PSA vs. BGS vs. CGC vs. SGC vs. TAG
There is no universal “best grader.” Start with what is actually accepting submissions, then compare cost, speed, card value, grading information and the market for your specific card.
Always confirm the live submission page before paying or mailing cards. This page summarizes official information we verified; it is not a promise that a tier remains open later today.
Current submission snapshot
| Grader | Status | Lowest currently relevant option* | Turnaround shown | What stands out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 🟡 Limited | Standard $59.99 opens Sept. 14 | 90–100 business days | Value tiers remain paused; phased reopening; Regular/Walk-Through renamed Priority/Premier |
| BGS | 🟡 Limited | Express $79.95 | 15 business days | Base & Standard sold out/paused; expected reopening begins Sept. 15 |
| CGC | 🟢 Open | Bulk $17 (25-card minimum) | 150 working days | Multiple open tiers from Bulk through high-value services |
| SGC | 🟢 Open / adjusted | Standard $50 up to $1,500 declared value | 40+ business days | Service levels adjusted Sept. 2 due to demand |
| TAG | 🟠 Limited drops | Recent limited TAG Score drop: $79 | 25 business days for that drop | Working through backlog; additional limited drops as capacity allows |
*Not necessarily the cheapest historical tier or the best choice for your card. Prices exclude possible shipping, insurance, add-ons, membership requirements and value-related charges. PSA Standard details are announced for Sept. 14, 2026.
How the grading information differs
PSA
Uses a 1–10 grading scale and evaluates condition factors including centering, surface, edges and corners. PSA also offers Grader Notes on eligible higher service levels. Its process combines graders with technology used across authentication, imaging and operations.
BGS
Uses half-point increments and can provide visible subgrades for centering, corners, edges and surface. Beckett identifies 9.5 as Gem Mint and 10 as Pristine. Subgrades can make two cards with the same overall grade easier to compare.
CGC
Uses professional graders with specialized equipment/technology and offers multiple grading and autograph service paths. Check the exact service for the information printed on the label or available digitally.
SGC
Uses its grading team and published grading scale. Its current pricing structure is strongly value-tiered, so declared value matters when selecting service.
TAG
Uses machine-learning-driven imaging/analysis with human grading-expert review. Its DIG reports can provide defect annotations and, on higher services, detailed subscores.
Compare market premiums, not just dollar prices
IQCardGuide will summarize high-grade resale performance as an average percentage premium over comparable raw sales rather than a single dollar amount. That makes comparisons more meaningful across cards with very different prices.
| Comparison set | Metric |
|---|---|
| PSA 10 | Average premium % vs. raw |
| BGS 10 | Average premium % vs. raw |
| BGS 9.5 | Average premium % vs. raw |
| CGC 10 | Average premium % vs. raw |
| SGC 10 | Average premium % vs. raw |
| TAG 10 | Average premium % vs. raw |
See the early cross-card Grader Premium Dashboard →
This is a standardized comparison set, not a claim that the labels are equivalent. Card-specific completed sales still control when evaluating an individual card.
Autographs
Separate four questions: Is the card authentic? Is the autograph authentic? What is the card's condition grade? Is there a separate autograph condition grade? Services and label presentation vary by grader, so choose the exact service you need rather than assuming “graded” includes every autograph service.
Which should you choose?
Start with availability + economics
For a lower-value card, an expensive fast tier may erase the financial reason to grade. For a high-value card, declared/insured-value limits can push you toward a higher tier.
Then compare the result you want
Consider resale history for that card, turnaround, slab/report preference, subgrades, autograph needs, submission convenience and your own collecting goal.
Prepare a Submission → Understand Value / Upcharges →
Editorial basis: official PSA, Beckett, CGC, SGC and TAG pages reviewed September 13, 2026. IQCardGuide is not affiliated with a grader merely because it is discussed here.