Grading 101: PSA vs BGS vs SGC — Which Should You Choose?
If you're serious about sports card collecting — whether as a hobbyist or investor — grading is essential. A card’s grade can significantly impact its market value, resale potential, and long-term desirability. With multiple grading companies in the mix, how do you decide which one is right for your cards? In this blog post, we’ll break down the three most popular grading companies — PSA, BGS, and SGC — and help you understand which one is best suited for your collection.
What Is Card Grading?
Card grading is the process of evaluating a trading card’s condition and assigning it a numerical score, typically on a 1 to 10 scale. Grading takes into account four primary factors:
Corners: Are they sharp and crisp, or rounded?
Edges: Are the edges smooth, or do they show wear?
Surface: Is the card free from scratches, dents, and other imperfections?
Centering: Is the image on the card well-centered, or is it off to one side?
A higher grade means better condition — and typically, higher market value.
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
Pros:
PSA is the most recognized and trusted grading company in the sports card industry. It’s the go-to for many collectors and investors because it holds the highest resale value. PSA-graded cards, especially PSA 10s, tend to command top prices in the market. The company also offers a robust Set Registry, which lets collectors track and compare their collections.
Cons:
PSA is known for its long turnaround times, especially during peak submission periods. While they have worked to improve processing speed, waiting for your cards to be graded can take weeks or even months. Another downside is that PSA does not provide subgrades — they assign a single overall grade, meaning there’s no breakdown of the individual factors (e.g., centering, edges, etc.). Some collectors also feel that PSA is a bit more lenient with centering, which can make it “easier” to get a PSA 10 compared to other grading companies like BGS.
Best For:
Collectors seeking maximum resale value and those who want to be part of the largest and most well-known grading community.
BGS (Beckett Grading Services)
Pros:
BGS stands out because it offers subgrades for centering, corners, edges, and surface, giving collectors more insight into the individual condition of a card. This makes it a great choice for collectors who want detailed feedback on their cards. BGS is especially popular for modern cards, particularly high-end parallels, autographs, and serial-numbered cards. The BGS 9.5 and the coveted Black Label (BGS 10) are highly respected in the hobby.
Cons:
One of the main drawbacks of BGS is the bulkier slabs they use, which some collectors find less aesthetically appealing. Additionally, BGS-graded cards typically don’t resell as highly as PSA-graded cards, especially when it comes to vintage cards. The grading system can also be a bit more complicated for newcomers, as it uses subgrades and half-point grades.
Best For:
Collectors who want detailed grading, modern high-end cards, or are seeking the prestigious BGS 10 Black Label.
SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation)
Pros:
SGC is known for its fast turnaround times, making it an attractive option for those who need a quick response. It’s also a cost-effective option compared to PSA and BGS, especially for those on a budget. SGC is particularly respected for vintage card grading and has gained significant popularity in that space. The black tuxedo slab that SGC uses is widely praised for its sleek, sharp presentation, which contrasts nicely with the card's image.
Cons:
While SGC is highly regarded for vintage cards, it tends to have lower resale value for modern cards compared to PSA and BGS. Additionally, SGC doesn't have the same mainstream recognition, especially in the market for newer, high-demand cards.
Best For:
Vintage card collectors, those who want affordable and fast grading, or anyone who appreciates the aesthetic of the black tuxedo slab.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right grading company for your cards depends on your specific goals as a collector or investor. Here's a summary:
PSA: Best for maximum resale value and widely recognized brand. Ideal for those collecting modern and high-demand cards.
BGS: Perfect for those who want detailed subgrades and are into modern high-end cards. A BGS 10 Black Label is one of the highest honors in the hobby.
SGC: Great for vintage cards, affordable grading, and fast turnaround times.
Before submitting your cards, always check recent sales data to understand how a card performs across different grading companies. Platforms like eBay, CardLadder, and Alt can help you make an informed decision.