Grading
PSA vs BGS vs CGC: A Beginner Grading Guide
Compare the major grading services, understand turnaround expectations, and learn how to prepare cards before submission.
Grading adds trust and liquidity to the sports card market. PSA, BGS, and CGC are three of the most recognized names, each with different strengths depending on card type, market preference, and resale channel.
PSA remains widely accepted in many international resale markets and is often preferred for mainstream sports cards. BGS is known for subgrades and strong positioning in premium basketball and modern cards. CGC has expanded quickly in trading cards and can be attractive for certain product lines and price-sensitive submissions.
Pre-submission preparation is critical. Clean surfaces carefully, use proper sleeves and semi-rigid holders, and inspect for print lines or factory defects. Poor packing is one of the most common causes of damage in transit.
Turnaround times and service tiers vary by grading company and season. Collectors should plan submissions around major release cycles, personal sales timelines, and shipping routes if submitting from Hong Kong or other international locations.