Beginner’s Guide to Card Grading in 2025: What to Know, What to Grade, and How to Start
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Grading is one of the most powerful tools a collector has — whether you're looking to protect your cards, increase their resale value, or simply understand what makes one card more desirable than another. For beginners in 2025, navigating card grading might feel overwhelming. Which grading company should you use? What cards are worth grading? How do you prepare your submission?
This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from choosing a grading service, to evaluating your cards, to understanding your submission options.
Why Grade Your Cards?
Grading offers more than just a number on a label. It authenticates your card, encapsulates it in a tamper-evident case, and often significantly increases its value — especially at higher grades. For collectors and resellers alike, grading is an investment in both protection and credibility.
Cards are evaluated on centering, corners, edges, and surface. Each element plays a role in determining the overall score, typically issued on a 1–10 scale. Grading removes much of the subjectivity when selling or trading and helps ensure long-term preservation.
Choosing a Grading Company in 2025
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
PSA is the most recognized name in the industry. Their slabs command the highest resale values, and PSA 10s are often considered the gold standard. That said, PSA's turnaround times are slower on economy tiers and pricing includes value-based upcharges. If your goal is top-dollar resale or investment-grade grading, PSA remains the most trusted option.
SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation)
SGC is known for accuracy, fast service, and flat-rate pricing. Their iconic black “tuxedo” slab is a favorite among vintage and modern collectors alike. Turnaround times are among the fastest in the industry, and their customer service is well-regarded. For collectors looking to grade cards quickly and affordably, SGC is a great choice.
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
Previously known as CSG, CGC has emerged as one of the fastest-growing graders. Their slabs are clean, pricing is extremely competitive, and turnaround times are reliable. While resale value may not always match PSA, CGC continues to gain traction — particularly with modern cards and TCG products.
BGS (Beckett Grading Services)
Beckett offers detailed subgrades and the coveted Black Label for perfect cards. Their slabs are thick and durable, making them a go-to for memorabilia or high-end autographed cards. While turnaround can be slow, Beckett’s subgrades appeal to collectors looking for detailed condition feedback.
TAG (Technical Authentication & Grading)
TAG is the new tech-forward entrant in grading. They use AI-assisted scanning and deliver an ultra-detailed digital report with every card. While resale market awareness is still growing, TAG’s transparent and consistent approach makes it a compelling choice for learning or pre-screening cards.
What Cards Should You Grade?
Not all cards are worth grading — and that’s okay. The goal is to grade cards where the cost of grading is justified by the card’s long-term value or significance.
Cards generally worth grading include:
- Rookie cards of star or promising players
- Serial-numbered or low-print inserts
- Autographs and memorabilia cards
- Cards valued over $50 raw
- High-grade vintage cards
- Personal collection cards with sentimental value
Avoid grading base cards of common players or cards with obvious damage unless they hold strong personal value or are extremely rare.
What Grading Companies Look For
Centering: Ideally, the image and borders are evenly balanced from top to bottom and left to right. Even slight shifts can affect your grade.
Corners: Clean, sharp corners are key. Blunted or worn corners often drop a card from a 10 to a 9 or lower.
Edges: Chips or fraying on the edges will impact your score — especially on foil or chrome-style cards.
Surface: Print lines, dimples, creases, or smudges can affect grading. Surface flaws are often the hardest to spot and most overlooked.
How to Evaluate Your Cards Before Sending Them In
Use this checklist to determine whether a card is worth grading:
- Look up recent sales of raw and graded versions on eBay or 130point
- Check centering visually or with a centering tool
- Use a magnifier and bright lighting to examine corners, edges, and surface
- Consider whether the card is a rookie, star, low-numbered, or autographed
- Estimate the cost vs. potential increase in value with grading
If your card has clear flaws or low resale potential, it may be better suited for display rather than grading.
How to Prepare Cards for Grading
Preparation is essential to prevent damage and ensure a smooth submission process. Here’s what to do:
- Insert each card in a clean penny sleeve
- Place the sleeved card into a semi-rigid holder (Card Saver I recommended)
- Avoid taping the holder shut — use team bags or secure with a rubber band
- Print and include your grading company’s submission form
- Package the cards securely in a sturdy box with padding
- Use tracking and insurance based on the card's declared value
Should You Use a Group Submitter?
For beginners, group submitters offer a simplified and often more affordable way to grade cards.
Benefits include:
- Lower per-card pricing due to bulk rates
- No grading membership required
- Help with paperwork and shipping
- Easier access to faster turnaround times
You can find group submitters through local card shops, trusted dealers, or online communities. They're especially helpful if you’re grading for the first time or submitting only a few cards.
GameStop x PSA: In-Store Grading Made Easy
GameStop now partners with PSA to offer in-store card grading — making it easier than ever to grade your cards without worrying about shipping or form-filling.
How it works:
- Visit a participating GameStop location and bring your cards in penny sleeves and semi-rigid holders (available in-store)
- Fill out a quick submission form and leave your cards with the staff
- GameStop ships your cards to PSA for grading
- Once completed, your cards return to the store for pickup
- If you’re ready to sell, GameStop accepts PSA-graded cards (rated 8, 9, or 10) for trade-in credit — with an extra 5% bonus for Pro members
Pricing (as of 2025):
- $18.99 per TCG card (max value $200)
- $20.99 per sports card (max value $500)
- $4.99 shipping fee per order (free for Pro members)
This service is ideal for beginners who want PSA grading without needing a membership or handling the mailing process themselves.
Final Thoughts
Grading your cards is an investment — in protection, value, and confidence. Whether you're trying to flip a card, preserve a favorite pull, or begin building your dream collection, understanding the grading process is key.
Start with choosing the right cards. Understand what graders look for. Take your time preparing and consider using a group submission service if you're just starting out.
At All Star Card Shop, we believe every card should feel like a win — and we’re here to help make sure your collecting experience stays fun, fair, and rewarding.
Have questions? Reach out to us anytime — we’re always happy to help fellow collectors.
Card Grading Prep Checklist
Use this checklist to evaluate and prepare your cards for grading:
Step 1: Evaluate the Card
- Check centering (visually or with a centering tool)
- Inspect corners for blunting or whitening
- Examine edges for chipping or rough cuts
- Tilt card under lighting to check surface for scratches, dimples, or print lines
- Research recent sales of raw and graded versions of the card
- Consider the card type: rookie, star, serial-numbered, autograph, insert, or vintage
- Decide if the card's value justifies the cost of grading
Step 2: Prepare the Card for Submission
- Place card in a clean penny sleeve (soft sleeve)
- Insert sleeved card into a semi-rigid holder (e.g., Card Saver I)
- Do not use tape on the card holder
- Use team bags or rubber bands to group multiple cards
- Print and complete the grading company’s submission form
- Securely package cards in a sturdy box with padding
- Ship with tracking and insure based on the card’s declared value
Step 3: Optional Support
- Use a group submitter to save on cost and simplify paperwork
- Try GameStop’s in-store PSA service for added convenience
Need help deciding what to grade? Contact us — we're happy to help!