Grading turns a raw card into a sealed, certified collectible with an official condition score. This Pokémon card grading guide explains what grading is, how the major companies (PSA, BGS and CGC) work, when grading is worth it, and how to prepare a card for submission. If you own valuable cards, understanding grading is essential.
First, make sure your cards are protected — see Best Card Sleeves.
What is card grading?
Card grading is the process of sending a card to a professional company that evaluates its condition, assigns a numeric grade, and seals it in a tamper-evident case (a “slab”) with a certification number. Grading gives buyers confidence and can significantly affect a card’s value.
Cards are judged on four main factors:
- Centering — how even the borders are.
- Corners — sharpness and wear.
- Edges — chipping or whitening.
- Surface — scratches, print lines, and holo condition.
The grading scale
Most companies use a 1–10 scale. Key milestones:
- Gem Mint (10) — near-perfect; the top tier.
- Mint (9) — excellent with only tiny flaws.
- Near Mint (7–8) — light wear, still very clean.
- Lower grades — increasing visible wear.
Condition terms like mint and near mint map to these grades, which is why protecting a card’s condition matters so much.
The major grading companies (quick overview)
The most recognised graders are PSA, BGS (Beckett), and CGC. Each has its own reputation, turnaround times, pricing and labelling style. For a side-by-side look, see our Top Grading Companies Compared.
When is grading worth it?
Grading isn’t free, so weigh the cost against the card:
- Grade it for high-value, rare, first edition, or vintage cards where a high grade meaningfully raises value.
- Skip it for common or low-value cards — the grading fee can exceed the card’s worth.
Identify grade-worthy cards using our Rarity Guide, Rare Cards List, and Vintage Cards Guide.
Preparing a card for submission
- Inspect under good light for centering, corners, edges and surface.
- Clean gently — never use liquids; just remove surface dust.
- Protect in a card saver (semi-rigid holder).
- Choose a service level based on the card’s value and how fast you need it.
Frequently asked questions
Does grading increase a card’s value? A high grade often does, especially for rare cards. A low grade may not justify the fee — grade selectively.
Can I grade any card? Yes, but it’s only worthwhile for valuable cards where the grade adds more than it costs.
How do I know a card’s condition before grading? Learn the factors above and compare against grade examples. When in doubt, only submit cards that look clean and well-centred.
*This guide is general information, not financial advice; grading outcomes and values vary.*
Related collecting guides: Grading Companies Compared · Rarity Guide · How to Store Cards · First Edition Guide
Find grade-worthy cards across the Pokémon card database.