Start with the decision, not the logo on the slab. Check the economics, compare the five major grading options, then verify the grader’s current rules before you ship.
These are practical starting points, not a universal ranking. Pricing and turnaround are shown only where current official information is clear.
New Standard tier opens Sept. 14.
Value tiers remain paused; higher service levels remain available. PSA also announced the Priority and Premier names for the tiers previously called Regular and Walk-Through.
Official PSA update ↗Base and Standard are paused online.
Beckett says Base and Standard reopening is expected to begin Sept. 15. Subgrades are a key BGS distinction.
Official Beckett status ↗Multiple direct-submission tiers are currently listed.
Bulk has a 25-card minimum. Higher Express and WalkThrough options are also listed.
Official CGC fees ↗Service levels changed Sept. 2.
SGC says additional service-level adjustments should be expected later in 2026 and into early 2027.
Official SGC pricing ↗Regular tiers remain paused.
TAG is reducing a backlog and reopening capacity gradually. Its site currently shows regular tiers paused.
Official TAG tracker ↗Checked Sept. 13, 2026. Turnaround times are estimates, not guarantees. Always confirm current fees, eligibility and service availability on the grader’s official site before submitting.
A grader can be a strong choice for one card and a weaker fit for another. Start with the outcome you want.
Compare actual percentage premiums and the evidence strength behind them. Do not assume one grader always commands the same premium.
See Grader Premiums → 02Look at subgrades, half grades, digital reports and what information is printed or linked from the slab.
Compare grading detail → 03Compare currently available service tiers and estimates, then confirm that the service is actually open before mailing.
Compare turnaround → 04A slab can have collector value even when grading is not the highest-return financial decision.
Think through the tradeoff →A higher sale price does not automatically mean grading was profitable. The useful comparison is what you keep after the full cost of getting the card graded and sold.
Preparation mistakes can create risk before a grader ever sees the card.
Avoid chemicals, wax, whitening, polishing, scratch removal and aggressive rubbing. When in doubt, leave the card alone.
Cleaning & alteration guide →Submission-holder rules are not universal. Check the current official instructions for the company you choose.
Holder guide ↓Service tiers can depend on card value. Understand maximum insured or declared-value rules before choosing a tier.
PSA value & fee guide →Official packaging rules can change. IQCardGuide favors a verified answer over guessing.
| Grader | Current guidance shown by IQCardGuide | Rigid top loader? | Official check |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | PSA strongly advises against hard acrylic snap cases, top loaders and screw-down holders for submissions. | Avoid | PSA requirements ↗ |
| BGS | Beckett instructs submitters to use oversized 3.25 × 5-inch semi-rigid holders such as Card Saver I; penny sleeves may also be used. | Use semi-rigid | Beckett submit guide ↗ |
| CGC | Verify CGC’s current packing and submission instructions before selecting a holder. | Verify | CGC submit guide ↗ |
| SGC | Verify SGC’s current submission instructions before mailing; do not rely on older bulk forms for current policy. | Verify | SGC official site ↗ |
| TAG | TAG instructs mail-in submitters without a kit to use a soft sleeve and specified semi-rigid card shield; it says not to send top loaders, one-touch magnetic cases or screw-down holders. | Avoid | TAG mail-in guide ↗ |
Different companies can use different scales, subgrades, technology and report detail. A number on a slab is only part of the story.
Centering, corners, edges and surface are the core condition areas collectors should understand.
BGS can display the four condition scores and uses half-point grades, including 9.5.
Some workflows use advanced imaging or machine learning. That does not mean every company makes grading decisions in the same way.
Card authentication, autograph authentication, card grade and autograph grade are separate concepts. Check exactly what you are buying.