There are a few main professional grading services for baseball cards that people use to have their cards authenticated and assigned a numerical grade representing their condition – PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sportscard Guarantee Company). The costs to use each service can vary depending on the turnaround time and level of service chosen.
One of the largest and most popular grading companies is PSA. Their standard submission cost to grade a single baseball card is $15 per card. There are also various expedited submission options available for higher fees if you want your cards returned sooner. For example, their 10-day turnaround service is $40 per card and their 3-day rush service is $70 per card. They also offer economy bulk submission options starting at $12 per card if you are submitting 50 or more cards at once. In addition to the per card submission fee, PSA also charges shipping fees to send your cards to them and back once graded. Usually shipping and insurance is around $20-40 depending on the quantity and value of the cards submitted.
Another popular option is Beckett Grading Services, also known as BGS. Their basic submission cost is $15 per card for a 30-60 day standard turnaround. For a faster 10-day service it is $30 per card, and 3-5 day express grading is $40 per card. Like PSA, BGS charges additional shipping fees of usually $15-30 depending on the package contents. BGS also offers economical bulk submission discounts if grading 50 or more cards together, with rates starting at $10 per card.
The third main company, Sportscard Guarantee Company (SGC), tends to offer the most affordable grading costs. Their standard 30-day service is only $10 per card. The ultra-fast 5-day option is $20 per card. And for true rush submissions, their same-day “flash grading” service costs $40 per card but gets them back to you that same business day. Like the others, SGC charges separate shipping fees.
In addition to the different grading service fees, there are also several extra “value-added” services available for additional costs depending on your goals. For example, if you want a special autograph authentication done, that ranges from $15-25 extra per card usually. Getting a custom label or insert with your name or registry number added runs $5-10 extra as well. And getting special slabs for high-end vintage cards can be $20-50 more than basic plastic holders.
For cards expected to grade especially high like gem mint 9s or 10s, some experts recommend using PSA or BGS over SGC since those companies’ labels may carry slightly more prestige and value recognition among serious collectors. For most regular vintage or modern baseball cards, all three companies provide trusted and credible authentication and grading that is accepted marketplace. The cost difference is usually the biggest deciding factor for most hobbyists.
To conservatively budget for having your baseball card collection professionally graded, expect to pay:
$10-15 per card for standard 30-60 day turnaround grading fees
$15-40 per card for expedited 5-10 day return options
$15-30 extra for separate shipping costs each way
Potential $5-25 per card extra for value-added services
When submitting large bulk orders, look for economy package deals for savings versus paying individual card rates. And consider turnaround needs versus label distinction and trying to balance cost versus preferred grading service. With preparation and planning, getting a collection authenticated and assigned grades can add value while staying within budget.
