If you’re serious about collecting, submitting your cards to PSA for professional grading is one of the best ways to preserve value and enhance credibility. This PSA Grading Guide from Gardiner Sports Cards will walk you through everything you need to know, from card prep to submission, so you can grade with confidence.
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is one of the most trusted names in trading card grading, for both sports cards and Pokémon cards. Each card is carefully assessed for centering, corners, edges, and surface, and assigned a grade from 1 to 10. A PSA 10 (Gem Mint) can significantly increase a card’s value, particularly for rookie cards, short prints, ultra rares, and high demand inserts.
In the Pokémon world, this applies to everything from vintage base set Charizards to modern alt-art secret rares. Whether you’re building a high-end portfolio or protecting key pieces of your collection, PSA grading adds authenticity, protection, and market trust.
Trusted by collectors worldwide
Graded cards with PSA often command higher prices on the secondary market, giving collectors confidence that they’re investing in a card professionally verified.
Once encapsulated by PSA, cards are sealed in durable, tamperproof holders that protect against damage, bending, and unauthorised alterations.
PSA grading provides definitive verification that your card is genuine, giving buyers and sellers peace of mind in every transaction.
For many collectors, PSA is the number one grading authority, trusted worldwide as the benchmark for card quality and authenticity.
Firstly, not every card needs to be graded. Look for high value rookies, limited parallels, or condition sensitive cards with potential for a PSA 9 or 10. Or even cards that hold personal or sentimental value you’d like to preserve and protect.
Use a magnifier, centring tool, and gloves to inspect the card under good lighting. Look for things like: sharp corners, clean edges, print lines or surface scratches and centring ideally within 55/45 or better as this will help you to get an early understanding of how your card could return. Not to mention it could save you lots of money from grading that receive a low score.
Use a microfibre cloth to gently clean the surface (dry, no sprays). Place cards in a penny sleeve, then insert into a semi-rigid card holder (like a Card Saver I).
Go to PSAcard.com and create a submission order. Enter card details and choose service level (based on value and turnaround time). Print your packing slip and submission forms.
Stack cards between cardboard pieces, wrap securely in bubble wrap. Include your printed submission slip. Ship via a tracked and insured method to PSA’s grading address.
Log in to your PSA account to monitor progress through grading stages:
Arrived → Entered → Grading → Assembly → QA Check → Shipped
Turnaround times depend on the service tier. Economy submissions can take several weeks, while Express and Super Express options are much faster. Always check PSA’s website for current estimates.
Here’s a quick look at the PSA 10-point grading scale:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 10 | Gem Mint |
| 9 | Mint |
| 8 | Near Mint–Mint |
| 7 | Near Mint |
| 6 | Excellent–Mint |
| 5 | Excellent |
| 4 | Very Good–Excellent |
| 3 | Very Good |
| 2 | Good |
| 1 | Poor |
A PSA 9 or 10 is typically considered “gradable” in the resale world.
Let's Recap
If you can spot a flaw right away, PSA graders certainly will too. Grading can be pricey, so save the fee by only sending cards that look sharp from the very first glance.
Even minor centring issues or small print lines can knock a grade down significantly. Be selective and focus on cards with clean, balanced borders and crisp printing.
A tidy setup reduces the risk of dust, scratches, or moisture finding their way onto your cards. Always work on a soft, clean surface away from food, drinks, or clutter.
Taking time to inspect and sleeve each card properly makes all the difference. Rushing through preparation often leads to preventable mistakes that lower your final grade.
Since its founding in 1991, Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) has grown into the most trusted and recognised grading company in the world. Collectors, dealers, and auction houses consistently look to PSA as the benchmark for card grading because:
Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, understanding the common questions and nuances of PSA grading can save time, money, and frustration. This FAQ section highlights key insights, from pre-submission preparation to verifying your graded cards, helping you make informed decisions about which cards to grade, how to protect them, and what to expect from the process.
Not necessarily. Focus on high value cards, rare inserts, rookie cards, or personal favourites. Grading has a cost, so targeting cards likely to achieve a high PSA grade maximises value.
Yes. PSA grading adds credibility and verification. A high-grade PSA 9 or 10 can significantly boost market price compared to ungraded or raw cards, especially for rare or highly sought-after cards.
PSA evaluates centering by comparing the card’s borders to ideal ratios, generally aiming for 55/45 or better. Minor deviations can lower the grade, which is why pre-inspection is recommended.
PSA will grade it according to condition. If a card is genuine but too damaged to assign a numeric grade, it may receive an “Authentic” label, ensuring it can still be verified and sold safely.
Yes. Once encapsulated, cards are sealed in tamperproof holders that guard against bending, scratches, moisture, and other physical damage during storage or shipping.
Each PSA slab has a unique certification number. Use the number on PSA’s online Verify tool to check grade, authenticity, and submission details.
PSA grading is valuable for all types. Vintage cards often benefit from market trust, while modern cards, especially limited parallels or high-demand inserts, gain protection and credibility.
Dust, fingerprints, moisture, or poor packaging can affect the final grade. Improper prep can reduce the grade or even result in damage during transit. Taking time to sleeve and protect your cards is essential.
Higher-tier services offer faster turnaround times and sometimes additional protection. Choose based on your card’s value and how quickly you want it graded.
PSA is widely recognised as the global standard. Their holders are universally accepted, their grades respected at auction and in resale, and they have the broadest market influence, which often translates to higher prices than other grading services.
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