Hey Pokémon TCG collectors – submitting your cards for grading is one of the most rewarding steps in the hobby! Turning a beautiful pull like a Mega Gengar ex SAR from Ascended Heroes or a Terapagos ex SIR from Stellar Crown into a professional PSA 10 slab is exciting, protective, and often a big value booster (3-5x raw prices or more!). In 2026, grading is easier, faster, and more affordable than ever, especially with PSA’s Bulk, Economy, and Value tiers designed for every collector. Whether you’re sending 10 cards or 500, this guide makes the process simple, fun, and stress-free – no overwhelm, just clear steps, positive tips, tables, and everything you need to get those shiny slabs back in your hands. Let’s turn your favorite pulls into certified treasures – your collection deserves it! 😊
Why Submitting Cards for Grading is Such a Joyful Move
Grading with PSA (the most popular and liquid service) adds authenticity, protection, and huge value potential. A raw card at $400 can become a PSA 10 worth $1,500–$3,000 – that’s the magic! Benefits include:
- Higher Resale: Graded cards sell 2-3x faster and for more.
- Protection: Tamper-proof slab keeps cards mint forever.
- Display Pride: Slabs look amazing on shelves.
- Confidence: Know your card’s condition is official.
2026 perks: PSA’s faster turnarounds (2-4 months Economy), Pokémon-specific tiers, and high 85-95% PSA 10 success on fresh Mega/S&V foils. January Wave 1 Ascended Heroes pulls are perfect for submission – let’s get started!
Understanding PSA Tiers: Bulk, Economy & Value – Which Fits You?
PSA offers three main tiers for Pokémon cards in 2026 – each designed for different collection sizes and budgets. All include authentication, grading, encapsulation, and a label with the score.
PSA Bulk Tier – Perfect for big stacks!
- Cards per submission: 20–500+
- Price: $15–$20 per card (volume discounts at 100+)
- Turnaround: 45–60 days (economy speed)
- Best for: Bulk commons/uncommons, playables, or testing the waters.
PSA Economy Tier – The sweet spot for most collectors!
- Cards per submission: 1–499
- Price: $25–$30 per card
- Turnaround: 30–45 days
- Best for: Chase cards, SIRs/SARs, high-value pulls (Gengar ex, Dragonite ex).
PSA Value Tier – Quick & premium for your top gems!
- Cards per submission: 1–20
- Price: $40–$50 per card
- Turnaround: 15–30 days
- Best for: Ultra-valuable singles or urgent flips.
Quick Tier Comparison Table:
| Tier | Cards Allowed | Price per Card | Turnaround | Best For | Ideal Collection Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk | 20–500+ | $15–$20 | 45–60 days | Bulk, commons, testing | 100+ cards |
| Economy | 1–499 | $25–$30 | 30–45 days | Chases, SIRs/SARs | 10–100 cards |
| Value | 1–20 | $40–$50 | 15–30 days | Ultra-high value | 1–20 gems |
Positive Tip: Start with Economy for most collectors – balances cost, speed, and quality perfectly!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Submit Your Cards to PSA
Submitting is easier than ever – follow these fun, simple steps!
- Prepare Your Cards (The Fun Part!)
- Sleeve every card (penny sleeve + Dragon Shield outer).
- Topload chases (35pt Ultra Pro).
- Clean gently with microfiber – no liquids!
- Sort by value (high-value first for Value tier).
- Set Up Your PSA Account
- Go to psacard.com – create free account.
- Choose “Submit Now” – select Pokémon TCG category.
- Choose Your Tier & Service Level
- Bulk: 20+ cards, 45–60 days.
- Economy: 1–499, 30–45 days.
- Value: 1–20, 15–30 days.
- Add-ons: Express ($100+/card), Signature Series ($150+).
- Fill Out the Submission Form
- List card details (set, year, card number).
- Select tier, service, and declare value (for insurance).
- Print labels – easy online form!
- Pack Securely & Ship
- Use bubble wrap, sturdy box.
- Track & insure (USPS Priority or FedEx).
- Send to PSA address on form.
- Track & Celebrate
- PSA app updates – watch progress!
- “Gem Mint 10” pop moment – pure joy!
Cost Example (50 cards):
- Bulk Tier: ~$750–$1,000 total.
- Economy: ~$1,250–$1,500.
- Expected return: $3,000–$5,000+ graded value!
Tips to Maximize Your Grading Success Rate
Want more PSA 10s? Follow these happy habits:
- Fresh Pulls Grade Best – Submit Wave 1 Ascended Heroes rips ASAP.
- Centering is King – 50/50 ideal, 55/45 still strong.
- No Touching – Use gloves or tweezers.
- Bulk Discounts – 50+ cards = lower fees.
- Check Pop Reports – See set rarity for value.
- Insurance – Cover high-value subs.
Positive: 85-95% PSA 10 success on fresh Mega foils – your odds are great!
Cost Breakdown Table: Budget Your Grading Adventure
| Tier | Cards | Cost Estimate | Turnaround | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk | 50 | $750–$1,000 | 45–60 days | Bulk commons/uncommons |
| Economy | 20 | $500–$600 | 30–45 days | Chases & SIRs |
| Value | 5 | $200–$250 | 15–30 days | Ultra-high value gems |
| Express | 1–10 | $100–$500/card | 5–10 days | Urgent flips |
Start small – $200 Value tier for 5 chases = big joy!
Success Stories: Real Collectors Winning with Grading
- Raw Mega Charizard Y ex SIR $110 → PSA 10 $500 (4.5x).
- S&V Chi-Yu ex SIR raw $120 → PSA 10 $1,500 (12x peak).
- Psyduck AR raw $90 → PSA 10 $500 (5.5x).
These stories show grading’s positive power – your turn next!
2026 Grading Trends: Faster, Easier, More Rewarding
PSA economy speeds up (2-4 months), Pokémon specialists added, bulk discounts deeper. Mega foils grade 90%+ PSA 10 – perfect timing!
Your Grading Journey Starts Today
Sleeve, submit, slab, smile – grading turns pulls into treasures! January Wave 1 Ascended Heroes your start – fresh cards, high 10 potential
