Sending a card away for weeks and paying for the privilege only makes sense in specific circumstances. Here's when it actually pays off.
The maths that matters
Grading is worth it when the graded sale price minus the raw sale price is greater than your all-in cost — the grading fee plus shipping and insurance both ways. As a rule of thumb, most people only submit cards already worth $50 or more raw, since the fees eat too much of a cheaper card's value either way.
PSA, CGC and BGS
PSA holds around 70% of the graded Pokémon market. It has the deepest pool of buyers, the widest price guide coverage and the strongest resale liquidity, so a PSA 10 typically sells faster and higher than an equivalent grade from CGC or BGS. CGC has grown quickly and is generally cheaper and faster to turn around. BGS is best known for its sub-grades, which appeal to buyers who want a granular condition breakdown rather than just a single number.
The risk side
Around 30% of submitted cards come back at grade 7 or 8. That's not a wasted submission exactly, but it does mean you've paid a fee to publicly anchor a card's value below what it might have fetched raw with an optimistic buyer. Only cards in Near Mint or better condition — sharp corners, no whitening, no surface scratches — are worth the gamble.
What to grade
Modern chase cards like Mega Darkrai ex are the kind of card worth considering for grading once pulled — high demand, decent raw value, and a graded premium that can be substantial for a true Gem Mint copy.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to grade a Pokémon card?
PSA's cheapest tier starts around $25 per card, with faster services costing more, plus shipping and insurance.
Which grading company is the biggest for Pokémon cards?
PSA, with roughly 70% market share and the strongest resale liquidity.
What condition should a card be in before grading?
Near Mint or better — grading a damaged card rarely returns a grade worth the fee.