Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is the go-to service for grading trading cards, offering multiple pricing options depending on card value, turnaround time, and submission tier. Whether you’re grading a single card or an entire collection, understanding PSA’s pricing structure is essential.
Here’s everything you need to know about PSA grading costs, service levels, and submission tips.
💵 PSA Grading Service Levels & Pricing
PSA offers a variety of service levels to meet different needs:
Service Level |
Cost per Card (USD) |
Max Declared Value per Card |
Estimated Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Value Bulk |
$16.99 |
$200 |
45 business days |
Value |
$24.99 |
$500 |
45 business days |
Value Plus |
$39.99 |
$500 |
20 business days |
Regular |
$74.99 |
$1,500 |
10 business days |
Express |
$149.00 |
$2,500 |
5 business days |
Super Express |
$299.00 |
$5,000 |
5 business days |
Walk-Through |
$599.00 |
$10,000 |
5 business days |
💡 Pro Tip: Turnaround times are estimates and may vary due to submission volumes. Be prepared for delays during peak grading periods!
📋 What Affects PSA Grading Costs?
Several factors influence PSA grading fees:
✔️ Declared Value – The higher the estimated value of your card, the higher the service level required.
✔️ Turnaround Time – Faster services, like Express or Walk-Through, come with higher fees.
✔️ Membership Discounts – PSA Collectors Club members get access to exclusive bulk pricing.
✔️ Shipping Fees – Don’t forget to factor in the cost of shipping to and from PSA.
💡 Want to save? Submit multiple cards under a bulk submission to reduce per-card fees!
🔍 Should You Grade Your Cards with PSA?
Grading cards can significantly increase their market value. PSA evaluates cards based on centering, edges, corners, and surface, assigning a grade from 1 to 10.
Grade |
Description |
Market Impact |
|---|---|---|
Gem Mint 10 |
Perfect card condition |
Maximizes card value. |
Mint 9 |
Minor imperfections |
Still highly valuable. |
Near Mint 8 |
Noticeable flaws |
Modest increase in value. |
💡 Pro Tip: Popular cards in excellent condition often fetch higher resale prices when PSA-graded.
💡 Tips for Submitting Cards to PSA
✔️ Determine Declared Value – Research your card’s estimated market value to choose the correct service level.
✔️ Prepare Your Cards Properly – Use sleeves and semi-rigid holders to protect your cards during shipping.
✔️ Check PSA Membership Options – Join the PSA Collectors Club for discounted pricing and bulk submission rates.
✔️ Track Turnaround Times – Stay updated on PSA’s current processing times to avoid surprises.
💡 Want faster results? Opt for Express or Walk-Through services, especially for high-value cards.
📝 Final Thoughts: Is PSA Grading Worth It?
PSA grading costs range from $16.99 to $599 per card, depending on the card’s value and the desired turnaround time. Grading with PSA can significantly boost a card’s resale value and authenticate its condition, making it a worthwhile investment for collectors.
Service Level |
Best For |
Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
Value Bulk |
Low-value collections |
$16.99 |
Regular |
Mid-value cards |
$74.99 |
Express |
High-value, fast turnaround |
$149.00 |
💬 Have you graded cards with PSA? Share your experiences or tips in the comments below! 🏆✨
Thinking about grading your trading cards? Share this post with other collectors to help them make the right decision! 📦📈
