For many collectors and investors, Pokémon cards are a serious investment nowadays. A key part of this is the grading of Pokémon cards. But what exactly is Pokémon grading? Which companies do this? And what is the easiest way to get started? In this blog, we explain it all.
What does Pokémon card grading mean?
Pokémon card grading means that your card is professionally assessed for quality. This includes:
- Centering
- Corners
- Edges
- Surface
After assessment, the card receives a score, usually from 1 to 10. Then, the card is sealed in a protective plastic holder (slab) with a label displaying the score. A graded Pokémon card is better protected, more reliable when selling, and often worth significantly more.
Why get Pokémon cards graded?
There are several reasons why collectors choose grading:
- Protection: your card is safe from damage
- Increased value: higher scores = higher market value
- Authenticity: buyers know the card is genuine
- Collectibility: ideal for serious collectors
Rare, vintage, or perfectly centered Pokémon cards are especially suitable for grading.
What are the largest Pokémon grading companies?
There are several grading companies active worldwide, but a few clearly stand out.
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator): PSA is by far the best-known and most popular grading company in the world.
Advantages:
- Highest market value upon resale
- Globally recognized
Disadvantages:
- Long wait times
- Higher costs
- Shipping to the US (and the associated extra costs)
PSA is especially interesting for valuable Pokémon cards or if you want maximum returns.
Beckett Grading Services (BGS: Beckett is known for its strict assessment and subgrades.
Advantages:
- Very detailed grading
- Iconic “Black Label” (perfect cards)
- High status among collectors
- Since 2025, also has a location in Germany (Beckett Europe in Lage)
Disadvantages:
- Harder to achieve a high score
- Less popular for Pokémon than PSA
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company): CGC has grown enormously within the Pokémon community in recent years.
Advantages:
- Faster processing
- Lower costs than PSA
- Strict but fair grading
Disadvantages:
- Slightly lower resale value than PSA
- Less known among beginner collectors
- CGC is an excellent choice for those who want quality at an affordable price.
In early 2025, CGC became embroiled in a major scandal, after it turned out that millions had been defrauded with old Pokémon prototype cards.
Since then, CGC has been viewed with extra scrutiny.
Which European grading companies are there?
For those who prefer to stay within Europe, there are also options such as:
- ACE Grading (UK): unlike other companies, ACE uses computer-assisted grading, which ensures higher accuracy.
- PCA Grading (FR)
In the Netherlands, several grading companies are also active, such as Global Grading. These companies have shorter wait times and lower shipping costs, but the international market value is usually lower than with PSA, Beckett, or CGC.
Beckett has now also established a foothold in Germany. PSA also announced this summer that it is coming to Frankfurt, Germany.
What is the easiest way to get Pokémon cards graded?
For beginners, grading can be quite exciting, especially when the cards are going into the mail. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep the process simple.
1. Grading through a third party
This is often the easiest option. You send your Pokémon cards to a reliable webshop or service, and they arrange:
- Preparation
- Shipping documents
- Communication with the grading company
- Return shipping
Perfect if you don't want the hassle of international shipping. You can often also arrange this at trade shows, so sending them off is not necessary. At Collectors Garden, several exhibitors offer this service.
2. Sending them yourself (for advanced users)
If you have experience, you can send them directly yourself to PSA, BGS, or CGC. This does require knowledge of forms, insurance, and customs.
It is best to start with companies that operate within the European Union, so you don't have to worry about customs or potential import duties.
Which Pokémon cards are suitable for grading?
Not every card is worth grading. Pay particular attention to:
- Rare cards (Charizard, Pikachu, Alt arts)
- Vintage sets (Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, E-series, Neo series, etc.)
- Perfect condition (good centering, no whitening or scratches)
Not sure? Then you can always have a pre-grading check done at a trade show like Collectors Garden.
Conclusion
Pokémon card grading is now an integral part of the collecting world. Whether you choose PSA, CGC, or a European grading company: having your Pokémon cards graded provides protection, certainty, and often a higher value.
Want to get started with Pokémon grading? Start simple, choose a reliable party, and get good advice.
The most important thing is that you are satisfied with the cards you have graded. After all, it's about your own collection and the enjoyment you get from it!
