Card Grading Companies Compared
PSA, BGS, CGC, and SGC — the four major card grading companies explained. Compare pricing, turnaround times, grading scales, and find which company is right for your cards.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | PSA | BGS | CGC | SGC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 | 1999 | 2020 | 1998 |
| Cards Graded | 50M+ | 20M+ | 10M+ | 8M+ |
| Cheapest Tier | $25/card | $25/card | $15/card | $18/card |
| Economy Turnaround | 65 business days | 80+ business days | 50 business days | 20 business days |
| Subgrades | No | Included | +$10 optional | No |
| Resale Premium | Highest | High | Growing | Moderate |
| Best For | Selling & Vintage | Modern & Detail | Pokemon & Budget | Vintage & Speed |
| Slab Style | Red label | Black label (10) / Gold label | Green/Clear label | Tuxedo (black/white) |
Pricing Comparison
All prices are per-card and may vary based on declared value, quantity, and current promotions.
When to Use Each Company
The most recognized and liquid grading company in the hobby. PSA-graded cards command the highest premiums and sell fastest on the secondary market.
Known for their detailed subgrade system and coveted Black Label 10. BGS offers the most granular grading with four subgrades: centering, corners, edges, and surface.
The newest major grading company, backed by the trusted CGC Comics brand. Fast turnaround, competitive pricing, and subgrades are attracting a growing collector base.
The vintage card specialist. SGC is known for fast service, consistent grading, and their iconic tuxedo slab design that beautifully displays older cards.
Related Grading Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card grading company is best?
There is no single "best" grading company — it depends on your goals. PSA commands the highest resale premiums and is best for cards you plan to sell. BGS offers detailed subgrades and the coveted Black Label 10. CGC has the fastest turnaround and lowest prices, great for Pokemon/TCG. SGC is the vintage card specialist with the best-looking slab. Use our comparison table to find the right company for your specific cards.
How much does card grading cost in 2026?
Card grading in 2026 ranges from $15/card (CGC Economy) to $1,000+/card (PSA Premium next-day). The most popular economy tiers: CGC $15/card (50 days), SGC $18/card (20 days), PSA $25/card (65 days), BGS $25/card (80+ days). Express and priority services at all companies range from $60-$300/card with 2-15 day turnaround.
PSA 10 vs BGS 9.5 — which is worth more?
PSA 10 typically sells for 15-40% more than a BGS 9.5 Gem Mint, despite both representing top-grade cards. This is because PSA has higher brand recognition and liquidity. However, a BGS Black Label 10 (all four subgrades perfect 10) can sell for significantly MORE than a PSA 10 — sometimes 2-5x more for popular modern cards. The decision between PSA and BGS depends on whether your card has Black Label potential.
What is the fastest card grading company?
SGC consistently offers the fastest turnaround times. Their Economy tier (20 business days at $18/card) is faster than the economy tiers of PSA (65 days), BGS (80+ days), and CGC (50 days). At premium tiers, all four companies offer 1-5 day service, but SGC's base speed means even their cheapest option gets cards back relatively quickly.
Is it worth grading cards under $50?
Generally, grading cards worth less than $50 raw is not profitable unless the graded premium is very high. For a card worth $30 raw, even a $15 CGC Economy submission means the graded card needs to sell for $45+ just to break even. However, grading makes sense for personal collection (protection and display), if you believe the card is significantly undervalued, or for rookie cards of players who could break out and spike in value.