What grading scale does PSA use?
PSA grades accepted cards on a 1 to 10 numerical scale after authentication, with 10 as the highest numerical grade.
PSA Card Grading
Card grading, research tools, vault storage, and eBay selling
PSA authenticates cards before assigning a condition grade on its 1 to 10 scale, then encapsulates accepted cards in a tamper-evident holder. Its tools connect grading with certification lookup, population data, the PSA Vault, partner offers, and eBay selling.
PSAQuick company guide
- How it grades cards
- Human authentication and condition grading followed by encapsulation.
- How grades are shown
- 1 to 10, with 10 as the highest numerical grade.
- Best for
- Collectors who want grading, certification records, population research, optional vault storage, and an easy path to sell through eBay in one place.
Summary based on the company's published information. Check the official sources before submitting.
The short answer
PSA offers grading, population research, certification records, Vault access, and connected selling tools. On September 4, 2026, direct PSA Regular was $79.99 per card up to $1,500 maximum insured value. Fanatics Collect separately listed PSA starting at $79.99. Compare the exact service, value limit, custody, destination, shipping, and total cost before submitting.
Before submitting, check card eligibility, order minimums, declared value, current fees, return shipping, and the official submission agreement.
Service facts that change the decision
Company-stated information, condensed and dated for comparison.
- Published service snapshot
- On September 4, 2026, direct Regular was $79.99 per card up to $1,500 maximum insured value. Direct Value Bulk, Value, Value Plus, and Value Max remained paused. Fanatics Collect separately listed PSA starting at $79.99 per card with tiered pricing and no submission-volume minimum.
- Published turnaround
- Regular was listed at 70 to 80 business days. PSA states that estimates are not guaranteed and begin after order entry.
- Card eligibility
- PSA states that it grades vintage, modern, and trading card game cards. Collectors should confirm the exact issue in PSA's current eligibility resources before shipping.
- Report detail
- Standard imaging is included on Regular. Grader Notes are listed on Express and higher tiers. Graded cards can be routed to the PSA Vault for storage, partner offers, or eBay selling.
- Verification
- Certification lookup and PSA population data are available through PSA's website. Vaulted cards can be managed through the PSA app and website.
- Grading model
- Human authentication and condition grading followed by encapsulation.
Review the grading process step by step
Check each step so a price or feature does not hide an important requirement.
- Eligibility
Confirm the exact year, set, size, material, autograph, and card type.
- Assessment
1 to 10, with 10 as the highest numerical grade.
- Service
On September 4, 2026, direct Regular was $79.99 per card up to $1,500 maximum insured value. Direct Value Bulk, Value, Value Plus, and Value Max remained paused. Fanatics Collect separately listed PSA starting at $79.99 per card with tiered pricing and no submission-volume minimum.
- Record
Certification lookup and PSA population data are available through PSA's website. Vaulted cards can be managed through the PSA app and website.
- Use
Collectors who want grading, certification records, population research, optional vault storage, and an easy path to sell through eBay in one place.
Is PSA a good grading company?
PSA is a good choice for collectors who want an established grading service with certification lookup, population data, vault storage, and an easy path to sell on eBay. You can choose card by card whether a finished submission is shipped home, sent to the PSA Vault, or listed for sale. PSA may cost more than lower-priced services, so compare grading, vault withdrawal, selling, and shipping fees before submitting.
Use the grading decision toolOfficial sources
These links support the company-specific facts on this page.
- 01PSA grading servicesOfficial
Process, service levels, pricing, turnaround estimates, and included features.
- 02PSA population reportOfficial
PSA-certified card population records.
- 03PSA certification verificationOfficial
Certification-number lookup.
- 04PSA VaultOfficial
Vault storage, grading-to-vault routing, withdrawals, partner offers, and eBay selling.
- 05Fanatics Collect gradingOfficial
Current PSA partner starting price, tiered-pricing note, submission-volume terms, and live workflow.
PSA grading questions
Does PSA provide grader notes?
PSA's official service page lists Grader Notes on Express and higher service levels. Verify the selected tier before submission.
Does PSA have a card vault and a way to sell cards?
Yes. PSA lets collectors route eligible graded cards to the PSA Vault, manage stored cards online or in the PSA app, receive PSA Partner Offers, and list vaulted cards for sale through eBay.
Can PSA turnaround times change?
Yes. PSA describes its turnaround times as estimates, not guarantees, and states that they can change with volume and capacity.
Can I submit PSA cards through Fanatics Collect?
Fanatics Collect listed PSA starting at $79.99 per card with tiered pricing and no submission-volume minimum on September 4, 2026. Verify the exact tier, card eligibility, custody, destination, and shipping terms in the live submission flow.
Other good grading options
The best fit depends on the card and what you want to do next. Compare each company's strongest use case, then verify its current terms before submitting.
Advanced Grading
Great value for the price on larger submissions, with volume pricing, multi-angle imaging, AI-assisted analysis, and human quality control.
Good fit forAffordable bulk grading for collectors, groups, and dealers
Read Advanced Grading guideCGC
A flexible option for direct grading or eligible Fanatics Collect grading, with certification tools and connected vaulting.
Good fit forFlexible value through direct grading or Fanatics Collect
Read CGC guideSGC
A strong fit for vintage cards, a published condition scale, and straightforward service information.
Good fit forVintage cards, clear grading standards, and simple pricing
Read SGC guideTAG
A modern-card option for collectors who want detailed images and a digital grading report.
Good fit forModern cards and collectors who want detailed grading information
Read TAG guideArena Club
A convenient option for grading, vault storage, collection management, and marketplace selling in one platform.
Good fit forGrading, storage, and selling in one place
Read Arena Club guide