Frequently Asked Questions

Card grading is a professional service where experts evaluate the condition of trading cards on a standardised scale (typically 1-10). Cards are assessed on centering, corners, edges, and surface quality, then sealed in tamper-proof cases with a grade label. Graded cards are more trusted for trading and can command significantly higher prices than ungraded cards.

Grading authenticates your card as genuine, protects it in a sealed case, and provides an objective condition assessment. High-grade cards (9 or 10) can be worth many times more than ungraded copies. Grading is especially worthwhile for rare, vintage, or high-value cards where the grade significantly impacts market value.

It depends on your priorities. For maximum resale value, PSA or CGC carry the most market recognition. For UK-based convenience and value, Ace Grading, PG Grading, and Majesty Grading are excellent choices. For the cheapest option, Universal Grading starts at just £8/card. For the fastest turnaround, PGC offers 72-hour service. Use our comparison tool to find the best match for your needs.

Grades range from 1 (Poor) to 10 (Gem Mint). A grade of 7 is Near Mint, 8 is Near Mint-Mint, 9 is Mint, and 10 is Gem Mint (virtually perfect). Most collectors aim for grades of 8 or above. A Gem Mint 10 means the card has perfect centering, sharp corners, clean edges, and a flawless surface under magnification.

UK grading prices range from £8-£40+ per card depending on the service and turnaround speed. Budget options like Universal Grading start at £8, mid-range services like PG Grading and Majesty Grading cost £13-£14, and express services can cost £20-£40. International services like PSA cost more due to shipping and dealer fees.

Turnaround times vary widely. PGC offers 72-hour service, while standard services typically take 2-4 weeks. Economy tiers can take 6-8 weeks. International services like PSA can take several months when factoring in shipping to and from the USA. Express options are available from most providers at a premium.

Yes, significantly for high grades. A PSA 10 Charizard can be worth 5-20x more than an ungraded copy in similar condition. However, grading only makes financial sense for cards worth more than the grading fee. A common card worth £1 won't benefit from a £15 grading service. Focus on grading cards that are rare, valuable, or in exceptional condition.

Check centering (borders should be even), corners (should be sharp with no whitening), edges (no silvering or rough spots), and surface (no scratches, print lines, or holo damage). Use a loupe or magnifying glass to check surface quality. Cards that look perfect to the naked eye can still have surface imperfections that affect the grade.

UK grading services offer excellent quality and value, often with faster turnaround and lower prices. However, PSA and CGC graded cards currently command higher premiums on the secondary market due to their global recognition. For personal collections, UK graders are an excellent choice. For investment cards where resale value is paramount, PSA or CGC may be worth the extra cost.

Sub-grades are individual scores for each grading criterion (Centering, Corners, Edges, Surface). Not all grading services provide sub-grades. CGC and BGS include sub-grades as standard, while many UK services provide an overall grade only. Sub-grades give more detailed information about a card's condition and can affect value.