Pokemon Card Grading Guide: PSA vs CGC vs BGS Compared
Compare PSA, CGC, and BGS Pokemon card grading services. Learn about costs, turnaround times, grading scales, and which service is best for your cards.
Professional grading can significantly increase the value of Pokemon cards while providing authentication and protection. But with multiple grading services available, which one should you choose?
Quick Decision Guide
- PSA → Best for resale value and vintage cards
- CGC → Best value with free subgrades, faster turnaround
- BGS → Best for potentially perfect cards (Black Labels)
- Only grade cards worth $50+ raw to justify costs
Why Grade Your Pokemon Cards?
Professional grading offers several benefits:
Authentication
Confirms your card is genuine
Protection
Tamper-evident sealed cases
Value Increase
Premium prices for graded cards
Standardization
Objective condition assessment
The Big Three Grading Services
Professional Sports Authenticator
The industry standard since 1991
Best for: Resale value, vintage cards, brand recognition
Certified Guaranty Company
Rapidly growing with great value
Best for: Budget-conscious collectors, personal collections, faster service
Beckett Grading Services
Known for strict standards
Best for: Potentially perfect cards, Black Label prestige, serious collectors
Grading Scale Comparison
| Condition | PSA | CGC | BGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect ⭐ | 10 Gem Mint | 10 Pristine | 10 Pristine (Black Label) |
| Near Perfect | 9 Mint | 9.5 Gem Mint | 9.5 Gem Mint |
| Excellent | 8 NM-MT | 8.5 NM/MT+ | 8.5 NM-MT+ |
| Very Good | 7 NM | 7.5 NM+ | 7.5 NM+ |
| Good | 6 EX-MT | 6.5 EX/NM+ | 6.5 EX-MT+ |
💡 Pro Tip: A BGS 9.5 is roughly equivalent to a PSA 10. BGS grades are typically stricter, so a high BGS grade carries extra prestige.
Which Service Should You Choose?
Choose PSA if:
- You plan to resell and want maximum value
- You're grading vintage cards (Base Set, etc.)
- Brand recognition matters to you
Choose CGC if:
- You want subgrades without paying extra
- Faster turnaround is important
- You're building a personal collection
Choose BGS if:
- You have potentially perfect cards
- You want the prestige of Black Labels
- Detailed subgrades are important to you
Cost Considerations
⚠️ Important: Grading a $5 card that gets a PSA 8 will cost you more than the card is worth. Only grade cards worth $50+ raw.
Before grading, consider:
- Card's raw value - grading a $5 card rarely makes sense
- Expected grade - lower grades may not add value
- Service level - faster isn't always necessary
- Bulk submissions - can significantly reduce per-card cost
Preparing Cards for Grading
- Handle cards with clean hands or cotton gloves
- Store in penny sleeves and toploaders
- Use Card Savers for PSA/CGC submissions
- Document condition with photos before shipping
- Use proper packaging to prevent damage in transit
Conclusion
Each grading service has its strengths. PSA offers the best resale value, CGC provides excellent value with subgrades, and BGS is ideal for potentially perfect cards. Consider your goals, budget, and timeline when choosing a service.
⭐ Before You Submit: Use SwapLoom's AI grading tool to get a free estimate of your card's condition. Our AI analyzes centering, corners, edges, and surface to help you decide if professional grading is worth the investment.
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