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Is it worth grading your Pokémon cards?
Grading is worth it when a card is valuable, in excellent condition, and likely to be worth more in a slab than raw after fees, postage and waiting time. For most bulk and lightly played cards, it is not.
Grading is worth it when a card is valuable, in excellent condition, and likely to be worth more in a slab than raw after fees, postage and waiting time. For most bulk and lightly played cards, it is not.
A quick test before you grade
- Check the value gap. Compare recent sold prices for the card raw and in high grades. If a 9 is worth little more than a raw copy, grading only pays if you land a 10.
- Inspect it properly. Use a bright light and a loupe. Look at centering, all four corners, edges on the back, and the surface for scratches and print lines.
- Add up the real cost. Grading fees, return shipping, insurance and, from Australia, international postage or a submission service fee. Check current fees on each grader's own website because they change.
- Think about time. Turnaround can be weeks or months depending on the service level.
Good reasons to grade
- A valuable card in near perfect condition
- Protecting and authenticating a vintage card
- Planning to sell a high value card, where buyers expect a slab
When to keep it raw
Sentimental cards you never plan to sell, cards with visible wear, and anything where fees would cost more than the card is worth. A good sleeve and toploader protects them just fine.
Questions people ask
Is grading Pokémon cards free?
No. Every grading company charges a fee per card, plus shipping and insurance. Fees depend on the service level and declared value.
Can you grade Pokémon cards in Australia?
Some grading companies have Australian options or local submission partners, and others require international shipping. Check each company's current submission options.