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 youโre grading a single card or an entire collection, understanding PSAโs pricing structure is essential.
Hereโs everything you need to know about PSA grading costs, service levels, and submission tips.
๐ต 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 |
๐ก Pro Tip: Turnaround times are estimates and may vary due to submission volumes. Be prepared for delays during peak grading periods!
๐ What Affects PSA Grading Costs?
Several factors influence PSA grading fees:
โ๏ธ Declared Value โ The higher the estimated value of your card, the higher the service level required.
โ๏ธ Turnaround Time โ Faster services, like Express or Walk-Through, come with higher fees.
โ๏ธ Membership Discounts โ PSA Collectors Club members get access to exclusive bulk pricing.
โ๏ธ Shipping Fees โ Donโt forget to factor in the cost of shipping to and from PSA.
๐ก Want to save? Submit multiple cards under a bulk submission to reduce per-card fees!
๐ 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. |
๐ก Pro Tip: Popular cards in excellent condition often fetch higher resale prices when PSA-graded.
๐ก Tips for Submitting Cards to PSA
โ๏ธ Determine Declared Value โ Research your cardโs estimated market value to choose the correct service level.
โ๏ธ Prepare Your Cards Properly โ Use sleeves and semi-rigid holders to protect your cards during shipping.
โ๏ธ Check PSA Membership Options โ Join the PSA Collectors Club for discounted pricing and bulk submission rates.
โ๏ธ Track Turnaround Times โ Stay updated on PSAโs current processing times to avoid surprises.
๐ก Want faster results? Opt for Express or Walk-Through services, especially for high-value cards.
๐ Final Thoughts: Is PSA Grading Worth It?
PSA grading costs range from $16.99 to $599 per card, depending on the cardโs 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 |
๐ฌ Have you graded cards with PSA? Share your experiences or tips in the comments below! ๐โจ
Thinking about grading your trading cards? Share this post with other collectors to help them make the right decision! ๐ฆ๐