PSA vs BGS vs CGC vs SGC: The Four Major Grading Companies Compared
Quick answer
PSA, BGS, CGC and SGC all grade trading cards on a 10-based scale but differ in how they report a result, how their top tier is defined and which collectors favor them. PSA is the most commonly traded, BGS reports four subgrades, CGC offers a Pristine tier and subgrades on some services, and SGC has a strong vintage following.
Four companies, one underlying question
Every major grader is answering the same question: how close is this card to its original, factory-fresh condition? They answer it with different scales, different reporting formats and different reputations in the market. This guide compares them neutrally so you can choose where to send a card.
At a glance
| PSA | BGS | CGC | SGC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale | 1 to 10 | 1 to 10 with half points | 10-point with half grades | 10-point scale |
| Reports | One overall grade | Four subgrades plus overall | Overall, with subgrades on some services | Overall grade |
| Top tier | PSA 10 Gem Mint | BGS 10 Pristine, Black Label for four 10s | Pristine 10 and Gem Mint 10 | Check current tiers |
| Known for | Resale recognition | Subgrade transparency | Newer entrant, strong modern focus | Vintage and its black holders |
This table is deliberately general. Companies revise service levels, labels and standards, so confirm details on each company's website before you submit.
PSA
PSA is the most commonly traded graded card and the one most buyers recognize instantly. It reports a single overall grade and publishes a clear Gem Mint standard: approximately 55/45 front centering and 75/25 back centering, four sharp corners, full gloss and no staining. See the PSA grading scale explained.
Best fit: cards you plan to sell, especially when buyer confidence and speed matter more than subgrade detail.
BGS
Beckett reports four subgrades and an overall. That transparency appeals to buyers who want to see exactly where a card is strong. A Black Label requires four subgrades of 10. See BGS subgrades explained.
Best fit: modern cards that you believe are strong in every area, and collectors who value the detail.
CGC
CGC entered trading cards more recently than PSA or BGS and has built a following with a 10-point scale that includes half grades and two top tiers, Pristine 10 and Gem Mint 10. Some services provide subgrades. Its holders and labels are distinct, and market acceptance for a given card can differ from PSA's.
Best fit: collectors who like the option of subgrades or who find CGC's service levels suit their volume. Always compare sold prices for your card.
SGC
SGC has a long history in the hobby and a strong vintage following, and its black holders are widely recognized. It uses a 10-point scale. For both vintage and modern cards, check its current published standards and recent sold prices.
Best fit: vintage cards and collectors who prefer its slab style. See vintage vs modern card grading.
How to choose
Work through these in order:
- What is the card's value in each slab? Search recent sold listings for your exact card at the grade you realistically expect.
- How are you going to use it? A card you intend to keep is a different decision from one you intend to flip next month.
- What do the fees and turnaround look like for the service level your card needs? Use each company's current price list rather than a number from an article.
- How close is the card to a top-tier threshold? Measure it, because a miss at the top tier can erase the profit.
The common thread
Whichever company you choose, the physical checks are the same: centering, corners, edges, surface. Those are measurable before you submit. A pre-grade does not predict an exact number, but it narrows the range and tells you whether a card is worth the fee. Read what pre-grading is and how to pre-grade a card step by step to get started.
Frequently asked questions
Which card grading company is the best?
There is no single best company. PSA has the broadest resale recognition, BGS offers four subgrades, CGC offers a Pristine tier and competitive options for modern cards, and SGC has a loyal vintage following. The right choice depends on your card and your plan for it.
Is a CGC 10 the same as a PSA 10?
They are not interchangeable. Each company defines its own standards and the market prices them differently. Compare sold listings for your specific card in each slab rather than assuming equivalence.
Can I pre-grade for any of these companies?
Yes. Centering, corners, edges and surface are common to all of them, so a pre-grade based on measurable condition applies to each, though each company weighs and reports them differently.
Before you pay for grading
Put your card through the same tests, free.
Before The Grade turns the grading companies' published standards into measurable checks. Upload the front and back of a card and get a condition report that shows every measurement and every flaw it found, so you can judge the prediction yourself. 1 free report when you confirm your email.
Grading companies revise their standards and service levels. Figures here reflect what each company has published at the time of writing, so confirm details on the company's own site before you submit. Before The Grade is independent and is not affiliated with PSA, BGS, CGC or SGC.