PSA vs BGS vs SGC vs CGC: Which Grading Company Is Best?

2017 Topps Chrome UCL #38 Luka Modric PSA 10

When you buy graded cards, the company on the label matters almost as much as the grade. Here is how the four biggest grading companies compare and when each one makes sense.

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

PSA is the biggest grading company and the most common slab in the hobby. PSA slabs usually sell for the most at the same grade, which makes PSA the safest choice for resale. Every PSA slab has a cert number you can check online, and PSA’s population reports show how many copies exist at each grade. Read how to check a PSA cert number.

BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

Beckett gives four subgrades on the label, for centering, corners, edges and surface, plus an overall grade. A BGS 9.5 Gem Mint is highly respected, and the rare BGS Black Label, which needs perfect 10 subgrades, is one of the most valuable slabs in the hobby.

SGC (Sportscard Guaranty)

SGC is known for its black “tuxedo” label and has long been popular for vintage cards. SGC slabs are respected, and they often cost less to buy than the same card in a PSA slab at the same grade.

CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)

CGC is a major name in trading card games, especially Pokémon. It uses Gem Mint 10 and a higher Pristine 10 grade, and also grades sports cards.

Graded Slabs in the Shop

Which Grading Company Is Best?

  • For resale value: PSA, in most cases.
  • For detailed condition info: BGS, thanks to the subgrades.
  • For vintage and value buys: SGC.
  • For Pokémon and TCG: PSA and CGC are both popular.

Whatever the label, the cert number is how you check a slab is real. Planning to grade your own cards? Read how to submit cards to PSA from Canada.

Buy Graded Cards Online in Canada

Card Tings sells graded cards and PSA slabs from PSA and other graders, plus PSA 10 cards and graded Pokémon cards. Every slab is shown exactly as you will receive it and checked against its cert number before it ships.

More Collector Guides