Is Grading Your Trading Cards Worth It or Just a Money Pit
- Andy
- Aug 23, 2025
- 3 min read
Collecting trading cards is an exciting hobby that brings joy to many enthusiasts around the world. Some collectors find that their favorite cards are more than just personal treasures; they can also be valuable assets. However, deciding to get your cards graded involves careful thought. When you submit a card to a grading company, there are fees, shipping costs, and long wait times to consider. With this guide, you'll better understand whether submitting your cards to PSA, BGS, CGC, or another grading service is right for you.
Why People Grade Cards
Professional grading comes with benefits that can significantly improve your collecting experience.
Authentication and Verification: Graded cards are verified by experts. This process greatly reduces the chance of buying counterfeit cards, which is vital in a market where 1 in 10 cards could be a fake.
Objective Assessment: Grading provides a numerical score based on various aspects like centering, corners, edges, and surface quality. Cards rated PSA 10 can sell for up to 10 times more than their ungraded versions. For example, an ungraded 2018 Luka Dončić rookie card might go for about $200, whereas the same card graded PSA 10 has been known to fetch prices above $2,000.
Higher Trust and Value: Buyers generally trust graded cards more. Auctions for graded cards have shown that these items often sell for a premium, sometimes reaching 20% more than comparable ungraded cards.
The Costs Involved
Understanding the costs is a vital first step before you start grading.
Grading services come with various fees:
Economy or Bulk Tiers: Typically range from $12 to $25 per card.
Express and Premium Services: Can climb to hundreds or even thousands based on the card's declared value.
Turnaround time affects pricing; quicker services tend to be pricier. It's also important to budget for shipping, insurance, and the possibility that your card may receive a lower grade than expected. For instance, shipping a card with insurance can cost an additional $20 to $50.
How to Evaluate if a Card is Worth Grading
Before you submit any card for grading, you need to evaluate it thoroughly. Key aspects to consider include:
Market Research: Look up recent sale prices for similar raw and graded cards on platforms like eBay and Goldin. Understanding the market can help you gauge demand and pricing trends effectively.
Condition Assessment: Inspect the card for its centering, corners, edges, and surface. A careful evaluation can potentially save you from submitting a card that won’t meet grading standards.
Value Estimation: Use price guides or grading apps to determine the value difference between raw and graded versions. This helps clarify whether the grading expense makes sense.
Future Trends: Think about player performance, upcoming set releases, or even pop culture events that could drive demand. For instance, if a player is performing exceptionally well, it may be wise to grade a card while its value is on the rise.
When to Avoid Grading
While grading can be beneficial, there are times when it may not be worth your investment.
If you own a card of low value or one that is in poor condition, the grading fees may far outweigh any potential benefits. Additionally, if you don't plan to sell the card soon, it might make sense to hold off on grading. For cards that are not in high demand or unlikely to increase in value, forgoing grading can be a sound choice.
The Emotional Aspect of Grading
It's essential to also think about the emotional side of grading. Many collectors view their cards as keepsakes that carry sentimental value beyond money.
For example, if a card reminds you of a special event, like attending your first game, grading it can affirm its importance. However, if your focus is on profit, it's crucial to approach grading with a clear strategy and realistic expectations.
Final Thoughts
Deciding whether to get your trading cards graded entails considering multiple factors. From recognizing the benefits of professional grading to weighing costs against potential gains, extensive research is key before submitting your cards.
Ultimately, your decision to grade should align with your individual collecting goals, whether they are emotional, financial, or a mix of both. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, you will make an informed choice that enhances your trading card collecting journey.
We recommend always pre-screening your cards that you are considering grading with our AI scanner tool to determine if it will be in the running for the grade you want.
