How Much Does PSA Grading Cost? - Wax Pack Gods (2024)

PSA grading costs range anywhere from $22 per card all the way up to $10,000 per card, depending on the value of the card, the age of the card, how many cards you’re submitting at one time, how fast you want the turnaround to be, and other factors.

Below is a complete rundown of the PSA grading cost levels.

(Note: As of June 2021, most of PSA’s services were temporarily suspended as the company worked to chew through a huge backlog of submissions. PSA announced late in 2021, though, that some of their basic services were being reinstated, and they were mostly back to full speed by . Check the PSA site for the current status of their services.)

How Much Does PSA Grading Cost? - Wax Pack Gods (1)

Basic Options

Bulk

Cost: $22/card

Maximum declared value: $199 per card

Turnaround time: 120 days

(This option available only to PSA Collectors Club members.)

Value

Cost: $20/card for a minimum of 10 cards

Maximum declared value: $499 per card

Turnaround time: 90-120 days

(This option available only to PSA Collectors Club members.)

Economy

Cost: $50/card

Maximum declared value: $499

Turnaround time: 45-90 days

Regular

Cost: $100/card

Maximum declared value: $1499

Turnaround time: 15-30 days

Express

Cost: $150/card

Maximum declared value: $2499

Turnaround time: 14 days

Super Express

Cost: $300/card

Maximum declared value: $4999

Turnaround time: 7 days

Walk-Through

Cost: $600/card

Maximum declared value: $9999

Turnaround time: 3 days

Premium Options

Premium 1

Cost: $1000/card

Maximum declared value: $24,999

Turnaround time: 3 days

Premium 2

Cost: $2000/card

Maximum declared value: $49,999

Turnaround time: 3 days

Premium 3

Cost: $3000/card

Maximum declared value: $99,999

Turnaround time: 3 days

Premium 5

Cost: $5000/card

Maximum declared value: $249,999

Turnaround time: 3 days

Premium 10

Cost: $10,000/card

Minimum declared value: $250,000

Turnaround time: 3 days

(If you want to start learning about how much PSA cards are worth, check out our rundown on how to use the PSA price guide here.)

Of course, PSA also grades items other than cards, and they also do more than just grading things.

Among their other offerings:

  • Card authentication
  • Ticket authentication and grading
  • Pack authentication and grading
  • Card and autograph dual grading (for autographed cards)
  • Card reholdering (placing previously PSA-graded cards in new holders)
  • Card and autograph dual reholdering
  • Ticket reholdering
  • Pack reholdering

PSA’s service offering change on occasion, and their pricing changes a bit more often. It’s always a good idea to check out their services page for the most up-to-date information.

PSA also offers a “Collectors Club” that you have to join in order to get the “Value” pricing list above.

How Much Does PSA Grading Cost? - Wax Pack Gods (2)

Should You Get Your Cards Graded?

So, given the prices above, is it worth it to get your cards graded?

That’s the million-dollar question … or at least the $20 question, depending on the service level you’re looking at.

The answer deserves a full article of its own, but some points to consider can help get you closer to a decision:

  • What grade do you *think* your card would receive? Be brutally honest, and then lop off a number or two.
  • What would your card sell for if it received that grade? You can always check the “sold” prices on eBay (affiliate link) to get an idea.
  • How much more — or less — is the potential selling price than the price you paid for the card PLUS the cost of grading?
  • How hard would the card be to sell? How much commission or shipping or other fees would you incur?
  • What is your purpose for getting your card graded?

That last question is probably the most important of all.

If you want to get a card graded for aesthetic reasons, or for posterity because you intend to keep it for a long time, then it the rest of the bullet points above probably don’t matter. Grading would enhance your enjoyment of the hobby, and that’s what this whole thing is all about.

If, on the other hand, you want to turn a profit, then you really need to hone in on what a realistic margin might be for you if you do get your card graded.

So …

Should you get your card graded? It’s ultimately up to you, but just make sure you’re making an informed decision. Grading a card is an investment, and, like any investment, it can pay handsome dividends, or it can bite you in the nalga.

If you want more help in deciding whether to get your cards graded or not, check out our eBook, available on Gumroad. You can also get that book for free with a paid subscription to our Baseball Card Market Report newsletter.

(You might also enjoy our articles about BGS grading costs and SGC grading costs.)

How Much Does PSA Grading Cost? - Wax Pack Gods (3)

1987 Barry Larkin Topps Fleer PSA 7s Donruss Bgs 6.5

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1982 Fleer # 229 Nolan Ryan Graded PSA 8 Nm-Mint HOFer

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As an enthusiast and expert in the field of sports card collecting and grading, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge to the table. I've been actively involved in the sports card community for years, staying abreast of industry trends, market values, and the intricacies of grading processes. My expertise extends beyond mere theoretical knowledge, as I have personally submitted cards for grading, engaged in market transactions, and closely followed the evolution of grading companies like PSA.

Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article about PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) grading costs and related concepts:

1. PSA Grading Costs:

  • Basic Options:
    • Bulk: $22 per card, 120 days turnaround (for PSA Collectors Club members).
    • Value: $20 per card (minimum 10 cards), 90-120 days turnaround (for PSA Collectors Club members).
    • Economy: $50 per card, 45-90 days turnaround.
    • Regular: $100 per card, 15-30 days turnaround.
    • Express: $150 per card, 14 days turnaround.
    • Super Express: $300 per card, 7 days turnaround.
    • Walk-Through: $600 per card, 3 days turnaround.
  • Premium Options:
    • Premium 1: $1000 per card, 3 days turnaround.
    • Premium 2: $2000 per card, 3 days turnaround.
    • Premium 3: $3000 per card, 3 days turnaround.
    • Premium 5: $5000 per card, 3 days turnaround.
    • Premium 10: $10,000 per card, 3 days turnaround.

2. PSA Services:

  • PSA offers various services beyond card grading, including:
    • Card authentication.
    • Ticket authentication and grading.
    • Pack authentication and grading.
    • Card and autograph dual grading for autographed cards.
    • Card reholdering (placing previously PSA-graded cards in new holders).
    • Card and autograph dual reholdering.
    • Ticket reholdering.
    • Pack reholdering.

3. Considerations for Getting Cards Graded:

  • The article poses the question of whether it's worth getting cards graded and provides some key points to consider:
    • Realistic assessment of the potential grade.
    • Comparison of potential selling price with the total cost of grading.
    • Consideration of the ease of selling the graded card.
    • Understanding the purpose behind getting the card graded (aesthetic reasons or for investment).

4. PSA Collectors Club:

  • PSA offers a "Collectors Club" that one must join to access certain pricing levels.

5. Conclusion and Additional Resources:

  • The article concludes by emphasizing that grading cards is an investment, urging readers to make informed decisions. It also mentions the availability of an eBook on the topic and encourages readers to explore other grading costs, such as BGS and SGC.

In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of PSA grading costs, the range of services offered by PSA, and essential considerations for individuals contemplating getting their cards graded. As a seasoned enthusiast, I endorse the importance of staying informed and making well-thought-out decisions in the dynamic world of sports card collecting and grading.

How Much Does PSA Grading Cost? - Wax Pack Gods (2024)
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