Raw vs Graded Cards: When Should You Grade Your Cards?

If you’ve been in the trading card hobby for any amount of time, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Should I grade this card?” The decision between keeping a card raw or sending it off to PSA, BGS, CGC, or SGC can be a game-changer—both in terms of value and long-term collectibility.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about raw vs. graded cards, including when grading makes sense, what factors to consider, and how to maximize your investment in Pokémon, sports cards, or any other TCG.

What Are Raw vs. Graded Cards?

🟩 Raw Cards

A raw card is ungraded and comes in its original form—often straight from a pack or collection. Raw cards can be sleeved, stored in toploaders, or displayed, but they haven’t been officially evaluated for condition.

🟦 Graded Cards

A graded card has been professionally evaluated, assigned a condition score (usually on a 1–10 scale), and sealed in a tamper-proof plastic slab. This process helps authenticate, preserve, and increase the market value of a card.

Top grading companies include:

• PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) – The industry leader with the strongest resale value.
• BGS (Beckett Grading Services) – Known for subgrades and strong presence in sports card grading.
• CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) – Popular for Pokémon and TCGs, with clear labels and detailed standards.
• SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation) – A fast-growing choice, especially for vintage sports cards.
• Arena Club – Uses AI-powered analysis and digital vaults, combining modern tech with social grading appeal.
• TAG (Technical Authentication & Grading) – Fully tech-driven, offering transparency and precision with digital scan reports and subgrade metrics.

These companies help validate condition and authenticity, while also making your cards easier to sell, trade, and display with confidence.

Why Grade Your Cards?

The main reasons collectors choose grading are:

• ✅ Authentication – Confirms the card is genuine
• ✅ Condition Certification – Adds objectivity to value
• ✅ Market Trust – Graded cards often sell faster and for more
• ✅ Protection – Slabs protect against physical damage and tampering
• ✅ Investment Appeal – High-grade cards (e.g., PSA 10, BGS 9.5+) command premium prices

When to Keep a Card Raw

While grading has benefits, it’s not always the right move. Here’s when you should consider keeping a card raw:

💸 1. The Card’s Value Doesn’t Justify the Grading Fee

Grading costs can range from $15 to $150+ depending on turnaround time and card value. If your card is worth less than $50, it may not be worth grading—especially if you’re not confident in its condition.

🔍 2. The Condition Isn’t Gem Mint

Cards with visible flaws (centering issues, whitening, print lines, etc.) are unlikely to grade well. A PSA 6 or 7 often sells for less than a clean raw card.

🔄 3. You Plan to Trade or Use the Card in Play

For Pokémon TCG players, grading may be unnecessary if the card will be actively played. Raw cards are more flexible for deck building or quick trades.

When Should You Grade Your Cards?

🔥 1. You Pulled a High-Value or Iconic Card

Cards like a Base Set Charizard, Luka Doncic Prizm RC, or an alt-art Pokémon hit are prime grading candidates. High-grade slabs significantly boost resale value and buyer confidence.

📈 2. The Card Looks Like a Gem Mint (9 or 10)

If you’ve got a sharp card with:

• Perfect centering
• No whitening or edge wear
• Clean surfaces
• Sharp corners

…then you should strongly consider grading, especially if comps show strong prices for PSA 10s or BGS 9.5s.

💼 3. You Want to Preserve Long-Term Value

Grading protects the card in a sealed, secure case. It also helps you lock in value for long-term investing or legacy collecting.

Raw vs Graded Cards: Value Comparison Example

Values will vary by market trends, but the graded premium is real—when the card grades well.

Should You Grade Pokémon or Sports Cards Differently?

⚡ Pokémon Cards

• Focus on centering and print lines—common grading issues in newer sets
• Alt-arts, first editions, full arts, and promos often do well graded
• Consider grading Japanese Pokémon cards—they grade higher on average

🏀 Sports Cards

• Rookie cards, low serial-numbered parallels, and autos are prime grading candidates
• Panini products like Prizm, Select, and National Treasures see huge graded price jumps
• Be cautious of chrome surface scratches and factory defects

Grading Tips: Maximize Your Results

✅ Use a 10x loupe to inspect corners and edges
✅ Check for surface scratches under bright light
✅ Compare centering with a ruler or centering tool
✅ Wipe the card gently with a microfiber cloth (no chemicals)
✅ Use semi-rigid card savers and sleeves when submitting

How to Choose a Grading Service

When deciding whether to grade your cards, choosing the right grading company can impact not just value—but turnaround time, buyer trust, and even display appeal. With more players entering the grading space, here’s how to figure out which card grading service is right for your needs.

Key Factors to Consider:

• Type of card (Pokémon, sports, TCG, vintage, modern)
• Your grading goals (investment, resale, personal collection)
• Budget and expected value of the card
• Turnaround time and submission ease
• Market preference (e.g., PSA is the gold standard for resale)

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

Best for: High-value cards, sports rookies, vintage Pokémon, iconic TCGs
Pros: Industry leader, top resale value, high buyer confidence
Cons: Longer turnaround times unless you pay for premium tiers
Tip: PSA 10s often sell for 2–5x the raw value, especially for iconic cards

BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

Best for: Sports cards, thick cards, collectors who want subgrades
Pros: Detailed subgrades (centering, corners, edges, surface), strong slab quality
Cons: BGS 9.5s can undersell PSA 10s; 10 Pristine is very rare
Tip: Great for modern patch autos, refractors, and Prizm cards

CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)

Best for: Pokémon cards, newer TCGs, budget-conscious submissions
Pros: Competitive pricing, detailed label info, growing reputation
Cons: Historically lower resale vs PSA/BGS (but improving)
Tip: CGC is known for high-precision grading, especially on Japanese Pokémon cards

SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation)

Best for: Vintage sports cards, fast turnaround needs
Pros: Fast service, elegant black label design, rising market trust
Cons: Still catching up in modern card value compared to PSA
Tip: SGC slabs are a collector favorite for vintage baseball and basketball

TAG (Technical Authentication & Grading)

Best for: Tech-savvy collectors, investors who want transparency
Pros: 100% AI-driven grading, digital subgrades, scan reports
Cons: Newer to market, resale metrics still maturing
Tip: TAG’s grading reports provide visual breakdowns—great for objective collectors

Arena Club

Best for: Collectors who want a mix of grading, digital vaulting, and social features
Pros: AI-based scans, fast grading, card vault system, social collection sharing
Cons: Limited resale data vs traditional slabs
Tip: Arena Club lets you showcase and trade digitally before selling physically

Final Thoughts: Raw vs. Graded Cards – Think Before You Slab

Not every card needs to be graded. But when it’s the right card, in the right condition, with the right timing—grading can be a game-changer.

✅ Keep raw cards if value is low, condition is flawed, or you’re using them for play
✅ Grade cards if condition is mint and resale or preservation is your goal

The smartest collectors know that in the raw vs. graded card debate, it’s all about timing, condition, and strategy.

Grade smarter, not just more. Because in this hobby, every slabbed card should be worth the wait—and the price.