If you’ve seen collectors sharing photos of their prized Magic cards in those rigid, tamper-evident plastic cases with a fancy numerical rating at the top, you’ve already been introduced to graded cards. These cases are sometimes called “slabs,” and they serve two main functions: preserving the condition of the card and authenticating it as genuine. Most collectors agree that a professional grade can boost a card’s value or, at the very least, make it easier to sell. The catch is that grading costs money, and the fees vary.
Some folks dream of sending off their entire collection for grading, only to realize that can get expensive fast. Others are just curious about grading that one high-value foil that’s been gathering dust in their binder. Either way, you’re probably wondering: “So how much is this going to cost me?” Let’s break down the details.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Cards Graded?
The short answer is that there’s no single price. It depends on factors like:
- The grading company you choose
- The declared or estimated value of your card
- The speed at which you want your cards returned
- The total number of cards you submit at once
On the low end, you might spend around $15 to $18 per card. On the high end, you could be looking at $500 or $600 per card, especially if you have a really valuable piece of cardboard or want an ultra-fast turnaround. You’ll also see even higher fees—thousands of dollars—for certain premium levels. Most collectors don’t bother with that unless they have a very rare or high-value item.
Sports Cards vs. Pokémon vs. Magic
Most grading services don’t charge different base rates for different types of trading cards. Whether you’re grading a vintage baseball card or a shiny new MTG foil, the rate often depends more on condition, age, declared value, and signing status. Some companies do have separate categories for oversized cards, unopened packs, or special items, but you won’t usually see a “Magic surcharge” or a “Pokémon discount.” The biggest factor is value: the higher the declared value, the higher the grading tier—and the bigger the fee.
PSA Grading Costs
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is one of the oldest and most trusted names in the business. It’s also one of the most expensive. Their fees range from $25 per card to $10,000 per card, which might sound shocking until you realize that the highest tiers are for cards valued at six figures or more.
For most modern Magic cards, you’ll look at a baseline somewhere between $25 and $75, depending on your chosen turnaround time and the card’s declared value. If you pay the bare minimum, it might take a while—PSA will often note a turnaround of 65 business days or more for their cheapest service levels.
Why Is PSA So Pricey?
PSA is extremely popular and has a reputation for strict and consistent grades. Because of that, PSA-graded cards can sell for more than those graded by lesser-known companies. As a result, PSA has a high submission volume, and raising prices can deter frivolous submissions. It also ensures they earn enough revenue to maintain their operational capacity and keep turnaround times somewhat manageable.
Beckett Grading Costs
Beckett Grading Services (BGS) is another big name. Their pricing ranges from about $16 per card (if you’re submitting a bulk order of at least 10 cards and don’t mind a long turnaround) up to $500 for a single high-value card on a rapid timeline. One unique feature with Beckett is subgrades. Each card can be evaluated in four subcategories—centering, edges, corners, and surface—and you’ll see these mini-scores on the label. If you want subgrades for the cheaper levels, you pay a small surcharge (maybe $2 to $4 more per card).
The result is that you have a lot of flexibility. You can pay less if you don’t care about speed or subgrades, or you can pay more for a quicker turnaround or for that extra detailed label.
Other Grading Services
PSA and Beckett are big players, but they’re not your only options. CGC (Certified Guaranty Company), SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation), HGA (Hybrid Grading Approach), and ISA (International Sports Authentication) also offer grading. Each has its own style and reputation.
These alternative services might be cheaper or faster. However, many collectors feel that cards graded by PSA or Beckett can fetch higher resale prices. If you’re grading purely for personal satisfaction or lower-value items, maybe a budget-friendly service is fine. But if you plan to sell a rare or pricey card, sticking with a top-tier name can make a difference in final sale price.
Grading in Bulk
If you plan to send a stack of 20 or more cards for grading, you may be able to pay less per card. PSA, for example, offers bulk rates of around $15 to $19 per card, but you have to be part of their Collectors Club to qualify. Beckett also has bulk discounts, but you’ll need to send in at least 10 cards at once. These bulk tiers usually have the slowest turnaround times, so don’t expect to see your cards again for a couple of months or longer.
Is It Worth It to Grade a Card?
The decision depends on your goals. Grading isn’t free, so it only makes sense to grade cards if:
- The card is already quite valuable, or
- You expect a high grade that will raise its market value, or
- You just want that extra peace of mind, maybe for your personal collection.
If you have a bulk rare worth 25 cents, spending $25 on a grading fee doesn’t make much sense. But if you own something special—like an older Reserved List card, a modern serialized card, or a classic piece of the game’s history—grading could help preserve it and potentially boost its resale price.
The Value Bump of a PSA 10
Everyone wants that “Gem Mint” 10. A PSA 10 can drastically increase a card’s perceived worth. For instance, a raw Revised Counterspell might go for about $2 in near mint condition, while a PSA 10 version can be listed for something like $50 or more. That’s a huge jump, and the same logic applies to countless cards. The better the grade, the more you can potentially charge if you decide to sell.
What’s the Cheapest Way?
CGC has a Bulk rate around $12 per card if you send 25 at once. They also offer an Economy rate for a single card at $15. But if you care about the brand behind your card’s slab, Beckett’s lowest tiers start around $16 or $18, which is only a small jump in price. You might consider paying a bit more to use Beckett if you value name recognition. In my opinion, if you’re already planning to spend the money, it might be worth an extra few dollars to go with a more established grader. But if you just want a personal rating, CGC is fine.
Free Grading?
Short answer: no. Grading companies have overhead costs, equipment, and professional graders to pay. Nobody does this completely free. You might find promotions at conventions or special membership deals that reduce the fees, but there’s no widespread free option for grading valuable cards.
How Long Does Grading Take?
It depends on how much you’re willing to pay. Faster turnaround usually costs more. If you go with a budget option, you might wait 60+ days—maybe longer. If you shell out for a premium service, you could get your card back in as little as two to five days. People who submit truly high-value cards (think $10,000 and up) often pay a premium for speed and security.
In-Person Grading
There are some ways to avoid shipping your cards. PSA has a Walk-Through service where you can drop off your cards in person (for a fee) and pick them up later. Beckett used to offer a similar approach, though they suspended it after the COVID-19 pandemic began. You might also see PSA or Beckett at big card conventions, offering on-site grading. The fees for on-site grading can be higher, but it’s a handy option if you’re nervous about mailing expensive collectibles.
Best Cards to Grade
High-value, rare, or iconic cards are the typical candidates. That might include:
- Serialized cards
- Reserved List classics (like dual lands or Moxen)
- Promotional or limited-run items
- Original foil prints of popular cards
If you’re holding a popular but low-value card, grading probably won’t pay off. Even a PSA 10 might not recoup the grading fees if it’s a common or easily replaced card.
Preparing Your Card for Grading
You’ll usually want to put the card in a soft penny sleeve, then a top loader or semi-rigid sleeve. If it’s a very expensive card, you might opt for a magnetic one-touch holder, though that’s not mandatory. Consider wiping the surface gently with a microfiber cloth to remove dust or fingerprints. This small step can help a lot if the grader is looking for surface imperfections.
Are Grades Always Accurate?
For the most part, yes. Professional grading companies have reputations to maintain, so their graders are trained to look for wear, scratches, off-centering, and other flaws. That said, graders are human, and mistakes can happen. Some folks occasionally crack open a slab and resubmit a card in hopes of getting a better grade. Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they don’t.
If you feel a grade is way off, you can usually submit it for review. But you’ll end up paying the fees again. If it’s a minor complaint, it might not be worth it, especially if the difference is between, say, a 9 and a 9.5.
Final Thoughts
Grading Magic cards can be a satisfying way to preserve and authenticate valuable pieces of your collection. It’s not cheap, though, so it’s wise to do the math before you mail off a stack of random rares. If you have something truly special—like a serialized card, a Reserved List staple, or a cherished foil from your early years of playing—grading might feel like a worthwhile investment. Plus, it can provide peace of mind if you ever decide to sell or trade.
I believe it’s good practice to balance your passion for collecting with some common sense about costs. If the grading fee is more than the card’s value, you’re probably better off saving that money. But if you’re looking at a card that might jump significantly in worth once it’s certified, or you just want that neat plastic case with an official number, grading can make a lot of sense.
In the end, it’s your call. Some people love having a graded collection displayed on a shelf. Others just want to shuffle up and play. Either way, you’ll be better informed about the potential costs and benefits, and that’s what truly matters.