps them spot subtle flaws.

Pristine corners show crisp, sharp edges without fuzzy spots, bends, or dings. Small imperfections can drop grades quickly. Just a hint of whitening often means the difference between PSA 10 and PSA 9.

Corners need special attention since they show damage first. Modern card collectors (post-2000) often protect their cards in sleeves and toploaders right away to keep corners sharp.

Edges

Card edges create the frame around its design. Graders check for chips, frays, whitening, or any visible damage along all edges.

Dark-bordered cards reveal edge problems easily. This explains why vintage sets like 1971 

Topps Baseball rarely turn up in perfect condition.

A card's grade might drop one or two levels despite perfect corners if the edges show chips or frays. Cards need crisp, clean edges without whitening or wear to earn PSA 10 consideration.

Surface

Surface condition proves the hardest element to keep perfect. PSA graders check both sides for:

• Scratches (holographic cards face this issue most)

• Print lines or printing defects

• Stains or smudges

• Dents or dimples

• Creases or wrinkles

• Loss of original gloss

Surface flaws can tank a grade fast. Light creases usually cap a card at PSA 6. Scratches that only show up at certain angles often keep cards from reaching PSA 10.

PSA sets higher standards for surface quality compared to other grading companies. The location of surface flaws matters as much as their severity. Problems in the card's focal points hurt grades more than those in less visible areas.

These four criteria help collectors assess their cards before submission. Smart evaluation saves time and money on PSA grading prices by submitting only cards that could achieve higher grades.

Understanding the PSA grading scale

The PSA grading scale is the foundation of how PSA grading works. Their system turns condition checks into standard number grades. They use a simple 1-10 scale where each number shows specific condition levels. PSA only gives whole number grades unlike their competitors. This makes their system both available and exact.

PSA 10: Gem Mint

PSA 10 (Gem Mint) is card perfection—the gold standard that collectors and investors chase. A card needs these flawless features to get this top grade:

• Centering: Must be within 55/45 to 60/40 percent tolerance on the front and 75/25 percent on the reverse

• Corners: Four perfectly sharp corners without any wear

• Surface: No stains, scratches, or print lines, with full original gloss

• Edges: Clean edges without chips or frays

PSA lets "a slight printing imperfection slide if it doesn't hurt the card's overall appeal". This small allowance explains why modern cards can get PSA 10s when stored right from pack opening.

A PSA 10 grade can change a card's value dramatically. Modern cards usually jump 2-3 times in value from PSA 9 to PSA 10. Some vintage cards show even bigger price differences.

PSA 9: Mint

PSA 9 (Mint) cards are top quality with tiny flaws. Most people can't spot issues in PSA 9s without training, but these cards have just one small problem:

• Centering: 60/40 to 65/35 on the front and 90/10 or better on the reverse

• Corners: Sharp corners with tiny flaws

• Surface: Might have one very small printing flaw

• Edges: Could show very minor issues

PSA says a Mint 9 card "shows only one of these minor flaws: a very slight wax stain on reverse, a minor printing imperfection or slightly off-white borders". This makes PSA 9 easier to get than a perfect 10.

PSA 9s are often the best choice for collectors who want quality and value. This is especially true with vintage cards where perfect specimens are rare.

Grades 8 and below

Card flaws become more obvious as we go down the scale:

PSA 8 (Near Mint-Mint): Looks like a Mint 9 at first but has slight fraying on one or two corners, minor printing flaws, or slightly off-white borders. Centering can be 65/35-70/30 on front and 90/10 on back.

PSA 7 (Near Mint): Close inspection shows slight surface wear with minor corner fraying. Pictures might be slightly blurry and cards keep most original shine.

PSA 6 (Excellent-Mint): Surface wear or printing defects might show up clearly. Corners could have slight fraying and some original gloss might be gone.

Cards graded 5 and below show clear problems—slightly rounded corners (PSA 5), light creases (PSA 4), multiple creases (PSA 3), heavy wear (PSA 2), and major damage (PSA 1).

Some low-grade vintage cards still sell for big money if they're rare or historically valuable. Take the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner—even a PSA 1 copy is worth millions because of its legendary status.

How subgrades differ from BGS

PSA gives one number grade for overall condition, while BGS breaks it down differently. BGS gives four separate subgrades for centering, corners, edges, and surface, plus an overall grade.

This key difference shapes how collectors view and value cards. BGS labels show exactly where a card shines or falls short. They use color codes and give special "Black Labels" to cards with perfect 10s in all areas.

PSA looks at how good a card looks overall instead of listing each feature's grade. This approach has made PSA the go-to grader for consistency. Their grades usually mean higher prices, especially for vintage cards and certain sports.

Finally, knowing the PSA grading scale helps collectors make smart choices about buying and submitting cards. They can weigh both condition and value potential in their collecting plans.

PSA grading prices and service levels

PSA grading prices help you pick the right service level for your card submissions. The company's pricing structure changes based on service speed, card value, and market needs. Each tier comes with its own benefits and expected turnaround times.

Value, Regular, Express, and Walkthrough tiers

PSA's service tiers fit different budgets and timeframes. The Value tier is the most affordable option at $27.99 per card for single submissions. Bulk submissions get better rates - $23.00 per card (10-19 cards) and $22.00 per card (20+ cards). These prices work for cards worth up to $499.

Collectors who want faster service can choose the Regular processing at $75.00 per card. Submitting 10+ cards drops the price to $70.00 per card. This tier works for cards valued up to $1,499.

The Express tier speeds things up at $149.00 per card plus shipping/handling for cards worth up to $2,499. Super Express moves even faster at $299.00 per card plus shipping/handling for cards up to $4,999.

High-value cards need premium tiers that range from $1,000 to $10,000 per card. These tiers handle items worth up to $250,000 or more. PSA also has a Premium 10 service starting at $9,999 for items up to $350,000. The price goes up by $399 for each extra $10,000 in declared value.

Declared value and how it affects pricing

Your card's declared value is what you think it will be worth after PSA grades it. This value is vital because it determines your insurance coverage and service tier. Each tier has maximum value limits that you must follow.

PSA will bump your submission to a higher tier if your card's value exceeds the declared tier's limit. Here's how it works:

• Cards worth $24,999-$49,999 must use the $2,000 service level

• Cards worth $49,999-$99,999 must use the $3,000 service level

• Cards worth $99,999-$249,999 must use the $5,000 service level

• Cards worth $250,000+ must use the $10,000 service level

The declared value mainly covers insurance during shipping and processing. This puts collectors in a tough spot since they must guess their card's value before knowing its grade.

Turnaround times by service level

PSA's processing times change based on how many submissions they get and their capacity. Late 2025 has seen longer estimated processing times in several service levels.

Current processing estimates for each tier:

• Value/TCG Bulk: 65 business days

• Value Plus: 25 business days (up from 20)

• Value Max: 20 business days (up from 15)

• Regular: 15 business days (up from 10)

• Express: 10 business days (up from 5)

Dual services that combine autograph authentication with card grading take longer now. The Value Plus Dual service takes about 35 business days, which is more than the previous 30-day estimate.

PSA counts business days (Monday–Friday, excluding holidays) instead of calendar days. The clock starts only after they enter your submission into their system, not when your package arrives. Just getting your cards into their system can take up to 15 business days before grading begins.

Real processing times often run longer than these estimates. One collector who tracked 16 Value Plus submissions found that 69% took longer than the 20-day estimate. Some orders needed more than 45 business days to finish.

PSA vs. BGS: Which grading service is better?

PSA and BGS dominate the card grading industry, but each takes a unique approach to their craft. Your collecting goals and card types should guide your choice between them. Neither service outshines the other across the board - they both excel in different scenarios.

Label design and slab differences

PSA and BGS slabs look quite different at first glance. PSA's cases are thinner and lighter, which makes them a great fit for standard card storage boxes. BGS cases provide more protection with their reliable build quality and extra thickness. Many collectors say BGS makes the most durable slabs available.

The visual style sets them apart too. PSA uses a classic red-bordered label with a white background. BGS takes a different approach with their color-coded system - black labels show perfect 10s, gold labels indicate pristine 10s and 9.5s, while silver labels mark grades 9 and below. High-grade cards look stunning in BGS slabs thanks to this system.

Subgrades vs. single grade

The grading philosophy creates the biggest difference between these services. PSA keeps it simple with one overall grade from 1-10. BGS dives deeper by giving four detailed subgrades that cover centering, edges, surface, and corners, plus an overall grade.

BGS's subgrade system helps collectors understand exactly what makes their card special or where it falls short. To cite an instance, see how a BGS 9.5 might have perfect corners (10) and surface (10) but slightly off centering (9) - details you won't see with PSA's single grade.

Market value and resale comparisons

PSA-graded cards usually bring in more money, sometimes selling for over $100 more than other grading companies. Modern sports cards show this gap clearly, as PSA 10s often sell for much more than BGS 9.5s.

BGS Black Label 10s tell a different story though. These rare perfect-subgrade cards can fetch incredible prices that beat PSA 10s. Serious collectors chase these gems because they're so hard to find.

PSA grades tend to be your best bet if you want to maximize resale value. However, BGS might work better if you value detailed grading feedback and the chance at premium prices for perfect specimens, especially with modern high-end cards.

Is PSA grading worth it for your cards?

The decision to get your cards PSA graded ended up being about weighing costs against benefits. Not every card deserves professional grading - it takes time and money. Let me explain what makes financial sense and what doesn't.

When grading adds value

We noticed that PSA grading helps cards in three main situations. Rare and highly sought-after cards need authentication to give buyers confidence. Valuable cards can see big price jumps with slight grade differences. 

To cite an instance, see a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle in Near Mint condition - it books at $30,000 but jumps to $80,000 with professional grading. Insurance becomes another key factor since many companies won't properly value ungraded high-end collectibles.

Cards that are not worth grading

In stark comparison to this, you should skip grading cards where costs exceed potential returns. Cards worth less than $20 don't justify the $15-30 grading expense. It also rarely makes sense to grade cards in poor condition unless they're exceptionally rare. Forum data shows that modern cards selling below $40 as PSA 10s don't cover grading costs after fees and shipping.

How to estimate card value before submission

Research completed sales of similarly graded cards online to determine if grading makes sense. Here's a good rule: the card might deserve submission if its raw value plus grading cost exceeds PSA 9 prices - assuming excellent condition. Modern cards need to sell for at least $100 as PSA 10s to become worthwhile investments.

Conclusion

PSA grading involves trained professionals who carefully evaluate cards based on four main factors: centering, corners, edges, and surface quality. This piece shows how a simple 1-10 scale actually represents a sophisticated system that can dramatically change card values.

Knowing how grading works gives collectors a real advantage. PSA puts cards through multiple stages of authentication and evaluation to determine the final grade. This careful process explains why PSA-graded cards often sell for more money.

Even tiny flaws can lower grades because of these four factors. A perfectly centered card might get a PSA 10, while cards that are slightly off-center drop to PSA 9 or lower. The corners need to stay pristine without whitening. Edges should look crisp without chips. The surface must be free of scratches or print lines to get top grades.

PSA has different service tiers based on card value and how fast you want results. Value submissions cost less but take longer. Express and premium tiers get faster results but cost much more. You should pick a service level that makes sense for your budget and collection.

PSA's approach is different from competitors like BGS because it uses a single grade instead of detailed subgrades. Both companies have great reputations. PSA cards usually sell for more, while BGS provides more details about the grade.

The choice to get PSA grading depends on your cards and goals. It makes sense to grade cards that could be worth $100+ in PSA 10 condition. Common cards or damaged ones rarely cover the grading costs. Smart collectors check similar sales before sending cards.

The trading card industry is worth billions and keeps growing. PSA plays a big role in proving cards are real and setting their value. Whether you collect for fun or investment, understanding PSA grading helps you make better choices about your collection. Good grading knowledge can turn an ordinary card into a valuable investment.

FAQs

Q1. How much does PSA grading typically cost per card? 

PSA offers various pricing tiers based on card value and desired turnaround time. The Value tier starts around $28 per card for single submissions, with discounts for bulk submissions. Higher-value cards and faster service levels can cost anywhere from $75 to several thousand dollars per card.

Q2. What are the chances of getting a PSA 10 grade? 

Achieving a PSA 10 is challenging, especially for vintage cards. Cards must have near-perfect centering, corners, edges, and surface quality. Modern cards properly stored from pack opening have a better chance, but even minor flaws can prevent a Gem Mint grade.

Q3. Is a PSA 7 grade considered good? 

A PSA 7 (Near Mint) is generally considered a good grade, especially for vintage cards. It indicates the card is in overall nice condition with only slight wear visible upon close inspection. For modern cards, collectors often aim for higher grades, but a PSA 7 can still be valuable for older or rarer cards.

Q4. How does PSA grading compare to BGS (Beckett Grading Services)? 

PSA and BGS are both respected grading services, but they differ in approach. PSA uses a single numerical grade, while BGS provides subgrades for centering, corners, edges, and surface. PSA-graded cards often command higher prices in the market, but BGS offers more detailed grade information and potentially higher premiums for perfect "Black Label" cards.

Q5. When is it worth getting a card graded by PSA? 

PSA grading is typically worth it for rare, valuable, or highly sought-after cards where authentication and condition assessment can significantly impact value. As a general rule, modern cards should have the potential to sell for at least $100 as a PSA 10 to justify grading costs. Vintage cards or those with historical significance may benefit from grading even at lower grade levels.