PSA grading is the process of sending a trading card to PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) to have it authenticated, scored for condition on a scale from 1 to 10 and sealed in a tamper-evident case. PSA is the most widely used grading company for Pokémon cards, and a PSA grade is one of the main factors in a card's value.
What PSA grades mean
| Grade | Name | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| PSA 10 | Gem Mint | Virtually perfect: sharp corners, clean surface, near-perfect centering |
| PSA 9 | Mint | Excellent, with only one minor flaw |
| PSA 8 | Near Mint-Mint | A few minor flaws, still high quality |
| PSA 7 | Near Mint | Light wear visible on close inspection |
| PSA 1–6 | Poor to Excellent-Mint | Increasing wear, creases or damage |
A PSA 10 is the grade collectors look for most. The same card can be worth several times more as a PSA 10 than as a PSA 9.
How to get your cards PSA graded
Choose a service level. PSA offers several tiers, with different prices and turnaround times based on the card's declared value.
Submit your cards. Send them to PSA directly, or through a dealer or a card shop that submits in bulk.
Wait for grading. PSA authenticates the card, inspects centering, corners, edges and surface, then assigns a grade.
Get your slab back. The card returns sealed in a labeled case with its grade and a certification number you can check on PSA's website.
How much does PSA grading cost?
The cost depends on the service level, the card's declared value and how fast you want it back. Fees change over time, so check PSA's current pricing before submitting. Shipping and insurance are usually extra.
PSA vs BGS vs CGC
| PSA | BGS (Beckett) | CGC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scale | 1–10 | 1–10, with half points and subgrades | 1–10, with half points |
| Known for | The most common grader for Pokémon cards | Detailed subgrades | Fast-growing for trading card games |
Learn more about graded cards.
PSA graded Pokémon cards online
You don't need to submit cards yourself to own graded ones. In Trust Wallet, you can open Pokémon card packs online, and each pack reveals a graded card that arrives in your wallet as an onchain collectible.
Frequently Asked Questions About PSA Grading
What does PSA stand for? Professional Sports Authenticator, a company that authenticates and grades trading cards.
What does PSA 10 mean? It is PSA's highest grade, called "Gem Mint": the card is in virtually perfect condition.
Is PSA grading worth it? It can be for valuable cards, because a high grade can increase a card's value and makes it easier to sell. For low-value cards, the fee can cost more than the grade adds.
How can I check a PSA grade? Enter the certification number printed on the slab label on PSA's website to see the card's details and grade.
Can I get PSA graded Pokémon cards online? Yes. In Trust Wallet, you can open Pokémon card packs online, and each pack reveals a graded card.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Trust Wallet is not affiliated with PSA. Collectible values can go down as well as up.
