Last updated: July 2026
In short
Grading protects a card in a sealed slab, verifies its authenticity and assigns a numeric grade that buyers trust. For Pokémon, three companies dominate: PSA, BGS (Beckett) and CGC. They grade to similar standards but differ on resale premium, sub-grades, turnaround and cost.
This guide compares them and helps you decide. Prices, turnaround and service tiers change often, so treat the specifics as a guide and check each company before submitting.
PSA is the most widely recognised grader for Pokémon and its slabs usually fetch the highest resale premium, which is why it dominates population reports and auction results. BGS is favoured for its sub-grades (centering, corners, edges, surface) shown on the label and for the prestigious black-label 10. CGC entered trading cards more recently, is often faster, and can be competitive on price, with a growing following.
The same card in the same numeric grade can sell for different amounts depending on the grader, and PSA typically commands the largest premium for Pokémon. That gap is biggest on high-value cards, where the resale difference easily outweighs the grading fee. On lower-value cards, the fee and turnaround can eat most of the upside, so grading is not always worth it.
For maximum resale value and recognition on Pokémon, PSA is the default. If you want detailed sub-grades or are chasing a black-label 10, BGS is the pick. If speed and price matter more than the last bit of premium, CGC is a strong option. Whatever you choose, track the value of your graded cards so you know your real return; CollectHolo values graded cards using eBay, Fanatics, Goldin and Cardmarket graded sales.
| Attribute | PSA | CGC | BGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resale premium (Pokémon) | Highest | Growing | High (esp. black label) |
| Sub-grades on label | — | Limited | ✓ |
| Top grade | 10 (Gem Mint) | 10 (Pristine/Gem) | 10 (Pristine, black label) |
| Market recognition | Widest | Good | Strong |
| Turnaround | Varies by tier | Often faster | Varies by tier |
| Best for | Maximum resale | Value and speed | Sub-grade detail |
For resale value and recognition, PSA is usually best for Pokémon. BGS is favoured for sub-grades and the black-label 10, and CGC is often faster and competitive on price. The right choice depends on the card's value and your goal.
For Pokémon, PSA slabs generally sell for the highest premium, especially on valuable cards. The gap is smaller on cheaper cards, where the grading fee can outweigh the benefit.
BGS shows four sub-grades on the label, for centering, corners, edges and surface, alongside the overall grade. A card with all high sub-grades can earn the coveted black-label 10.
No. Grading has a fee and turnaround time, so it makes most sense for higher-value cards in strong condition where a good grade adds more than it costs. Grading bulk or low-value cards rarely pays off.
Raw and graded Pokemon prices from Cardmarket, TCGPlayer, eBay, Goldin and Fanatics, by condition and language. Free forever, iOS and Android apps available.
