🔥 A Beginner’s Guide to Grading Pokémon Cards (PSA vs. CGC vs. BGS)

A Beginner’s Guide to Grading Pokémon Cards (PSA vs. CGC vs. BGS)

Why Pokémon Card Grading Matters in 2025

If you’ve ever wondered why some Pokémon cards sell for thousands while others struggle to break $10, the answer is grading. Professional grading services authenticate and assign condition ratings, significantly increasing a card’s value.

But with multiple companies—PSA, CGC, and BGS—how do you choose the right one? Let’s break it down.

🎯 PSA vs. CGC vs. BGS – Which Grading Company is Best?

🔴 PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

✅ Pros:

• Most recognized brand = highest resale value

• Simple 1-10 grading scale (PSA 10 = Gem Mint)

• PSA 10 Pokémon cards sell for record prices

⚠️ Cons:

• Longest turnaround times due to high demand

• More lenient grading, meaning some PSA 10s may have flaws

🔵 CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)

✅ Pros:

• Faster grading times than PSA

• Cheaper fees, great for bulk grading

• Sub-grades available (centering, edges, corners, surface)

⚠️ Cons:

• Resale value lower than PSA

• Tougher on grades (CGC 9.5 ≈ PSA 10)

🟡 BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

✅ Pros:

• Strong resale value (Black Label BGS 10 is top-tier)

• Sub-grades available, good for evaluating quality

• Tougher grading = more accurate

⚠️ Cons:

• Higher fees than PSA & CGC

• Not as popular as PSA for Pokémon cards

💰 How Grading Affects Pokémon Card Prices (Real Examples)

Graded cards consistently sell for higher prices than raw (ungraded) versions. Here are real-world examples:

🔥 Charizard 1st Edition Base Set

• Ungraded (Raw, Near Mint): $5,000

• PSA 9: $18,000+

• PSA 10: $350,000+ 😱

🔥 Shining Fates Charizard VMAX

• Ungraded: $100

• CGC 9.5: $250

• BGS 10 Black Label: $1,000+

💡 Lesson: Grading can 3X-10X your card’s value—if you get a high grade!

📦 Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Cards for Grading

1️⃣ Choose a Grading Company

• PSA: If you want maximum resale value

• CGC: If you want fast, affordable grading

• BGS: If you’re aiming for Black Label premium pricing

2️⃣ Prepare Your Cards

• Use clean hands or gloves to avoid fingerprints

• Inspect under bright light for scratches, whitening, centering issues

• Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently remove dust

3️⃣ Protect Your Cards Before Sending

• Use a Perfect Fit sleeve → Penny Sleeve → Semi-Rigid Card Saver

• DO NOT USE TOP LOADERS (PSA prefers semi-rigid holders)

• Place cards in a bubble mailer with padding

4️⃣ Fill Out the Submission Form

• Visit PSA, CGC, or BGS’s official website

• Select grading service level (Express, Standard, Bulk)

• Pay submission fees

5️⃣ Ship Your Cards Securely

• Use a sturdy box (not just an envelope)

• Add bubble wrap & packing peanuts for extra security

• INSURE YOUR PACKAGE! Pokémon cards are valuable 🚀

🚀 Final Verdict: Should You Grade Your Pokémon Cards?

✔️ YES! If your card is rare, valuable, or in great condition, grading can increase its price 5X or more.

✔️ NO. If your card has visible damage (whitening, creases, dents)—grading might not be worth the cost.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, check eBay sales for graded versions before submitting!

💬 What’s Next? Start Grading Today!

✅ If you have valuable cards, consider sending them to PSA, CGC, or BGS today!

✅ Need supplies for grading? Shop card sleeves, semi-rigid holders, and graded cases at The Poke Haus!

📢 What’s your experience with grading? Drop a comment below!