| Grader | Cheapest tier | Fee | Value cap | ~Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CGC Cards | Bulk, 25-card min (150 working days) | $17.00 | $500 | 150 |
| SGC | Standard, up to $1,500 (40+ days) | $50.00 | $1,500 | 45 |
| PSA | Standard (90-100 business days) | $59.99 | $1,000 | 100 |
| Beckett (BGS) | Express (15 business days) | $79.95 | — | 15 |
Rules of thumb
- High-value modern cards: compare PSA sold prices first; the resale premium often beats the fee difference.
- Bulk or lower-value cards: the lowest fee matters most (CGC Bulk/Economy, SGC Standard).
- Vintage: compare SGC and PSA sold prices for your exact card.
- Gem-mint candidates with perfect corners: Beckett subgrades can pay off if a Black Label is realistic.
Head to head: PSA vs SGC · PSA vs BGS · PSA vs CGC · SGC vs CGC.