Why Grading Pokémon Cards Is Worth It (And When It’s Not)

If you’ve pulled a shiny Charizard or rediscovered your childhood binder, you’re probably asking: is grading Pokémon cards worth it? In 2025, grading can dramatically boost a card’s value—but it also costs time and money.

In this guide, we’ll help you decide when grading makes sense, what it costs, and how to know if your card is grading-worthy or better left raw.

What Is Pokémon Card Grading?

Grading is the process of sending a card to a professional company like PSA, CGC, or Beckett, where it is:

• Authenticated
• Evaluated for condition (centering, edges, surface, corners)
• Sealed in a tamper-proof case
• Assigned a grade (1 to 10 scale)

A graded card offers:

• Market trust
• Preservation
• Potential resale premium

When Grading Pokémon Cards Is Worth It

1. High-Value or Iconic Cards

• Vintage holo cards (Base Set Charizard, 1st Edition holos)
• Modern chase cards (Alt Art Charizard, Moonbreon, Gold Pikachu)
• Japanese exclusives or promos with strong collector demand

2. Mint or Near Mint Condition

Cards in top condition see the biggest value jump:

• Raw card: £150
• PSA 10: £1,000+

Grading turns condition into ROI.

3. You Plan to Sell or Invest

Buyers trust graded cards more. PSA slabs act like a certificate of value.

4. You Want Long-Term Protection

Even if you’re not selling, slabs protect against scratches, moisture, and accidental damage.

When Grading Pokémon Cards Isn’t Worth It

1. Low-Value Cards (<£50 Raw)

If the card isn’t rare or in high demand, grading fees may exceed its value.

2. Played or Damaged Condition

Grading a card in poor shape (creased, whitening, etc.) rarely pays off.

3. You Just Like Having a Collection

If you’re not aiming for resale, enjoy the card as-is and store it in a binder or semi-rigid sleeve.

4. You Hate Waiting

Standard turnaround times range from 1 to 3 months (faster = more expensive).

How Much Does It Cost to Grade a Pokémon Card?

Express or bulk discounts available for large submissions.

CGC vs PSA vs Beckett: Which Is Best?

Recommendation: PSA for top-dollar resale, CGC for speed/value balance, Beckett for ultra-premium cards.

How Much Value Does Grading Add?

Example: Umbreon VMAX Alt Art

• Raw (Near Mint): £350
• PSA 9: £650
• PSA 10: £1,200+

Grading can double or triple a card’s value if it scores well.

Caveat:

Cards scoring 6 or below often sell for less than their raw price due to the visible flaw being certified.

How to Grade a Pokémon Card (Step-by-Step)

1. Inspect with soft light + magnifier
2. Check for scratches, whitening, off-centering
3. Use card savers (semi-rigid) for shipping
4. Submit through official website or PSA/CGC bulk submitter
5. Wait for your grades (track via account dashboard)

Related Posts

• What’s Inside a Pokémon Booster Pack? Pull Rates & Card Types Explained
• Top 5 Pokémon Booster Boxes to Buy in 2025

PSA Pricing

Explore PSA’s official submission pricing at PSAcard.com.

Got a rare pull you think could be a 10?

Check our card evaluation guide or message us for a free second opinion before you grade. Protect your collection and unlock full value!

FAQ

Should I grade my Pokémon card?

If it’s valuable, in mint condition, or you’re planning to resell it—yes. If it’s low-value or damaged, skip it.

Is PSA or CGC better for grading?

PSA usually offers higher resale value. CGC is faster and slightly cheaper.

What condition is needed to get a PSA 10?

Centering must be near perfect. No whitening, scratches, print lines, or dings. Factory-fresh cards have the best shot.