PSA grades: 1–10 (whole numbers, with half grades rarely used)

What PSA is known for:

• Highest liquidity and market recognition
• Consistent, widely trusted grades for vintage and modern sports cards
• Strong centering tolerance (slightly off-center cards can still earn high grades)
• Population reports that show how many of each grade exist

PSA is the best choice when:

• You're grading vintage sports cards
• You want maximum resale liquidity
• You're submitting Pokémon cards, especially WOTC-era

BGS / Beckett Grading Services

BGS (Beckett) is PSA's main competitor and is especially strong in the modern sports card market. BGS uses a sub-grade system, scoring four categories separately: centering, corners, edges, and surface. The overall grade is determined primarily by the lowest sub-grade.

BGS grades: 1–10, with half-point increments and a coveted BGS 9.5 "Gem Mint" and rare BGS 10 "Pristine"

What BGS is known for:

• Sub-grades that give buyers granular condition information
• The BGS 10 Black Label (all 10 sub-grades) is one of the rarest and most prestigious grades in the hobby
• Strong reputation in modern football and basketball
• Premium presentation (black label cases look distinct)

BGS is the best choice when:

• You have a modern card with perfect centering and clean edges/corners
• You're targeting a collector base that values sub-grades
• You want a high-end presentation for a prized card

SGC (Sportscard Guaranty)

SGC is the third major player and has built a strong reputation for vintage pre-war and tobacco-era cards. Their slabs have a distinctive half-moon display window and are growing in popularity with both vintage collectors and the Pokémon community.

SGC grades: 1–10, including half-point grades

What SGC is known for:

• Strong credibility for vintage cards
• Growing Pokémon grading market
• Typically faster turnaround times than PSA during high-demand periods
• More lenient on centering for vintage cards (appropriate given the era)
• Often more affordable submission fees

SGC is the best choice when:

• You're grading pre-war or vintage tobacco cards
• You want a faster turnaround at lower cost
• You're grading Pokémon and want an alternative to PSA backlogs

How to Decide Which Grader to Use

For most collectors submitting their first cards, PSA is the safest default due to its market recognition. If you have a modern card in virtually perfect condition and want sub-grades, BGS may earn you more. If you're on a budget or have vintage tobacco cards, SGC deserves serious consideration.

What to Look for Before Submitting a Raw Card

Grading is only worth it if the card can earn a grade that justifies the submission cost. Before submitting, inspect:

• Centering — measure or eyeball the border ratios front and back
• Corners — look for any rounding, fraying, or dinged edges under good light
• Surface — scratches, print lines, and print defects count against grades
• Back — don't forget to inspect the back; many collectors do
• Creases — any crease is typically a grade-killer for high grades

At card shows, you can often find raw cards with PSA 9 or 10 potential if you know what to look for. That's where the real opportunity is.

Grading at Card Shows

Many dealers at card shows sell both raw and graded cards. Graded slabs are priced using Alt and eBay sold comps for that specific grade — always check before you pay. A PSA 8 and PSA 9 of the same card can have dramatically different values, so the label matters enormously.

If you're buying raw cards at a show to submit, build in the cost of grading when you negotiate the purchase price. Submission fees, shipping, and turnaround time all factor into whether the flip is worth it.

Find Cards Worth Grading at Your Next Show

The best place to find raw cards with grading potential is still a local card show. Browse the CardShows.io directory to find upcoming events near you, sorted by state and date.