How Card Grading Works
A transparent look at our 6-step process from submission to delivery
We believe you deserve to know exactly what happens to your cards. Follow along as we walk you through every step of our professional grading process.
The Process
From submission to delivery: here's exactly what happens to your cards
Submit Your Cards
Create your submission online and tell us about your cards
Start by creating an account on our customer portal. Upload photos of your cards (optional but recommended for our AI pre-analysis), enter card details, select your service level, and complete payment. You'll receive a submission confirmation with shipping instructions and a pre-paid label for Express and Rush orders.
Secure Shipping
Pack your cards carefully and ship them to our facility
Follow our detailed packing guide to protect your cards during transit. Use penny sleeves, card savers or top loaders, and secure packaging. Ship via USPS, UPS, or FedEx with tracking and insurance. We recommend insuring for the full declared value of your cards. Our Boise facility is equipped with 24/7 security monitoring.
Authentication
We verify your cards are genuine and unaltered
Before grading begins, every card undergoes a multi-point authentication check. Our experts examine paper quality, printing techniques, edge wear patterns, and compare to known authentic examples. We use specialized equipment including UV lights and magnification to detect counterfeits, reprints, trimming, and alterations. If we detect any issues, we contact you immediately.
Expert Grading
Two independent graders evaluate each card
Each card is graded by two experienced professionals who independently assess centering, corners, edges, and surface quality. They examine under controlled lighting and magnification. If grades differ by more than 0.5 points, a third senior grader reviews the card. We document any defects with detailed notes and high-resolution photography.
Encapsulation
Cards are sealed in tamper-evident slabs
Authenticated and graded cards are professionally encapsulated in our custom UV-protected slabs. Each slab features a holographic label with the grade, unique certificate number, and QR code for instant verification. The slab is ultrasonically welded, creating a tamper-evident seal. Any attempt to open it will leave visible damage.
Shipped Back to You
Your graded cards are securely returned
Graded cards are carefully packaged with bubble wrap and rigid cardboard protection. Standard orders ship via USPS Priority Mail with full insurance and tracking. Express and Rush orders receive upgraded shipping with signature confirmation. You'll receive an email with tracking information and can view your results online immediately.
Estimate Your Timeline
Calculate total turnaround time based on your service level and shipping
Shipping to Us
5 daysGrading Process
37 daysShipping Back to You
4 daysEstimated Total Time
46 business days
Service Level
Standard
30-45 days
Standard
$20/card
- ✓Two-grader review
- ✓Authentication included
- ✓Digital certificate with photos
Express
$40/card
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓Priority queue placement
- ✓Upgraded return shipping
Rush
$75/card
- ✓Everything in Express
- ✓Same-day authentication
- ✓Top priority grading
Packing Checklist
Follow this checklist to ensure your cards arrive safely
Do's
- ✓Use penny sleeves and card savers/top loaders
- ✓Double-box for cards worth $500+
- ✓Insure for full declared value
- ✓Ship with tracking (USPS, UPS, or FedEx)
- ✓Include printed submission form inside
- ✓Ship Monday-Wednesday to avoid weekend delays
- ✓Take photos of your packaging for records
Don'ts
- ✗Don't remove cards from sleeves yourself
- ✗Don't use one-touches (they can cause indentations)
- ✗Don't send cards loose in an envelope
- ✗Don't skip insurance
- ✗Don't ship on Thursday/Friday (weekend risk)
- ✗Don't use excessive tape on card holders
- ✗Don't forget to include your submission number
Need a Printable Guide?
Download our complete packing and shipping guide as a PDF
Our Expert Graders
Experienced professionals who ensure accurate and consistent grading
Michael Torres
Lead Grader & Authentication Specialist
Former PSA grader with expertise in vintage sports cards and authentication. Certified in autograph analysis and has graded over 100,000 cards.
Sarah Chen
Senior Grader
Specializes in Pokémon, Magic, and Yu-Gi-Oh! grading. Advanced certification in centering measurement and surface defect identification.
David Martinez
Quality Control Manager
Expert in print quality analysis and counterfeit detection. Reviews all flagged cards and oversees grading consistency across the team.
Ready to Get Started?
Submit your cards today and experience professional grading done right