If you have a stack of raw cards and you are wondering whether they are worth submitting for PSA card grading, you are asking the right question at the right time. The grading process is straightforward once you understand how it works, but first-time submitters make the same costly mistakes repeatedly: wrong service tier, unscreened cards, unrealistic grade expectations. This guide walks you through every step so you go in prepared.
The PSA Grading Process from Start to Certified Slab
PSA grades cards on a 1 to 10 scale, with PSA 10 Gem Mint representing the highest possible grade. Each card is evaluated on four criteria: centering, corners, edges, and surface. A weakness in any one area will pull the overall grade down, which is why pre-screening before you submit is not optional if you are investing real money in the process.
Step 1: Pre-Screen Your Raw Cards
Before a single card gets packaged for submission, spend time evaluating each one under good lighting. This step alone separates disciplined collectors from those who get disappointing results and wonder why.
What to examine on every card:
- Centering: PSA 10 requires 55/45 or better on both axes. Measure with a ruler or use a centering tool. Cards beyond 60/40 are unlikely to grade above PSA 8.
- Corners: Use a loupe or macro lens. Soft, fuzzy, or frayed corners are the most common reason cards fall below a 9. There is no grading your way past a worn corner.
- Edges: Examine all four edges under a single light source. Nicks and chips are easy to miss at a glance but are immediately visible to a trained grader.
- Surface: Tilt the card at an angle under light and look for scratches, print lines, or haze. Chrome and refractor cards are more forgiving than matte surfaces, but heavy wear will still cost a grade.
Only submit cards that pass all four checks. Cards that do not make the cut are better suited for raw sales or your personal collection.
Step 2: Create a PSA Account and Select a Service Tier
PSA offers multiple service tiers that vary by turnaround time and cost per card. Choosing the right tier is one of the most important financial decisions in the submission process. Paying for express service on a card worth $30 graded rarely makes economic sense.
| Service Tier | Typical Turnaround | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | Longest wait | High-volume submissions, lower-value cards |
| Standard | Moderate | Mid-range cards with solid PSA 9/10 potential |
| Express | Faster | Time-sensitive submissions on higher-value cards |
| Super Express / Walk-Through | Days | High-value cards where market timing matters |
PSA turnaround times fluctuate based on submission volume. Check current estimates directly on the PSA website before committing to a tier, especially if you have a target listing date in mind.
Step 3: Package and Ship Your Submission
Improper packaging is a preventable problem that results in cards arriving damaged. PSA has specific packaging requirements that should be followed precisely.
- Place each card in a snug-fitting penny sleeve, then into a semi-rigid card saver or top loader.
- Do not use rubber bands. They cause corner and surface damage during transit.
- Separate cards within your package using bubble wrap or foam to prevent shifting.
- Use a sturdy box, not a padded envelope, for any submission of meaningful value.
- Ship with insurance and tracking. The replacement value of a PSA 10 copy justifies the added shipping cost on any card worth submitting.
Step 4: Track Your Order and Receive Your Slabs
Once PSA receives your submission, you can track its status through your online account. The order will move through intake, research, grading, and quality control before being encapsulated in the final slab. You will receive a notification when your order ships back to you.
Upon return, verify that every card matches your submission list and that the slab is free of cracks or seating issues before listing or storing the certified cards.
Common First-Timer Mistakes That Cost Real Money
Most submission regrets come from one of three places:
Submitting without pre-screening. A card that looks great to the naked eye may have off-center printing or surface haze that drops it to a PSA 7. At that grade, many cards do not return enough value to cover the submission fee.
Choosing the wrong service tier. Paying express pricing on a card with a $40 PSA 9 comp is a losing trade. Match the tier cost to the realistic return at the expected grade, not the hoped-for grade.
Misunderstanding what Gem Mint requires. PSA 10 is not "a really nice card." It is a card that passes strict centering, corner, edge, and surface standards. Most well-handled cards from wax packs do not qualify. Adjust your expectations before you submit, not after.
Why Working with a PSA Authorized Dealer Changes the Experience
Submitting through a PSA authorized dealer gives first-time submitters access to professional pre-screening guidance, help selecting the right service tier, and a streamlined submission process that removes the guesswork. For collectors who are new to grading or working with higher-value cards, the expertise a dealer brings is worth more than most people realize until they see their first set of results.
For a broader look at the grading services available to collectors at every level, the Card Collector Club grading services page is a good starting point.
PSA's own published grading standards are also worth reading before your first submission so you understand exactly what each grade level requires.
Frequently Asked Questions About PSA Card Grading
How long does PSA card grading take?
Turnaround times vary by service tier and current submission volume. Economy service can take several months during high-volume periods. Express and walk-through tiers are significantly faster but carry higher per-card costs. Always check PSA's current estimated turnaround times on their website before selecting a tier, especially if you have a target listing window.
What does PSA look for when grading a card?
PSA evaluates four criteria: centering, corners, edges, and surface condition. Each area is assessed independently, and a weakness in any one of them will lower the overall grade. Surface issues such as scratches and print defects, along with corner wear and off-center printing, are the most common reasons cards fall below a PSA 9.
Is it worth grading cards with PSA if the card value is low?
It depends on the realistic grade outcome and the submission tier cost. Cards that are unlikely to grade PSA 9 or better often do not return enough certified value to justify the grading fee. Pre-screening raw cards honestly before submitting is the most reliable way to avoid losing money on low-return submissions. For more answers to common grading questions, visit the Card Collector Club grading FAQ.