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Which Sports Card Grading Company Should You Use?
If you're planning to grade sports cards, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is which grading company to use.
Today, the four companies most collectors consider are:
- PSA
- Beckett Grading Services (BGS)
- SGC
- CGC Cards
Each company has its own strengths, pricing, turnaround times, and reputation within the hobby.
Here's what collectors should know before submitting their cards.
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
PSA is currently the most recognized sports card grading company in the hobby.
For many modern and high-end cards, PSA-graded examples typically bring the strongest resale values.
Collectors also appreciate the services PSA offers beyond grading.
These include:
- Authentication services
- A large online population report
- The PSA Set Registry
- Marketplace integrations
- Vaulting and consignment options
One of PSA's biggest advantages is convenience.
Collectors can often buy raw cards through partner marketplaces, have them shipped directly to PSA for grading, and even sell them afterward without ever taking possession of the card again.
The downside?
PSA grading is often more expensive than other companies, and turnaround times can sometimes be longer depending on service level.
Beckett Grading Services (BGS)
Beckett was once considered the leader in sports card grading.
In fact, before PSA became the dominant company, many collectors viewed Beckett as the gold standard.
Today, Beckett still has loyal supporters, particularly among collectors of:
- Chrome cards
- Refractors
- Modern premium cards
Its subgrades continue to appeal to many collectors who want additional detail about why a card received its final grade.
However, Beckett has lost market share over the last several years, and many collectors now choose PSA instead.
SGC
SGC has built an outstanding reputation for grading vintage cards.
Many vintage collectors appreciate:
- Consistent grading
- Strong customer service
- Attractive black holders
- Faster turnaround times
Since joining the PSA family, SGC has continued to be one of the hobby's most respected companies for pre-war and vintage cards.
If your collection focuses on vintage baseball, SGC is often an excellent choice.
CGC Cards
CGC is newer to the sports card market than PSA, Beckett, and SGC.
The company is known for:
- Competitive pricing
- Faster turnaround times
- Modern slab design
While CGC has earned respect from many collectors, its graded cards generally do not command the same resale premiums as comparable PSA-graded cards.
For collectors grading cards primarily for their own collection, CGC can still be a very good option.
Which Company Brings the Highest Resale Value?
Generally speaking, PSA continues to bring the highest resale values across much of the sports card market.
That's one of the biggest reasons collectors choose PSA despite higher grading costs.
Collectors are often willing to pay more for a PSA-graded card because:
- PSA is widely recognized.
- Many buyers prefer PSA holders.
- PSA has one of the largest populations in the hobby.
- High-end auction houses frequently feature PSA cards.
Of course, market preferences can vary depending on the specific card and sport.
Which Company Is Best for Vintage Cards?
Both PSA and SGC are highly respected for vintage cards.
Many collectors specifically prefer SGC's black holder because it creates excellent eye appeal for older cards.
PSA remains the market leader for resale value, while SGC continues to have a strong reputation among vintage collectors.
Which Company Is Best for Modern Cards?
For most modern sports cards, PSA remains the most popular choice.
Collectors seeking maximum resale value often choose PSA because demand for PSA-graded modern cards remains extremely strong.
Beckett also remains popular for certain premium modern issues, particularly among collectors who appreciate subgrades.
Which Company Should You Choose?
The best grading company depends on your goals.
Choose PSA if you:
- Want maximum resale value.
- Own expensive cards.
- Prefer the largest marketplace acceptance.
- Want access to PSA's additional services.
Choose SGC if you:
- Primarily collect vintage cards.
- Want fast turnaround times.
- Like SGC's holder design.
Choose Beckett if you:
- Prefer subgrades.
- Collect premium modern cards.
- Already own Beckett-graded collections.
Choose CGC if you:
- Want lower grading costs.
- Prefer faster turnaround times.
- Are grading primarily for your personal collection.
Final Thoughts
Every grading company has its strengths.
PSA remains the hobby's market leader and is often the preferred choice for valuable cards and collectors seeking maximum resale value.
SGC continues to excel with vintage cards, Beckett remains respected by many longtime collectors, and CGC offers an affordable alternative with faster service.
The right choice depends on your budget, your collection, and what you hope to accomplish by grading your cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sports card grading company is the most popular?
PSA is currently the most widely recognized grading company and is generally considered the industry leader.
Which grading company gives the highest resale value?
In many cases, PSA-graded cards bring the strongest resale prices, especially for valuable modern and vintage cards.
Is SGC good for vintage cards?
Yes. SGC has an excellent reputation for grading vintage sports cards and is highly respected throughout the hobby.
Does Beckett still grade sports cards?
Yes. Beckett Grading Services continues to grade sports cards and remains popular with collectors who appreciate its subgrade system.
Is CGC a good grading company?
CGC offers competitive pricing and faster turnaround times, making it a solid option for many collectors, although its resale values generally trail PSA.
Related Guides
- What Is Sports Card Grading?
- How Sports Card Grades Affect Value
- PSA vs. Beckett vs. SGC: Which Grading Company Should You Use?
- Should You Grade Your Sports Cards?
- Sports Card Grading Terms Every Collector Should Know
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