How much does PSA grading cost in 2026?

PSA grading starts at US$24.99 per card for Value Bulk (65+ business days) and goes up to US$300 for Super Express (5 business days). PSA raised prices in February 2026, with most tiers increasing by US$3-5.

What is the difference between PSA and BGS grading?

PSA assigns a single overall grade and is the most widely recognised service. BGS provides four subgrades (centering, corners, edges, surface) in addition to an overall grade. BGS also uses half-point increments and its Black Label perfect 10 is particularly sought after.

How long does card grading take in 2026?

Turnaround times vary by service level. PSA ranges from 5 to 65+ business days. BGS ranges from 5 to 75+ business days. Note that intake processing time is additional — PSA currently averages around 15 business days before grading begins.

Is it worth grading cards from Singapore?

It depends on the card. With international shipping, handling fees, and grading costs combined, a single submission from Singapore can cost S$60-S$150+. Grading makes sense for rare or high-demand cards in excellent condition where the graded value significantly exceeds the total cost.

TCG Card Grading Costs and Turnaround Times: 2026 Guide

Q: Are there local grading submission services in Singapore?

Yes, several Singapore-based services act as middlemen, consolidating multiple collectors' cards into group submissions to reduce per-card shipping costs. These services typically charge a handling fee on top of the grading company's fees.

A practical guide to PSA, BGS, and CGC grading costs, turnaround times, and whether professional grading is worth it for Singapore TCG collectors in 2026.

Card Grading Costs and Turnaround Times: A 2026 Guide for Singapore Collectors

Professional card grading has become a significant part of the trading card hobby. For Singapore-based collectors, understanding the costs, turnaround times, and practical considerations of different grading services can help inform better decisions about which cards are worth submitting.

What Is Card Grading?

Card grading is a professional assessment of a trading card's condition. Companies evaluate factors such as centering, corners, edges, and surface quality, then assign a numerical grade (typically 1-10) and seal the card in a tamper-evident case, commonly called a "slab."

A higher grade generally increases a card's market value, though the extent varies by card rarity, demand, and the grading company used.

Major Grading Companies

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

PSA is the most widely recognised grading service. As of February 2026, PSA raised its pricing for the second time in six months:

| Service Level | Cost (USD) | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Value Bulk | $24.99 | 65+ business days |
| Value | $29.99 | 65+ business days |
| Value Plus | $49.99 | 25 business days |
| Value Max | $69.99 | 20 business days |
| Regular | $100 | 15 business days |
| Express | $200 | 10 business days |
| Super Express | $300 | 5 business days |

Turnaround times begin after PSA opens your submission, not when it arrives. Intake processing currently averages around 15 additional business days.

BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

BGS is known for its subgrade system, breaking down the assessment into centering, corners, edges, and surface scores:

| Service Level | Cost (USD) | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | $14.95 | 75+ business days |
| Standard | $34.95 | 45 business days |
| Express | $79.95 | 15 business days |
| Priority | $124.95 | 5 business days |

BGS does not charge based on card value — all fees are flat per service tier. A BGS "Black Label" perfect 10 (all four subgrades at 10) is among the most sought-after grades in the hobby.

CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)

CGC expanded from comic book grading into trading cards. Their pricing is generally competitive with BGS, and they have been gaining market share. CGC offers subgrades as an optional add-on.

Considerations for Singapore Collectors

For collectors based in Singapore, several additional factors affect the grading equation:

Shipping Costs: Cards must be shipped internationally to grading facilities, primarily located in the United States. Round-trip insured shipping can add S$30-S$80 per submission depending on the number of cards and insurance level.

Local Middleman Services: Several Singapore-based services act as submission intermediaries, consolidating multiple collectors' cards into group submissions to reduce per-card shipping costs. These services typically charge a handling fee on top of grading costs.

Currency Considerations: Grading fees are quoted in USD. Exchange rate fluctuations can affect the total cost in SGD.

Break-Even Analysis: With grading costs, shipping, and handling fees combined, a single card submission from Singapore can cost S$60-S$150 or more. Collectors should consider whether the potential value increase justifies this investment for each specific card.

Is Grading Worth It?

The answer depends on the card. Generally, grading makes financial sense when:

The card is rare or in high demand
The card appears to be in near-mint or better condition
The graded value significantly exceeds the raw (ungraded) value plus grading costs
You plan to sell or trade the card

For common cards or those in average condition, grading costs may exceed any added value. The recent PSA price increases have made this calculation even more important — cards that were borderline worth grading at previous price points may no longer justify the expense.

Making an Informed Decision

Before submitting cards for grading, collectors can use several approaches to assess condition:

Self-assessment using grading guides and magnification tools
Community feedback from experienced collectors
AI-powered scanning tools that analyse card images for surface issues, centering, and edge wear

Whatever approach you choose, the key is ensuring that grading costs align with your collecting goals — whether that is long-term holding, selling, or simply preserving cards you value.