How to Get Pokémon Cards Graded by PSA: Steps (2026)

Getting a Pokémon card graded by PSA comes down to four steps: a free account, an order in the Online Submission Center, the correct packing supplies, and a tracked shipment to PSA.

PSA grades each card on a 1–10 numeric scale. PSA's submission guide walks through the process in full, and this article pulls out the Pokémon-specific details that catch first-time submitters off guard.

Not every card is worth grading. Consider submitting cards with real collector demand, clear condition potential, or personal significance. A card worth more than a few dollars raw is a reasonable starting point; below that, the grading fee can outweigh the benefit.

The four steps at a glance

Step 1: Create your PSA account

Go to psacard.com and register for a free PSA collector account. The account is what connects your submission to your address and lets you track the order once PSA receives it.

Account setup checklist

Use the address you want your graded cards shipped back to. If you move between submission and return, you'll need to update your shipping address in your account before PSA ships.

PSA verifies identity for higher-value submissions. Having a photo ID ready streamlines that process if it comes up for large batches.

Step 2: Start an order in the Online Submission Center

Log in and open the Online Submission Center from your account dashboard. Each order asks for your service level, then a card-by-card declaration: set name, card name, and card number.

The card number is the collector number printed at the bottom right of every Pokémon TCG card, the one that reads "123/200" or similar. PSA's database covers most English Pokémon TCG sets; Japanese cards use the same process with a language field. If a card isn't in the database, PSA provides a manual entry option.

Print your packing slip when you complete the order. PSA cannot match your package to your account without it.

Step 3: Choose your service level

PSA offers several tiers, each with a per-card fee and an estimated turnaround time. Check PSA's current pricing before you submit: fees and estimated times change, and quoting outdated numbers leads people to budget incorrectly.

The slowest tiers cost less per card and work well for modern bulk submissions where the cards have moderate value. Faster tiers make sense for high-value vintage cards where you want the authentication back sooner. The fee schedule lives on the PSA website under Services.

Submit only cards you're confident will grade well. A PSA 5 on a damaged card doesn't add much value and costs the same as a PSA 10 on a clean one.

Inspect each card under good lighting before it goes in an order. Our guide on spotting fake PSA slabs is also worth reading before you buy or sell graded cards.

Step 4: Pack and ship the cards

This is where most first-time submitters lose a grade point before the card even reaches PSA.

PSA requires cards to be submitted in Card Saver I semi-rigid holders, not hard toploaders. Hard toploaders are ideal for storing graded cards after they come back, but their rigid edges can press into a card's corners during transit and cause micro-damage that shows up as edge wear under PSA's magnification. Card Savers are softer, allow the card to flex slightly inside the holder, and release without drag on the card surface.

Once each card is in a Card Saver I, slip it into a resealable poly sleeve or team bag. Stack them face-to-face in a neat bundle, secure with a rubber band, and place the bundle alongside your printed packing slip in a padded envelope or small box. Use enough bubble wrap or padding that the cards can't shift during transit.

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Ship via a tracked and insured service. PSA's submission page specifies the current mailing address; confirm it before you drop off the package, as addresses have changed over the years.

What you need before you ship

The short list: Card Saver I semi-rigid holders (sized for standard Pokémon TCG cards), resealable poly sleeves or team bags, rubber bands, your printed packing slip, and a padded envelope or small box.

Card sleeves aren't part of the submission supply list, but they're useful for protecting raw cards before you handle them for inspection. Hold every card by its edges and never touch the face or back surface.

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For oversized or extra-thick cards, use Card Saver II holders instead. Check PSA's packing instructions for the right holder for any non-standard card size. Our guide to graded card storage covers what to use once your slabs come back.

Common mistakes that cost you a grade

Using hard toploaders for submission

It's the most common first-time error. Toploaders are rigid and their inner lip can press into a card's corners during a long transit. Use Card Saver I holders for submission; save toploaders for storing your raw and graded cards at home.

Submitting with fingerprints or surface oils

PSA grades surface condition under magnification. Handle every card by its edges only. A cotton glove makes this easier when inspecting a stack of cards before packing.

Mixing card thicknesses in one stack

A thick holofoil card placed between thinner reverse holos can put lateral pressure on its neighbors. Separate cards by similar thickness, and add an extra poly sleeve between different types if needed.

Skipping the centering check

PSA 10 requires roughly 55/45 front centering and 75/25 back. Measure with a ruler before you submit: a card that looks centered to the eye can fall outside the PSA 10 window on closer inspection.

After your cards arrive at PSA

PSA logs your submission when it arrives and updates your account. You can track the order through the OSC dashboard.

Turnaround time starts from the date PSA receives and logs the package, not from when you mailed it. Check your OSC dashboard for status updates; PSA typically updates stages as the order moves through intake, grading, and QC.

When graded cards ship back, PSA uses a secure carrier with tracking. Each card arrives sealed in a labeled slab showing the grade, the card description, and a certification number you can verify on PSA's website.

Graded cards as holiday gifts: timing to know

A graded Pokémon card makes a memorable gift for collectors, but turnaround times mean planning ahead.

For holiday giving, submit cards by early November at the latest on standard service tiers. Faster service levels cut the wait, but at a higher per-card cost.

If the timing is tight, buying a pre-graded card is the simpler path. The Pokémon holiday gift guide has more options across every budget.

Frequently asked questions

How much does PSA grading cost?

Fees depend on the service tier and change periodically. Check PSA's current submission guide for the latest pricing before you order.

Can I submit Japanese Pokémon cards to PSA?

Yes. PSA grades Japanese-language cards. The Online Submission Center includes a language field for each card entry in your order.

How long does PSA grading take?

Turnaround depends on the service tier and PSA's current volume. Estimated times are shown when you choose a service level in the OSC; check them at the time of submission rather than relying on older estimates.

What is a PSA 10?

PSA 10 Gem Mint is the top grade: four sharp, well-centered corners, no creases or scratches, centering roughly 55/45 on the front and 75/25 on the back, and no print defects visible under magnification.

Do I need to be in the US to submit to PSA?

No. PSA accepts international submissions. Check PSA's website for the current international shipping instructions, as specifics have varied over the years.