Should You Grade Your Pokémon Cards? A Beginner’s Guide (2025 Edition)

For many collectors, grading is the ultimate way to preserve and showcase valuable Pokémon cards.

But is it always worth it? (Hint: it's not!) Below, we will break down exactly when you should grade a card, how much it costs, and how to decide if it’s financially worth submitting to the graders.

What Does “Grading” Actually Mean?

Grading is the process of sending a card to a professional company (PSA, CGC, BGS, etc.) to be:

• Authenticated

• Inspected for quality

• Assigned a numeric grade

• Encased in a protective slab

That grade instantly determines the card’s resale value on the market. It could make the card worth a lot more money or in some cases, reduce the value. 

When You Should Grade a Card

You should consider grading when a card meets at least one of the following (but not limited to):

1. It’s rare or iconic

Example:

• Charizard (Everyone loves the firey guy)

• Umbreon (Especially in the newer sets)

• Lugia

• Vintage ex/GX stars

• Popular alt arts

2. It’s in exceptional condition (mint or better)

A PSA 9 or 10 can multiply the card’s value. But buyer beware, sometimes an ungraded card is worth more because the mystery of its grade is still there. Getting it graded and hitting a low number can make it worth less than before it was graded. 

3. The raw card already sells for £30+

Below this threshold, the grading cost may outweigh the gain, of course unless you’re grading for personal collection value.

 

When Grading Is NOT Worth It

Avoid grading:

• Cards with whitening or visible edge wear

• Modern cards worth < £5

• Cards that already have dents or scratches

Grading does not hide flaws — it highlights them and if your use a graded like Tag, They will annotate it all for the world to see.

Typical Grading Costs

Add shipping + insurance both ways.

Final Verdict

Grading is amazing for:

• Protecting valuable cards

• Boosting resale value

• Displaying your collection

But it’s not needed for every card.
If you’re unsure? Take photos and ask the community, or reach out to us here at Prestige Slabs, we’re happy to help!

Also we are happy to buy from you.