Complete Guide to Card Grading for Singapore TCG Collectors

The Complete Guide to Card Grading for Singapore TCG Collectors

Professional card grading has become an essential part of the TCG hobby, adding authentication, protection, and value to collectible cards. For Singapore collectors, understanding the grading landscape helps make informed decisions about which cards to grade and which service to use.

What Is Card Grading?

Card grading is a professional service where trained experts examine a trading card's condition and assign a numerical grade, typically on a 1–10 scale. The card is then sealed in a tamper-evident case (called a "slab") with the grade clearly displayed.

Why Grade Cards?

1. Authentication — Confirms your card is genuine, not counterfeit
2. Protection — The sealed slab protects against damage and environmental factors
3. Value — Graded cards in high grades command significant premiums
4. Standardisation — Provides a universally understood condition assessment
5. Liquidity — Graded cards are easier to sell at fair prices

Major Grading Companies

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

• Most recognised grading service globally
• Highest market premiums for PSA 10 grades
• As of February 2026, increased pricing across several tiers
• Based in USA; cards must be shipped internationally from Singapore

BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

• Provides sub-grades for centering, corners, edges, and surface
• BGS 10 "Pristine" / "Black Label" commands top premiums
• More detailed grading report than PSA
• Also USA-based

CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)

• Newer entrant to TCG grading
• Competitive pricing
• Growing market acceptance
• Sub-grades available

Grading Scale Explained

| Grade | Condition | What to Look For |
|-------|-----------|-----------------|
| 10 | Gem Mint / Pristine | Perfect centering, no flaws visible under 10x magnification |
| 9 | Mint | Near-perfect with very minor flaws |
| 8 | Near Mint-Mint | Slight imperfections visible on close inspection |
| 7 | Near Mint | Minor wear, light scratching, or slight off-centering |
| 6 | Excellent-Near Mint | Moderate wear becoming noticeable |
| 5 and below | Excellent to Poor | Increasing levels of wear and damage |

Cost of Grading from Singapore

Grading from Singapore involves several costs:

• Grading fee — $20–$150+ per card depending on declared value and service tier
• Shipping to USA — $30–$80 via tracked international shipping
• Insurance — Recommended for valuable cards ($10–$50+)
• Return shipping — $40–$100+ for graded slabs (heavier than raw cards)
• GST/customs — May apply on declared value when cards return to Singapore

Total cost per card: approximately $100–$300+

Is It Worth Grading?

Use this simple rule: Only grade cards worth at least 3–5x the total grading cost.

If total grading cost is ~$100, the card should be worth $300–$500+ raw to justify grading. A PSA 10 grade typically adds 2–10x value depending on the card's demand and population.

Pre-Grading Strategy

Before sending cards for professional grading:

1. Self-assess — Examine cards under bright light with a magnifying glass
2. AI scan — Use tools like TCG.SG's card scanner for objective pre-assessment
3. Check population reports — PSA and BGS publish how many of each card have been graded at each level
4. Calculate ROI — Compare raw card value vs expected graded value minus grading costs
5. Batch submissions — Send multiple cards at once to reduce per-card shipping costs

Singapore Grading Submission Services

Several Singapore-based services help collectors submit cards to PSA and BGS:

• They handle international shipping, customs declarations, and insurance
• Group submissions reduce per-card costs
• Typical turnaround: 3–6 months depending on PSA/BGS service tier
• Check local TCG communities for recommended submission agents

February 2026 PSA Price Changes

As of February 10, 2026, PSA raised submission fees across several tiers and extended turnaround times. Key changes:

• Economy tier fees increased
• Standard tier turnaround times extended
• Express and Super Express tiers saw moderate price increases

These changes make the pre-grading strategy even more important — use AI scanning and self-assessment to ensure you're only submitting cards with strong grading potential.

Tips for Singapore Collectors

1. Humidity is your enemy — Store raw cards with silica gel packets before submission
2. Handle with care — Use gloves or clean hands when examining cards
3. Perfect sleeves — Use KMC Perfect Size sleeves for submission-ready cards
4. Document everything — Photograph cards before sending for insurance purposes
5. Be patient — Standard grading turnarounds are 3–6 months from Singapore