How to Grade Cards & Comics
Everything a collector needs before submitting — the full process, the real cost, which grader to use, and whether it's worth it. Sourced, with prices framed as ranges.
Pokémon cards
PSA, CGC & BGS.
How to Get Pokémon Cards Graded: A Step-by-Step Guide
To get Pokémon cards graded, choose a grading company (PSA, CGC, BGS, or SGC), create an account and pick a service tier, protect each card in a sleeve and semi-rigid holder, fill out the submission form, and ship with tracking and insurance. Here is the full process, start to finish.
Read the guideHow Much Does It Cost to Grade Pokémon Cards?
Grading a Pokémon card costs roughly $15–$25 per card at the cheapest service tiers (PSA, CGC, BGS, SGC), before shipping and insurance. Higher-value cards require pricier tiers. Here is the full cost breakdown, including the hidden costs most first-timers miss.
Read the guidePSA vs CGC vs BGS for Pokémon: Which Grader Should You Use?
For most Pokémon collectors, PSA is the best grading company thanks to the strongest resale premium and market recognition. CGC is the value pick with faster turnaround, and BGS leads on sub-grades for modern cards. Here is how the three compare on cost, speed, strictness, and resale.
Read the guideIs Grading Pokémon Cards Worth It?
Grading a Pokémon card is worth it when the graded version sells for at least ~3× the grading-and-shipping cost more than the raw card — typically vintage keys, 1st Edition holos, and popular modern chase cards in near-mint or better condition. Here is the break-even math and three worked examples.
Read the guideRelated: How to spot counterfeit Pokémon cards.
Comics
CGC & CBCS.
How to Get Comics Graded: A Step-by-Step Guide
To get a comic graded, choose a grading company (CGC or CBCS), create an account and pick a service tier, bag and board the book, optionally have it pressed, fill out the submission form, and ship it with tracking and insurance. Here is the full process, start to finish.
Read the guideHow Much Does It Cost to Grade a Comic Book?
Grading a comic costs roughly $20–$30 per book at the cheapest CGC/CBCS tiers, before pressing, shipping, and insurance. Higher-value and vintage books require pricier tiers. Here is the full cost breakdown, including the costs most first-timers miss.
Read the guideIs Grading Comics Worth It?
Grading a comic is worth it when the graded copy sells for at least ~3× the grading-and-pressing cost more than the raw book — typically key issues, first appearances, and high-grade modern books. Here is the break-even math and three worked examples.
Read the guideRelated: CGC vs CBCS · Pressing & cleaning before grading.