PSA vs BGS vs CGC: Which Card Grading Company Should You Use?
Compare PSA, BGS (Beckett) and CGC card grading: scales, subgrades, slabs, resale value, turnaround and which grader suits Pokémon, MTG and sports cards.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
Three companies dominate trading card grading: PSA, Beckett (BGS) and CGC. They all authenticate cards and grade them on a 1–10 scale, but they differ in how buyers value their slabs, how they report grades and how fast they work.
PSA
- Scale: 1–10 with half grades; 10 = Gem Mint
- Strengths: the largest market and often the highest resale prices for many cards; a huge population database
- Weaknesses: backlogs and price increases (in 2026 PSA raised prices and paused some low-cost tiers)
- Best for: cards you plan to sell, especially vintage Pokémon and sports cards
BGS (Beckett)
- Scale: 1–10 in half points, with four subgrades (centering, corners, edges, surface) on many services
- Special labels: Gem Mint 9.5, Pristine 10, and the Black Label when all four subgrades are 10
- Strengths: subgrades show exactly why a card got its grade; Black Labels can be extremely valuable
- Best for: modern cards that are truly flawless; collectors who like subgrade detail
CGC
- Scale: 1–10 with half grades, including Pristine 10 and Gem Mint 10
- Strengths: major TCG grader with clear slabs, often competitive turnaround
- Best for: Pokémon and other TCGs, especially when you want faster service or lower cost
Others: SGC and TAG
SGC is long established in sports cards; TAG uses a more automated, data-driven approach. Both are growing, but resale markets for their slabs are smaller in some categories.
Which should you choose?
| Your goal | Usually pick |
|---|---|
| Maximize resale value | PSA (check your card's market) |
| Show detailed condition | BGS with subgrades |
| Faster or cheaper TCG grading | CGC (compare current rates) |
| Perfect modern card | BGS (Black Label chance) or PSA |
Always check recent sold prices for each company's grades for your specific card. The premium for one grader over another varies by card.
Crossovers
You can submit a slabbed card to another company to "cross over" at a minimum grade. If it doesn't meet the minimum, it stays in its original slab. It's a way to move cards to the grader with the best resale value.
Try it on your own cards
Scan your grading candidates with Rarefolio to see their estimated raw value and an AI condition estimate, then compare graded prices by company. Read is it worth grading cards? before you submit.
Frequently asked questions
Is PSA better than BGS?
PSA often brings higher resale prices for many cards, while BGS offers subgrades and the Black Label. Which is better depends on the card and your goals.
What is a BGS Black Label?
A BGS Pristine 10 where all four subgrades (centering, corners, edges, surface) are 10, the rarest Beckett grade.
Is CGC good for Pokémon cards?
Yes. CGC is a major grader for Pokémon and other TCGs and is often chosen for turnaround and cost.
Can I switch a card from one grader to another?
Yes, through a crossover service, usually with a minimum grade requirement.