Gone are the days of having to send your cards over the pond to get your beloved cards graded. Whether you’re after grading a shiny Charizard or an in form Hazard, we no longer have to put up with the extortionate fees of sending cards to the states.
With trading cards trickling into the online space with YouTubers and streamers, card grading has never been as hot as it is now. Thankfully, it’s never been easier to get your cards graded professionally in the UK with the likes of companies like GetGraded. This article explores the how, the why, the submission process and how much it’ll cost to immortalise your favourite cards.
This guide breaks down card grading, how the process works, the types of grading and the popular franchises that can get card graded.
What Is Card Grading?
Card grading is the process of professionally evaluating the condition and authenticity of a trading card. A grading company assesses the card under strict criteria; checking for flaws, centering, surface issues and more intricacies. Once the assessment has been completed, the card is assigned a numerical grade (usually from 1 to 10). The card is then sealed in a tamper-proof plastic case, often called a “slab,” which displays its grade and a unique certification number.
An important question that is regularly asked is: why grade your cards?
Why Grade Your Trading Cards?
Grading isn’t just about making your cards look pretty in a case. It’s a financial decision that could pay for itself x10 over. Here’s why many fanatics and collectors alike decide to make the grade:
- Increase Market Value: A highly graded card can be worth multiples of its raw (ungraded) counterpart.
- Proof of Authenticity: Especially important for rare or valuable cards prone to counterfeiting.
- Long-Term Protection: Graded cards are sealed in slabs that guard against wear, scratches, and environmental damage. Think of it as a shield.
- Better Resale Potential: Buyers trust third-party grading and often only purchase cards with certified grades.
- Bragging Rights: Let’s be honest – showing off a 10/10 must feel like a power move. Don’t brag too much though, because cards are easy to steal.
If you’re into Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, sports cards, or any TCG, grading adds real value and helps your collection stand the test of time. Knowing how and why people grade cards is important, but being familiar with the process is integral to understanding why card grading is a labour of love.
Step-by-Step: How the Card Grading Process Works
If you’re wondering how card grading works from start to finish, you’re not alone. From prepping your cards to receiving your final grade, each step is necessary to show your treasured cards to your trusted friends. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the grading process:
Submit Your Card
Choose a grading company and fill out a submission form with card details. Package your cards securely and send them off.
Card Authentication
The grader verifies the card’s authenticity – particularly important for vintage or high-value cards.
Initial Inspection
The card is logged, photographed, and assigned a tracking ID so you can follow its journey.
Condition Evaluation
When it comes to cards, there are many variables to consider. Expert graders assess:
- Corners – Are they sharp or worn?
- Edges – Free from dings or frays?
- Surface – Any print lines, stains, or scratches?
- Centering – Is the image properly aligned?
Grading Assignment
Based on the above, the card receives a grade. Cards are graded on a scale from 1 (Poor) to 10 (Gem Mint).
Slabbing
Slabbing is when a graded card is sealed in a transparent, tamper-proof case with its grade label.
Return & Optional Services
Your slab is shipped back to you. If you have the option, go for the more premium delivery option with tracking to put your mind at ease.
Now that you’re familiar with the grading process, it’s important to understand the significance of the grading scale. All it takes is one minor imperfection to take our card from a beauty to a card worthy of the bin. This is an exaggeration, but there are so many margins of error.
Understanding the Grading Scale (1–10)
Most major companies, including GetGraded, use a 1 to 10 scale — but with a little more nuance. Think you’re bordering on perfection? Send your card to a professional outfit to see where it really stands.
- 10 (Flawless): The holy grail. A completely perfect card with zero imperfections. As rare as hens teeth and typically valued at five to twenty times more than a standard 10.
- 10 (Gem Mint): Practically perfect with microscopic or near invisible flaws.
- 9.5 (Mint Plus): Close to flawless with only the tiniest imperfections, often not visible to the naked eye.
- 9 (Mint): Nearly perfect with very minor imperfections.
- 8.5 (Near Mint Mint Plus): Sharp overall with slight wear or minor centering issues.
- 8 (Near Mint Mint): Very minor wear that could include subtle surface or centering flaws.
- 7 (Near Mint): Light edge or corner wear with possibly a slight surface issue.
- 5 to 6 (Excellent to Excellent Mint): Noticeable flaws such as whitening or mild scratches but still highly collectable.
- 3 to 4 (Very Good): Moderate wear which may include corner dings, surface wear or small creases.
- 1 to 2 (Poor to Good): Heavy damage or multiple flaws but can still hold historical or nostalgic value.
Grading is a strict science with no room for error, especially when it comes to high value TCG and sports cards. And with some cards fetching jaw dropping prices, it’s worth knowing how much grading could boost your card’s value.
How Much Does Card Grading Cost: US vs UK
With the growing popularity of trading cards worldwide, the United States has long been a dominant force in the market. But today, collectors across the United Kingdom are just as active, with more accessible grading options than ever. Whether you’re based in California or Cardiff, card grading has become a truly global pursuit.
Here’s a quick comparison of typical grading costs from leading companies across the UK and US:
Grading Company | Base Cost (per card) | Turnaround (Est.) | Location |
PSA (USA) | £18–£50+ / $22–$63+ | 1–6 months | USA |
Beckett (USA) | £15–£100+ / $19–$125+ | 2–5 months | USA |
GetGraded (UK) | £12 / $15 | 2-20 days | UK |
GetGraded (USA) | £12 / $15 | 2 to 20 days | USA |
Note: Prices and turnaround times can vary depending on service level, declared card value, and any additional shipping or customs charges. Always check the latest guidelines from each provider.
While UK collectors have historically dealt with higher shipping fees and longer waits when using US-based services, local options like GetGraded UK now offer fast, affordable grading without the hassle. Meanwhile, our GetGraded USA office ensures collectors across the States have easy access to trusted services without overseas delays.
Card Grading vs Authentication: What’s the Difference?
To the noob or those out of the loop, It’s easy to confuse card grading and authentication. Nowadays it’s common practice to do both simultaneously – but it depends on the services you require.
- Authentication confirms the card is real – not counterfeit or altered.
- Grading evaluates the condition of an authentic card.
Some cards, especially autographed or vintage cards, might be authenticated without being graded. Others are both graded and authenticated simultaneously – especially if there’s high value involved.
How to Submit Your Cards For Grading
Ready to get your account up and running? Submitting cards to GetGraded has never been easier. Here’s how to submit:
- Visit our website and choose your service tier.
- Fill in the submission form with card details.
- Package your cards securely using semi-rigid sleeves or top loaders.
- Post your cards to our UK grading hub.
- Track the progress through your online account.
- Receive your graded cards in 1-2 days.
For those fortunate to be in the position for bulk and trade submissions, we offer stellar discounts for sellers, streamers, and retailers.
Why Choose GetGraded: Trusted, Transparent, UK-Based
GetGraded is more than just a grading service – we’re a staple amongst the UK collecting community. We’re celebrating five years of operations and value the unrivalled passion and commitment of fans all over the country. With stores and partners all over the country, we’re making serious waves in the card grading world. Here’s why so many UK collectors are making the switch:
- Fast Turnarounds: Get your cards back in weeks, not months.
- Fair & Accurate Grading: Our team is made up of collectors with decades of combined experience.
- Affordable Pricing: No hidden fees, customs charges, or surprise costs.
- UK-Based: No risk of international shipping delays or damage.
- Global Ambitions: With our new HQ in Los Angeles, we’re now opening doors for UK cards to hit international markets faster.
Need help submitting? Have any queries about grading or our services? Looking for certification? Get in touch. If you’re after the real deal, GetGraded can help you every step of the way.
Want to boost your card’s value and secure its condition? Submit your cards to GetGraded—the UK’s trusted grading service with expert, fast, and fair evaluations.