How to Grade Pokémon Cards & Trading Cards – Complete Guide (PSA, CGC, BGS, TAG)
Grading your trading cards – whether they’re Pokémon, One Piece, Lorcana or sports cards – is one of the best ways to both preserve and increase their value. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to submit cards to grading companies like PSA, CGC, BGS and TAG. We’ll also tell you what accessories you’ll need, like pull tab sleeves and semi-rigid holders, to maximize your chances of getting a high grade.
Step 1 – Choose the right grading company
Which company you choose depends on your budget and target group:
PSA is the biggest name in the industry. They offer the highest resale value and are the global standard, but the process can be time-consuming and more expensive.
CGC is a cheaper option that offers subgrades, which are good for detailed assessment, but they are less established than PSA.
BGS are well known among collectors for their subgrades and robust slabs, but they are slow and expensive.
TAG uses AI to grade cards with high precision. Their system is new, but fast and consistent – perfect for those who want to try something modern.
Step 2 – Use the right accessories
In order for grading companies to accept your cards, they must be shipped correctly. The wrong type of sleeves or holders can lead to rejection or damage during shipping.
We recommend:
Aquitaz GraderTab Sleeves
Our proprietary pull tab sleeves (66 x 91 mm) are made from acid- and PVC-free polypropylene. They are designed to allow you to easily remove the card without touching its surface – perfect for submission to PSA, CGC and BGS. They are also available in a range of colours to help you organise your grading stacks.
🔗 See the product here
Ultra Pro Semi-Rigid Holders
These are PSA and CGC recommended and protect the card without compressing the corners. Semi-rigids are the industry standard for grading and provide stability during shipping.
🔗 See the product here
💡 Tip: Use zip-lock bags for each card and keep the stacks organized with rubber bands. This makes it easier for both you and the grading company.
Step 3 – Fill out the grading form
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Create an account with PSA, CGC, BGS or TAG.
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Select the grading level (bulk, economy, express, etc.).
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Fill in the card information: set, language, condition and more.
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Pay and print the order confirmation.
Step 4 – Pack and send your cards
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Stuff each card into a GraderTab Sleeve
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Insert the sleeve into a semi-rigid holder
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Place each card in a zip-lock bag.
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Gather the cards into bundles with rubber bands
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Pack everything in a padded box and send via trackable, insured shipping
Step 5 – When grading is complete
When the cards come back:
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Review the grades and check the grading scales
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Store the cards in graded card cases or display them
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Sell them on e.g. Tradera, Cardmarket or in your store
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Or keep them in your private collection
Do you want to sell grading products in your store?
At Aquitaz, we offer GraderTab Sleeves, toploaders and other accessories at wholesale prices for retailers, grading companies and hobby shops throughout the EU.
