Grading Tips Guide: How to Prepare Your Cards for PSA, SGC, BGS & More

Want to give your cards the best chance at a gem mint grade? Preparation is everything.

At Graded Cards Australia, we've helped collectors submit thousands of cards to PSA, SGC, BGS, and CGA—and one thing’s clear: the difference between a PSA 9 and PSA 10 often comes down to what you do before you send.

Here’s your complete guide to preparing trading cards for grading.

🧼 1. Clean Hands & a Clean Workspace

Start simple. Wash your hands, clear your desk, and work in a dust-free area. One fingerprint or speck of dust under the light can cost you.

Pro Tip: Use a clean microfibre cloth under your card while inspecting to avoid scratches and debris.

🔍 2. Use the Right Tools for Inspection

Invest in proper grading tools—it makes a massive difference.

Checklist:

🔦 Inspection Light (LED with white balance)

🔍 Magnifier with 10x–30x zoom

🧤 Gloves (optional but helpful)

🧽 Microfiber cloth (for gently brushing dust)

📏 Centering tool or centering app (for measuring left-right balance)

👉 Read our full supplies checklist here

🪞 3. Inspect the 4 Major Grading Components

A. Corners

Use angled lighting and zoom.

Look for whitening, dings, or fraying.

B. Edges

Slide card gently under magnification.

Watch for chipping or printing defects.

C. Surface

Check both front and back under light.

Look for print lines, roller lines, indentations, dimples, or smudges.

D. Centering

Use card borders or logos to gauge symmetry.

Most grading companies allow slight tolerance (e.g., PSA allows 60/40 for a 10).

📦 4. Sleeve & Protect Your Cards the Right Way

Step-by-step protection method:

Soft penny sleeve (use “Card Saver I” size)

Insert into a semi-rigid holder (recommended by PSA & SGC)

Place in a team bag or resealable plastic sleeve

Do NOT:

Use thick top loaders for submission

Tape your holders shut

Stack multiple cards in one sleeve

🧠 5. Choose the Right Grading Company

Depending on your goals:

🔴 PSA: Best resale value for modern & vintage

⚫ SGC: Great for vintage aesthetics & quick turnaround

🟡 BGS: Sub-grades and strong slabs, but slower

🇦🇺 CGA: Australian-based with fast, affordable options

👉 Compare grading companies here

📥 6. Use a Trusted Submission Partner

Grading directly can be costly and intimidating—Graded Cards Australia makes it easy.

We offer:

Bulk and individual submissions

Advice on what to grade or skip

Secure packaging and tracking

Submission to PSA, SGC, BGS & CGA

👉 Submit your cards with us

🏁 Final Checklist Before Submission:

✅ Corners & edges look clean

✅ Surface inspected under light

✅ Centering measured

✅ Card in soft sleeve + semi-rigid holder

✅ Submission form completed

📦 Ready to Grade Like a Pro?

A little prep can turn a $50 raw card into a $300 PSA 10. Don't risk sending in cards blind—follow these steps, and give your cards the best possible shot.

Have questions? Contact Graded Cards Australia or check our Trading Card Advice blog for more collector tips.