If you’re serious about collecting sports cards, Pokémon cards, or other trading cards, grading your cards is one of the best ways to authenticate their condition and increase their value. With multiple grading companies in the market, choosing the right one can make all the difference in your card’s resale potential. In this guide, we’ll break down the best card grading services, their strengths, and what to consider before submitting your collection.
Why Get Your Cards Graded?
Card grading services evaluate your trading cards based on centering, surface, corners, and edges to assign a numerical grade, typically on a 1-10 scale. A high-grade card can significantly increase in value, making grading essential for serious collectors and investors.
Top Card Grading Companies
1. AGS (Automated Grading Systems)
⭐ Best for: AI-powered grading with advanced precision.
AGS is revolutionizing the grading industry by using artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to provide consistent and accurate grading. Unlike human-based grading, which can be subjective, AGS ensures precision by scanning cards with advanced technology. This makes it an excellent choice for collectors who want unbiased and transparent grading.
- Pros: AI-driven accuracy, fast turnaround, no human error, detailed grading reports.
- Cons: Newer company, so resale demand is still growing.
2. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
⭐ Best for: High-value sports cards, vintage cards, and Pokémon cards.
PSA is the most recognized grading company, known for its red-labeled slabs and strong market demand. A PSA 10 Gem Mint rating can greatly increase a card’s resale value, making it the go-to choice for premium cards.
- Pros: High resale value, trusted reputation, strong authentication process.
- Cons: Longer turnaround times, higher grading fees.
3. BGS (Beckett Grading Services)
⭐ Best for: Modern sports cards, autograph authentication.
BGS offers subgrades for centering, edges, corners, and surface, giving collectors a detailed breakdown of a card’s condition. Their black label (BGS 10) is highly coveted among collectors.
- Pros: Subgrades for detailed analysis, strong slabs, highly respected in the industry.
- Cons: Slower grading process, high fees for premium service levels.
4. CGC Trading Cards
⭐ Best for: Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and other TCGs.
CGC, known for comic book grading, has gained traction in the trading card world with a reputation for strict and consistent grading. Their slabs are highly protective and feature a unique blue label.
- Pros: Affordable pricing, faster turnaround, strong slab protection.
- Cons: Less demand compared to PSA for resale value.
5. SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation)
⭐ Best for: Vintage sports cards.
SGC has been around for decades and is best known for its black label slabs, which offer a sleek look for collectors. They are highly regarded in the vintage sports card market.
- Pros: Faster turnaround than PSA and BGS, great for vintage cards.
- Cons: Lower resale value for modern cards.
Which Card Grading Service Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on what you’re grading:
- For AI-powered, precision grading → AGS.
- For high-value sports cards → PSA or BGS.
- For Pokémon and TCG cards → CGC or PSA.
- For vintage cards → SGC.
No matter which company you choose, properly preparing your cards for grading—cleaning them, using penny sleeves and semi-rigid holders—is crucial to getting the highest possible grade.