How to Get Pokémon Cards Graded: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
From pre-screening your card at home to opening the return box — the full grading submission process explained for first-timers.
Step 1: Pre-screen ruthlessly at home
Before you pay a single grading fee, inspect your card under strong, angled light. Check the four things graders check: centering (compare opposite borders), corners (look for whitening under magnification), edges (chips and silvering), and surface (scratches, print lines, indentations — tilt the card so light rakes across the holo).
Be your own harshest critic. The most common grading mistake is submitting cards that were never 9/10 candidates and paying fees that exceed the value the grade adds. If you would not confidently call it near-mint or better, it probably should stay raw.
Step 2: Do the value math
Look up recent sales for your card at the grade you realistically expect — not the grade you hope for. Then subtract the grading fee, shipping both ways, and your time. If a likely PSA 8 result is worth less than the raw card plus fees, do not submit.
A sensible rule: only grade cards where a realistic outcome at least doubles your all-in cost, or where you want the card protected and authenticated for your permanent collection regardless of resale.
Step 3: Choose a company and service level
Pick your grader (see our PSA vs CGC vs BGS comparison) and then a service tier. Tiers are priced by declared value and turnaround speed — declaring value honestly matters because it sets insurance coverage. Slower economy tiers are dramatically cheaper and fine for most submissions.
Step 4: Package the submission properly
Each card goes in a penny sleeve, then a semi-rigid holder (Card Savers are the standard — most graders prefer them over toploaders). Stack the cards in the order listed on your submission form, secure the stack so it cannot shift, sandwich it between cardboard, and ship in a sturdy box with tracking and insurance.
Double-check that the cards and the paperwork match exactly. Mismatches delay the whole order.
Step 5: Track, receive, and verify
Once the order arrives, the grader will move it through research, grading, and quality-control stages you can usually track online. When the slabs come back, verify each certification number on the company’s website, check the labels for errors, and store the slabs upright away from sunlight — yes, slabs can still be damaged by heat and UV.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to grade a Pokémon card?+
Economy tiers typically run roughly $15–$25 per card depending on the company and promotions, with faster tiers and higher declared values costing more. Always check current pricing on the grader’s site, then add shipping both ways to your math.
How long does grading take?+
It varies with the company, service tier, and demand — from a couple of weeks on express tiers to a few months on economy tiers during busy periods. The tracking page for your order is the only reliable answer.