How to Submit Cards for Grading: A Step-by-Step Guide

Estimated reading time: 8 min

Key Takeaways

• Understand key grading requirements before submitting your cards.
• Proper preparation and measurement increase your chances for high grades.
• Choosing the right grading company is crucial for value and resale.
• Packaging and documentation errors can delay or lower your grade.

Table of Contents

• Section 1: Why Grade Your Cards?
• Section 2: Pre-Submission Preparation
• Section 3: Choosing a Grading Company
• Section 4: Submission Process Explained
• Section 5: Packaging and Shipping Tips
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Section 1: Why Grade Your Cards?

Value, Authentication, and Marketability

Learning how to submit cards for grading can significantly impact your collection’s value. Professionally graded cards are authenticated, easier to sell, and typically command higher prices at auction. Grading also provides peace of mind against counterfeiting and condition disputes.

• Authentication: Ensures your card is genuine.
• Protection: Encapsulation preserves card condition.
• Value: Higher grades can multiply a card’s worth.

For more on how centering affects value, check out How Centering Impacts Card Value: A Detailed Guide.

Section 2: Pre-Submission Preparation

Inspect and Measure Card Centering

Before you submit your cards for grading, assess their condition—centering, corners, edges, and surface. Centering is especially critical, as off-center cards receive lower grades from PSA, BGS, CGC, and TAG.

• Use a card-centering tool like Midpoint to measure centering down to the millimeter.
• Review PSA, BGS, CGC, or TAG grading standards for centering tolerances.
• Clean your card gently to remove fingerprints or dust.

For a deeper dive on measuring, see How to Measure Card Centering: Step-by-Step Precision Guide.

Pre-Grade Your Card

Estimate your card’s likely grade to avoid expensive surprises. Apps like Midpoint provide instant pre-grade estimates for major grading companies, helping you decide if submission is worth the investment.

• Submit only cards with a strong chance for high grades.
• Document your card's condition with photos.

If you need a full walkthrough, read How to Pre-Grade Your Card: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Section 3: Choosing a Grading Company

Compare Major Grading Services

When learning how to submit cards for grading, picking the right company is crucial. The top options include:

• PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator): Widely recognized, best resale value.
• BGS (Beckett Grading Services): Popular for sports and modern cards; sub-grades for centering, corners, edges, surface.
• CGC (Certified Guaranty Company): Known for non-sports and Pokémon cards.
• TAG (The Authentic Grading Company): Modern, tech-forward grading with digital reports.

Consider turnaround times, fees, and each company’s grading standards. Some collectors choose based on the card type (e.g., Pokémon vs. sports).

Section 4: Submission Process Explained

Step-by-Step Submission Guide

Each grading company has its own process, but the general steps are:

• Create an account on the grading company’s website.
• Fill out the submission form, specifying card details and desired service level.
• Print and sign your submission paperwork.
• Package your card securely (see next section).
• Ship to the grading company using tracking and insurance.

Be sure to double-check your form and payment info to avoid delays.

Section 5: Packaging and Shipping Tips

Protecting Your Investment

Proper packaging is essential to ensure your card arrives safely and in the same condition you sent it. Graders will not grade cards damaged in transit, and you risk a lower grade if mishandled.

• Use a penny sleeve and top loader or semi-rigid holder for each card.
• Place cards between cardboard sheets for extra protection.
• Use bubble wrap and a sturdy box or padded mailer.
• Include your printed submission form inside the package.
• Ship with tracking and consider insurance, especially for high-value cards.

Label the package clearly and keep a record of your shipment details.

Conclusion

Learning how to submit cards for grading can elevate your collection, maximize resale value, and authenticate your most prized cards. By carefully preparing, measuring centering with tools like Midpoint, and following submission best practices, you set the stage for grading success. Avoid rushed submissions—take the time to pre-grade and package properly.

FAQ

Q: How much does it cost to submit a card for grading?

A: Fees vary by company and service level, typically ranging from $15 to $100+ per card. PSA, BGS, CGC, and TAG all have different pricing tiers based on turnaround time and card value.

Q: What cards should I submit for grading?

A: Submit cards likely to achieve high grades—usually those with strong centering, sharp corners, and minimal flaws. Use pre-grading tools to estimate grades.

Q: How long does grading take?

A: Turnaround times range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the company and chosen service level.

Q: What happens if my card is damaged during grading?

A: If damage occurs in transit, grading companies are generally not liable unless you purchased insurance. Proper packaging is crucial to prevent damage.