Whether you’re a collector or reseller, find out – How much does it cost to get cards graded? And where are the best places to do it?
How Much Does It Cost To Get Cards Graded?
The process of card grading has become increasingly popular amongst both professional and amateur collectors. Card evaluation not only serves as a way to learn more about the quality of your collection but it also allows you to protect yourself from counterfeits and potential buyers’ frauds.
As with any service, however, there are certain costs associated with getting cards graded which can vary greatly depending on what company you choose as well as the year and type of cards being evaluated. In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at – How much does it cost to get cards graded? And answer other questions related to the process so that you can do so confidently.
Overview of Card Gading Services and their associated costs
Before diving into the costs, it’s important to understand what card grading services entail. Card grading is a process where professional graders evaluate the condition of a trading or sports card and assign it a grade based on its overall quality, which ranges from 1 (poor) to 10 (gem mint). This service is offered by several companies such as PSA, Beckett, and SGC, each with its pricing structure.
When considering grading your cards, cost is a crucial factor. However, pinpointing the exact cost per card can be challenging since it varies from company to company. By referencing different company websites, you can expect a starting price of $20 per card, with the possibility of going as high as $10,000.
To determine the total cost of grading one or more sports cards, the first step is selecting the company you prefer. From there, you can easily access their pricing and calculate how much you’ll need to invest in grading your cherished cards.
PSA highly recommends using Card Saver 1’s when submitting cards for grading.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Grading
One major factor that affects the cost of grading is the turnaround time. If you’re in a rush to get your cards back, expect to pay a higher fee for expedited services. For example, PSA’s Express service charges $75 per card and guarantees a 5-day turnaround time, while their Economy service only charges $10 per card but has a turnaround time of around 45 days.
Another factor to consider is the type of card being evaluated. Some companies have different pricing structures for modern cards (recent releases) and vintage cards (older releases). For example, PSA charges $10 for grading modern cards and $50 for vintage cards.
Lastly, the grading company you choose can also affect the cost. While some companies may have lower base fees, they may charge additional fees for services such as autograph authentication or special labeling. It’s important to research and compare prices between companies to find the best option for your specific needs.
Different Grading Companies And Their Fees
To help you get a better understanding of the cost of grading, here is an overview of the pricing structures for some popular grading companies:
- PSA: As mentioned earlier, PSA charges $10 for modern cards and $50 for vintage cards. They also offer different levels of membership that come with discounted fees.
- Beckett: Beckett has a tiered pricing system based on the declared value of the card. For example, a card with a declared value of $1 to $49.99 will cost $10 for grading.
- SGC: SGC has a base fee of $25 per card and also offers different levels of membership for discounted fees.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Cards Graded by PSA?
PSA offers a range of packages to suit your needs. Starting at just $20 per card, the value package covers cards with a declared value of $499 or less.
For slightly higher-value cards, the economy package is available at $50 per card. This package also requires the card to have a declared value of $499 or less. The only difference between the value and economy packages is the processing speed.
If your card exceeds $499 in value, the regular package might be right for you. Priced at $100 per card, this package is suitable for cards with a declared value of up to $999. Currently, the value, economy, and regular packages are not available.
For more valuable cards, PSA offers higher-tier packages. The express package costs $200 per card and is ideal for cards with a declared value of $2,499 or less. The super express package, priced at $300 per card, is perfect for cards with a declared value of up to $4,999. Lastly, the walk-through package is available at $600 per card for cards valued under $9,999.
For cards with a value exceeding $10,000, premium packages are available. The Premium 1 package covers declared values from $10,000 to $24,999, with a cost of $1,000 per card graded.
Premium 2 is designed for cards with declared values in the range of $25,000 to $49,999 and costs $2,000 per card. Premium 3 covers cards valued from $50,000 to $99,999 at a rate of $3,000 per card. Premium 5 applies to cards with declared values from $100,000 to $249,000, with a cost of $5,000 per card.
Finally, for cards valued at $250,000 or higher, the Premium 10 package is necessary. This top-tier package comes for $10,000 per card. To determine the declared value of your card, refer to PSA’s Photograde and estimate the value realistically.
How Long It Takes to Get Your Card Graded by PSA?
Please note that the value, economy, and regular packages are currently suspended, so we cannot provide a specific turnaround time. However, our express package typically takes about one to two months for your cards to be returned to you.
For quicker service, consider our super express or walk-through options, which have an estimated turnaround time of approximately three weeks. Keep in mind that the shipping method, packaging, and declared value can influence this timeframe.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Cards Graded by BGS?
Unlock the world of grading options at BGS, just like PSA! With various packages to choose from, you have the power to personalize your grading experience. Plus, you can even opt for a subgrade for your cherished card.
For those looking for an economical choice, BGS offers an enticing $20 per card for their economy package without a subgrade. If you’re seeking that extra level of detail, add a subgrade for just $35.
Yearning for the standard package? It’s yours at $30 per card sans subgrade, or indulge in the added luxury of a subgrade for $50.
And if time is of the essence, fear not! The express package will have your card graded in a jiffy. Choose either $100 per card without a subgrade or $150 with a subgrade for that supercharged experience.
Please note that as of now, the three aforementioned packages are temporarily suspended. Our premium package is temporarily the sole option available for grading. Priced at $125 per card without a subgrade, or $250 for that added touch of excellence with a subgrade.
How long does it take to get your cards graded by BGS?
Your package choice determines the speed of turnaround for your cards. The economy service estimates 30 days, but in reality, it usually takes around six months.
If you choose the standard package, your cards are estimated to be returned within 10 days, but it’s more likely to take at least five months.
The express package promises a five-day return, but in reality, it usually takes 10 to 15 business days.
Lastly, the premium package claims a two-day return, but in actuality, it usually takes a minimum of 5 business days, potentially longer.
Be aware of the real timelines before choosing a package!
How Much Does It Cost to Get Cards Graded by SGC?
When it comes to grading your sports cards, Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC) offers the most choices. They have a pricing system based on the declared value of your cards and the turnaround time you desire.
For cards valued at less than $1,500, you can choose between a standard turnaround for $30 per card or an express turnaround for $250.
If your cards are valued at less than $3,500, the standard turnaround will cost you $85 per card, while the express turnaround remains at $250.
For cards valued at less than $7,500, both the standard and express turnaround options are priced at $250.
Cards with a declared value of up to $20,000 can be graded at $500 per card, regardless of the chosen turnaround time. Meanwhile, if your card’s declared value is $50,000 or less, the cost for grading is $1,000, regardless of turnaround time.
If your card has a declared value of up to $100,000, you will pay $2,000 for the grading process, irrespective of the chosen turnaround time. Finally, for cards valued at more than $100,000, the cost per card is $3,750.
Choose SGC for your sports card grading needs and enjoy the wide range of options available to you.
How long does it take to get your cards graded by SGC?
Want to know how long it takes to get your card graded by SGC? SGC guarantees a standard turnaround of 20 to 25 business days or opt for the express service and have it done in just 1 to 3 business days.
While the standard option may take a bit longer, you can expect your card to be back in your hands within 65 to 70 business days. Trust SGC for prompt and reliable grading services.
HGA Card Grading Prices
Choose from our range of service levels:
2-Day: Only $40 per card, with the option to upgrade your label for just up to $20 additional per card.
10-Day: Get your cards graded for just $30 per card, with the opportunity to upgrade the label for up to $20 extra per card.
30-Day: Experience our efficient service for a cost of only $20 per card, with the option to enhance the label for up to $20 more per card.
60-Day: Take advantage of our affordable offer of just $14 per card, and have the option to upgrade the label for up to $20 additional per card.
Choose HGA for top-quality card grading at unbeatable prices.
ISA Card Grading Prices
Get your ISA cards graded quickly and at great rates. Choose from our service levels:
2 Business Days: Just $35 per card!
5 Business Days: Only $22 per card!
10 Business Days: The incredible price of $18 per card!
Benefits of Getting Your Cards Graded
While the cost of grading may seem daunting, several benefits come with it. Firstly, grading adds value to your collection by providing an unbiased and professional assessment of its quality. This can help you get a higher price if you’re looking to sell.
Additionally, graded cards are more attractive to buyers as they assure authenticity and provide peace of mind for both parties in a transaction. It also helps protect your cards from damage as they are stored in protective holders during the grading process.
Before You Grade Your Sports Cards: What You Should Know
Before sending your sports cards for grading, there are a few key things you need to know. First, you’ll need to determine the declared value of your card. This is the estimated worth of your card, which helps determine the cost of grading.
To assess the declared value, examine the condition of your card. Are there large creases or rounded corners? Is the card in flawless condition with no scratches? The card’s condition will impact its potential grading score.
Additionally, do some research on the Auction Prices Realized page on the PSA website to determine the average price of your card based on its anticipated grade.
It’s also important to understand the concept of a minimum grade. This is the lowest PSA grade you’ll accept for your card. For example, if you set a minimum grade of PSA 8, the graders will evaluate whether your card meets that standard.
If your card is considered worthy of a PSA 8 or higher, it will be encapsulated in a PSA holder. However, if the graders determine it falls below that grade, it will not be encapsulated. You have the flexibility to set your desired minimum grade.
Make sure you’re informed and prepared before grading your sports cards to ensure the best outcome.
Is It Worth Getting Your Cards Graded?
That’s the million-dollar question… or at least the $20 question, depending on the level of service you choose.
To help you decide, here are some points to consider:
- Realistically, what grade do you think your card would receive? Be brutally honest and factor in a lower grade.
- What is the potential selling price of your graded card? Check the “sold” prices on eBay for a rough idea.
- Calculate the difference between the potential selling price and the cost of grading and acquiring the card.
- Consider how easy it would be to sell the card and the fees associated with selling it.
- Why do you want to get your card graded? This is the most crucial question.
If you want to grade the card for aesthetic or personal reasons, then the other points may not matter much. Grading can enhance your enjoyment of the hobby.
However, if you want to make a profit, it’s important to carefully evaluate the potential margin you could achieve by grading the card.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but make sure you’re well-informed. Grading a card is an investment that can yield great returns, but it can also have negative consequences if not approached wisely.
FAQs
What Is The Cheapest Card Grading Service Level?
When it comes to cost-effective card grading, both SGC and PSA have excellent options.
For just $15 per card, SGC offers their standard 5-10-day service for cards valued under $1,500.
PSA’s exclusive ‘TCG Bulk’ tier, available only to Collectors’ Club members, also costs $15 per card. However, to qualify, the cards must have a declared value of $199 or less, and you must submit at least 20 cards.
Who is the Best Card Grading Company?
When it comes to grading your cherished cards, there’s no doubt that PSA reigns supreme. As the largest and most reputable card grader, they’ve earned their well-deserved reputation. What sets them apart is their widely recognized and easy-to-follow grading scale.
From 1 to 10, PSA meticulously grades cards to determine their condition. The holy grail, a PSA 10, represents a flawless Gem Mint state – the epitome of perfection.
But don’t fret if your card doesn’t achieve a perfect 10. A PSA 9 still falls under the Mint category, while a PSA 8 qualifies as Near Mint to Mint. PSA 7 is classified as Near Mint, and PSA 6 denotes Excellent to Near Mint.
Further down the scale, we have PSA 5 for Excellent, PSA 4 for Very Good to Excellent, PSA 3 for Very Good, PSA 2 for Good, PSA 1.5 for Fair, and finally, PSA 1 for Poor.
If you’re looking to maximize your investment, PSA 9 or PSA 10 cards are where the resale value truly shines. These flawless and highly valuable cards hold the key to a substantial payout. Trust PSA to safeguard and authenticate your treasured collection.
Are PSA Graded Cards Worth More?
PSA-graded cards consistently fetch a higher price than their counterparts from other grading companies. Why? Because PSA’s reputation, built over years of experience, makes them the top choice for collectors.
But it’s not just about status. Owning a PSA-graded card comes with a host of benefits. Firstly, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your card is both authentic and in pristine condition. This assurance alone can significantly inflate its resale value or boost the worth of your collection.
And the perks don’t stop there. A PSA-graded card grants you access to the esteemed PSA Set Registry. This cutting-edge platform boasts an impressive 150,000 sets of world-class cards and collections available for trade. With just a few clicks, you can indulge in the ultimate trading experience.
How to Get Your Cards Graded for Cheap or Even Free?
If you’re a budget-conscious collector, you’re probably wondering how to get your sports cards graded without breaking the bank. We’ve got the solution for you!
Introducing Graded Gem – the go-to third-party website that offers discounted grading services through PSA. With prices ranging from just $11 to $35 per card, it’s a wallet-friendly option for every collector out there.
However, please note that Graded Gem is currently not accepting submissions. But don’t worry, we’ll keep you updated on when they’ll start taking orders again. Keep an eye on their website for the latest news and get ready to have your cards graded affordably!
Does PSA Charge Before Grading?
No Charges Until Your Cards Are Processed!
PSA, the industry-leading grading company, ensures a hassle-free experience by only charging your credit card once your cards are received and fully processed. So you can trust that your valuable collection is in good hands without any upfront costs. Let us take care of your grading needs with peace of mind!
Conclusion
To recap, the cost of getting cards graded varies widely depending on which service you select, what type and grade of card you submit for authentication and grading, your location in the world, and the condition of your card.
But generally speaking, it’s an affordable process that can add real value to your collectible cards.
On average, customers who get their cards professionally graded will pay between $ 20 and $10,000 depending on the expected grade.
Grading fees are also occasionally waived if you purchase PSA slabbed graded sports cards from certain vendors.
While costs can sometimes seem prohibitive at this level due to fees and shipping expenses, grading companies offer a reliable way to ensure your vintage collectibles are properly evaluated.
Additionally, even with some extra fees added on top of the initial cost of purchasing or selling a card, it pays off in many ways with a secure appraisal and up-to-date record keeping that comes along with grading a card.
Whether it’s first-time buyers or seasoned veterans in the collecting game, there is an option available to suit everyone’s needs when seeking out professional grading services.
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