How Much Does PSA Card Grading Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

The Professional Sports Authenticator, otherwise known as the PSA, is the most common grader for sports cards.

Every card or collectible graded by PSA uses the PSA 10-point grading scale, which has been accepted and supported industry-wide since 1991.

How much does PSA grading cost?

The cost of PSA card grading will depend on the type of sports card, its value, shipping options, options added and the number of cards sent in.

According to PSAacard.com, the official website, grading and authenticating services can range anywhere from $10 to more than $1,200+.   Generally, the higher the value and the faster the turnaround is, the more you can be prepared to spend.

With so many factors to consider, refer to our table for a ballpark estimate:

Card Authentication ServiceAverage Cost
Any card with a declared value under $250$18
$20 (autograph)
Any card with a declared value under $500$18
$25 (autograph)
Any card with a declared value of $500-$1,999$45
$45 (autograph)
Any card with a declared value of $2,000 - $4,999$95
$95 (autograph)
Any card with a declared value of $5,000 - $9,999$250
$250 (autograph)
Any card with a declared value of $10,000 to $24,999$800
$800 (autograph)
Any card with a declared value of $25,000$1,200
$1,200 (autograph)

NOTE:  To find the declared value of your card, refer to the SMR Online.  These costs are as of August of 2017 and are subject to change.  These prices are designed to offer a ballpark to what you should be prepared to budget.

Dean’s Cards, for example, says the real cost to having a card graded, when you factor in shipping and insurance, will be about $14 to $17 per card; however, if the card were higher in value, don’t be surprised if you’re paying $40 to $300.  In the end, he recommends avoiding the grading process unless the card is very old and is in near perfect condition.

What are the extra costs?

Supersized cards, coins and pins are available at the costs mentioned above; however, they must be submitted as a separate order, effectively increasing the fees.

Tips to know

The estimated turnaround time, depending on the service you choose, can range anywhere from one day for a card value $25,000 or more to about 10 business days for a card worth less than $500.

The fees above apply to any trading cards, aside from sports cards, including Pokemon, Magic and Yu-Gi-Oh!

How can I save money?

If you plan on grading multiple cards throughout the year, then you may want to consider signing up for a membership.  Often costing less than $200 per year, a membership will include a limited number of free gradings per year, fast business turnaround times and exclusive special deals.  From members who have signed up for the membership, they state as long as you take advantage of the free gradings each year, you will come out ahead with your investment.

PSA is just one of the many card grading services.  Before committing to a purchase, check out Beckett or SGC to see if their grading services make sense for you.

Only get a card graded if you know it will increase the value of your card and/or it will make the sale easier.  If you feel it won’t do any of these two things, then card traders highly recommend storing it in a safe location.  Refer to their official specials page to see the current discounts for members.

Bulk rates start to apply if you submit more than 10 cards at once.


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