PSA vs CGC
CGC came into cards from comics in 2020 and now grades more modern Pokémon than Beckett. It costs less than PSA and turns submissions around faster. PSA still sells for more. That trade sits at the centre of every PSA vs CGC decision.
At a glance
| PSA | CGC | |
|---|---|---|
| Top grade | Gem Mint 10 | Pristine 10, Perfect 10 |
| Sub-grades on the label | No | Yes, four |
| Entry price per card | About $25 | About $18 |
| Entry turnaround | 45 to 65 business days | 20 to 30 business days |
| Slab | Slim, industry standard | Slim, UV resistant |
| Population data | Largest in the hobby | Growing fast on modern TCG |
| Resale on modern Pokémon 10s | Highest | Lower, gap narrowing |
| Best fit | Cards you plan to sell | Bulk modern, cards you plan to keep |
Grading prices and turnaround windows move every quarter. Check the grader's current submission page before you send cards in.
Grading costs and turnaround
List prices in USD, taken from each grader's own submission page and checked in August 2026. Turnaround is the window the grader states, not a guarantee, and queues stretch after big set releases.
PSA grading prices
| Service tier | Price per card | Max declared value | Stated turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk | $18.99 | $199 | 45 to 65 business days |
| Value | $24.99 | $499 | 45 to 65 business days |
| Value Plus | $39.99 | $499 | About 20 business days |
| Regular | $74.99 | $1,499 | About 10 business days |
| Express | $149 | $2,499 | About 5 business days |
Bulk pricing needs a paid Collectors Club membership and a 20 card minimum.
CGC grading prices
| Service tier | Price per card | Max declared value | Stated turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk | $18 | $400 | 20 to 30 business days |
| Economy | $22 | $400 | 20 to 30 business days |
| Standard | $35 | $1,000 | About 15 business days |
| Express | $75 | $3,000 | About 8 business days |
| WalkThrough | $150 | $10,000 | About 4 business days |
Bulk needs a 20 card minimum. No membership fee at any tier.
What it costs from the UK
| Cost on top of the fee | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Postage out (tracked and insured) | £25 to £60 per parcel |
| Return postage and handling | £20 to £45 per parcel |
| Import VAT on the grading service | 20% of the fee |
| Customs handling fee | £8 to £12 per parcel |
Send cards in batches. The postage and customs cost is per parcel, so a single card carries the whole bill while twenty cards split it.
The price gap
On the same modern Pokémon card, a PSA 10 typically clears well above a CGC 10. The gap was brutal in 2021 and has narrowed every year since as CGC population data matured and buyers got comfortable with the slab.
On lower grades the gap almost disappears. A CGC 8 and a PSA 8 of the same card usually trade within a few pounds of each other, so paying a PSA premium at mid grades rarely makes sense.
Cost per card and turnaround
CGC undercuts PSA at the entry tier and returns cards in roughly half the time. For a 50 card bulk submission that difference is real money and several months.
PSA charges more and queues longer, and bulk pricing sits behind an annual membership.
What CGC gives you that PSA does not
Four sub-grades on the label, a UV resistant shell, and a Perfect 10 designation for cards that grade 10 across every sub-grade.
CGC also grades sealed packs and boxes, which PSA handles through a separate service with longer waits.
The verdict
Submit to CGC when you are grading in volume, keeping the cards, or protecting value on mid tier singles.
Submit to PSA when the card is a genuine chase piece and the PSA 10 premium clears the extra cost and the wait.
When you are buying, judge the card and the price, not the plastic. A CGC 9.5 at the right price beats an overpriced PSA 9.
FAQ
Is CGC as good as PSA?
CGC grading is consistent and its slabs protect cards well. The difference is market price, not accuracy. PSA 10s still resell for more on modern Pokémon.
Is CGC cheaper than PSA?
Yes. CGC bulk tiers start around $18 per card against roughly $25 for PSA Value, and CGC does not require a paid membership for bulk pricing.
How long does CGC take compared with PSA?
CGC entry submissions usually return in 20 to 30 business days. PSA Value routinely runs 45 to 65.