Should You Grade Your Sports Cards?

One of the biggest questions collectors ask is whether grading sports cards is worth it.

The answer depends on why you collect.

If you collect simply because you enjoy the hobby, grading may not be necessary. If you plan to sell cards, protect valuable pieces, or build a high-end collection, grading can provide significant benefits.

In this guide, we'll explain when grading makes sense—and when it doesn't.

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If You're Collecting for Yourself

There is absolutely nothing wrong with keeping cards ungraded.

Many collectors enjoy storing raw cards in top loaders, magnetic holders, or binders.

Grading costs money, and that money could instead be used to purchase more cards.

Ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy looking at graded slabs?
• Do I simply want to protect an expensive card?
• Would I rather buy more cards instead of paying grading fees?

There isn't a right or wrong answer.

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Grading Helps When You Plan to Sell

If you regularly sell cards to fund your collection—or operate a card business—grading becomes much more valuable.

A professionally graded card provides buyers with:

• Authentication
• A professional presentation
• An assigned condition grade
• Greater confidence when purchasing

Because buyers have more confidence, graded cards often sell faster and sometimes for more money than comparable raw cards.

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Grading Can Increase Value

Not every card becomes more valuable after grading.

The final grade matters.

For example:

• A Gem Mint 10 can significantly increase value.
• A lower grade may add little value—or even reduce profitability after grading fees.

Before submitting a card, it's important to estimate its condition and compare recent sales of both raw and graded examples.

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Protection Is Another Benefit

Grading isn't only about resale value.

A sealed slab helps protect your card from:

• Fingerprints
• Surface scratches
• Corner damage
• Moisture
• General handling

Many collectors grade favorite cards simply because they want long-term protection.

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Which Company Should You Use?

Today's major grading companies include:

• PSA
• Beckett (BGS)
• SGC
• CGC

Each has strengths, but PSA remains the most widely recognized grading company and generally commands the strongest resale values.

The best company depends on your goals, budget, turnaround time, and the specific card you're submitting.

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Should You Grade Every Card?

Definitely not.

Most modern base cards aren't worth grading.

Instead, consider grading cards that are:

• Valuable
• Rare
• Important rookie cards
• Low serial-numbered cards
• Cards in exceptional condition
• Personal favorites you want protected

Being selective helps maximize the value of your grading submissions.

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Final Thoughts

Whether or not you should grade your sports cards depends entirely on your collecting goals.

If you're collecting purely for enjoyment, raw cards may be the perfect choice.

If you're selling cards, protecting valuable pieces, or trying to maximize resale value, grading can be a worthwhile investment.

Choose the option that best fits your collection—not simply because everyone else is grading.

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FAQ

Should I grade all of my sports cards?
No. Most collectors only grade valuable, rare, or sentimental cards.

Does grading always increase value?
No. The final grade and the card itself determine whether grading adds value.

Is PSA the best grading company?
PSA is generally the most recognized and often brings the highest resale values, but Beckett, SGC, and CGC all have their place.

Can I sell raw sports cards?
Absolutely. Many collectors buy and sell raw cards every day.

Is grading worth it for modern base cards?
Usually not unless the card is exceptionally valuable or has a realistic chance of receiving a Gem Mint grade.

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Related Guides

• What Is Sports Card Grading?
• Which Sports Card Grading Company Should You Use?
• Sports Card Population Reports Explained
• Sports Card Grading Scale Explained
• What Are Sports Card Autograph Grades?