If you’ve ever pulled a shiny Charizard, discovered an old binder from childhood, or bought a rare Pokémon card online, one question naturally follows:
“Should I get this graded… and how much does it cost?”
Pokémon card grading isn’t just about slabbing a card in plastic. It’s about authentication, protection, and potentially multiplying a card’s value. But grading fees vary widely depending on the company you choose, the service level, and the value of your card.
This guide breaks down exact grading costs, what affects pricing, hidden fees, and how to choose the cheapest and smartest option—so you don’t overspend or make rookie mistakes.
Quick Answer: Average Cost to Grade a Pokémon Card
Most collectors can expect to pay:
- $12–$25 per card for economy/bulk services
- $25–$50 per card for standard services
- $75–$300+ per card for express or high-value cards
Here’s a simple snapshot:
| Grading Company | Starting Cost (Approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PSA | $15–$25 | Maximum resale value |
| Beckett (BGS) | $18–$30 | Subgrades & premium slabs |
| CGC | $12–$20 | Budget-friendly grading |
These prices do not include shipping, insurance, or optional add-ons.
Also Read: How to Unlock a Max Move in Pokémon GO (Complete Guide for Trainers)
Pokémon Card Grading Companies & Their Pricing
Let’s look at the three most popular grading companies in the Pokémon world.
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
PSA is the gold standard for Pokémon cards. Most record-breaking Pokémon card sales use PSA slabs.
Typical PSA Pricing Tiers
- Economy: ~$25/card
- Regular: ~$40–$75/card
- Express: ~$150/card
- Super Express / Walkthrough: $300+
Declared Value Limits
Each tier has a maximum card value it allows. For example:
- Economy might allow up to $499
- Regular up to $1,499
- Higher tiers for expensive cards
Why Collectors Choose PSA
- Strong resale premiums
- Trusted worldwide
- Huge Pokémon population database
Downside
- Usually slower and more expensive than CGC
- Membership may be required
Beckett Grading Services (BGS)
Beckett is known for its thick slabs and subgrades (corners, edges, surface, centering).
Typical BGS Pricing
- Economy: ~$18–$25
- Standard: ~$40–$60
- Express: $120+
- Premium: $250+
Unique Feature
Beckett offers subgrades, which show detailed scoring. This can add $5–$10 per card.
Why Choose Beckett
- Strong reputation
- Subgrades help justify value
- Black Label 10 is extremely prestigious
Downside
- Slightly lower resale than PSA in Pokémon
- Subgrades increase cost
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
CGC has become very popular for modern Pokémon cards and budget submissions.
Typical CGC Pricing
- Bulk: $12–$15
- Economy: $15–$18
- Standard: $25–$35
- Express: $75+
Why Choose CGC
- Cheapest mainstream option
- Faster turnaround than PSA in many cases
- Clean-looking slabs
Downside
- Slightly lower resale compared to PSA
- Less prestige for vintage cards
Factors That Affect Pokémon Card Grading Cost
Grading isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your final price depends on:
1. Declared Card Value
More valuable cards require higher service tiers.
2. Turnaround Speed
Faster = more expensive.
3. Single vs Bulk Submission
Bulk grading can cut costs nearly in half.
4. Membership Fees
Some companies require annual memberships ($25–$150).
5. Optional Services
Subgrades, autograph authentication, or special labels increase cost.
Also Read: Target 360 Pokémon Drop: Everything You Need to Know Before Cards Sell Out
Hidden Costs Most Beginners Forget
Many first-time graders are surprised by extra expenses:
- Shipping to grading company
- Return shipping & insurance
- Card sleeves, semi-rigids, and boxes
- Sales tax (sometimes)
Realistic Example
Grading one $20 card may actually cost:
- Grading fee: $25
- Shipping both ways: $15
- Supplies: $3
Total: ~$43
Is It Worth Grading Your Pokémon Card?
A simple rule:
👉 If the card isn’t worth at least $80–$100 in a high grade, grading usually isn’t worth it.
Good Candidates for Grading
- Vintage WOTC cards
- First Edition / Shadowless cards
- Popular Pokémon (Charizard, Pikachu, Mewtwo)
- Secret rares, alt arts, gold cards
Bad Candidates
- Mass-produced commons
- Heavily played cards
- Modern bulk holos
Cheapest Way to Grade Pokémon Cards
Want to minimize costs? Try this:
- Use CGC bulk pricing
- Submit multiple cards together
- Join group submissions
- Wait for holiday promotions
- Avoid express tiers unless necessary
You can often get grading down to $13–$15 per card this way.
PSA vs BGS vs CGC – Which Should You Choose?
| Goal | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Highest resale value | PSA |
| Detailed condition breakdown | BGS |
| Cheapest grading | CGC |
| Vintage cards | PSA |
| Modern cards | CGC / PSA |
Step-by-Step: How to Submit a Pokémon Card for Grading
Submitting your Pokémon card for grading may sound complicated, but the process is actually straightforward once you know the steps. Follow this simple walkthrough to avoid costly mistakes and delays.
1. Create an Account With the Grading Company
Visit the official website of the grading company (PSA, BGS, or CGC) and create an account. Some companies require a paid membership, while others allow free registration. Your account will be used to track submissions and manage orders.
2. Select the Right Service Tier
Choose a grading tier based on your card’s estimated value and how fast you want it returned. Lower tiers are cheaper but slower, while higher tiers cost more and offer faster turnaround.
3. Properly Sleeve Your Pokémon Card
Place the card in a penny sleeve first, then insert it into a semi-rigid card holder (not a hard toploader). This protects the card and allows graders to remove it safely.
4. Complete the Online Submission Form
Enter card details such as Pokémon name, set, year, and declared value. Double-check everything to avoid errors that could slow down your order.
5. Pack the Card Securely
Sandwich the card between pieces of cardboard, use bubble wrap, and place it in a sturdy box. The goal is to prevent movement during shipping.
6. Ship With Tracking and Insurance
Send your package using a reliable carrier with tracking. For valuable cards, adding insurance is highly recommended.
7. Track Your Order and Wait for Results
Once received, the grading company will process your submission. You can monitor status updates through your account until your graded card is shipped back.
Also Read: How to Catch Scatterbug in Pokémon GO: Tips, Locations & Best Strategies
Common Mistakes That Increase Grading Costs
- Overestimating card value
- Using high-tier service unnecessarily
- Submitting damaged cards
- Poor packaging
- Forgetting return shipping costs
Final Verdict: How Much You Should Expect to Pay
Most collectors should budget:
- $15–$20 per card (bulk submissions)
- $25–$40 per card (single submissions)
- $75+ per card for high-value cards
Grading is best used strategically. Instead of grading everything, focus on high-potential cards, choose the right company, and use economy tiers whenever possible.
Done right, Pokémon card grading becomes an investment—not an expense.
FAQs About Pokémon Card Grading Costs
How much does PSA charge to grade one Pokémon card?
Usually $25–$40 for standard tiers.
What is the cheapest grading company?
CGC is typically cheapest.
Does grading guarantee profit?
No. It only increases market trust, not value automatically.
How long does grading take?
From 2 weeks to several months depending on tier.