PSA Grading Tips Tricks and Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated March 14th, 2023.

We receive a lot of questions about card grading, so we wanted to list some of the more frequently asked questions here. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email wayne@threestarssportscards.com

Q1. What type of holders should I use to package my cards?
A1. PSA recommends using 3" by 4 1/2" semi-rigid holders. We have used Ultra Pro, BCW and Cardboard Gold brands and found that they are all high quality. If you have very thick cards (130 point or higher), please use a top load and tape the holder shut using painters tape.

Q2. I can't find the right size semi-rigid holders. What should I do?
A2. We will provide semi-rigid holders in store for you to use if you are grading cards using our services.

Q3. I have cards from multiple service levels to submit. What do I do?
A3. You will need a to complete a separate submission for for each service level that you would like to use.

Q4. Is there a minimum or maximum number of cards I can submit on each service level?
A4. No, you can submit 1 card at a time or as many cards as you would like.

Q5. What happens if PSA raises their prices?
A5. We will always have current pricing listed in the submission form on our website. Once you submit your cards, you are locked in to this price even if there is a PSA price increase. We encourage customers to drop off cards frequently.

Q6. When do I pay for my grading?
A6. You do not pay until you pick up your cards. This way your money is not tied up for months.

Q7. How do I check the status of my order? 
A7. We offer an online check where you can see the status of your orders. This is updated multiple times per day, so you can be sure that the information there is current.

Q8. When will my cards be completed? 
A8. PSA is currently delayed with grading. They also do not grade cards in the order they were received which makes it much harder to predict when a specific order will come back. These are the approximate turnaround times as of January 2023.

Service Level

Current Turnaround Time (door to door)

Walk Through

Approximately 2 weeks

Super Express

Approximately 2 weeks
Express

Approximately 3 weeks.

Regular

Approximately 4 weeks.

Value Plus

Approximately 1 month.

Value

Approximately 3 months.

 

Q9. I see others advertise that my cards can come back quicker. Is that true?
A9. No. We submit cards weekly, so we are not hanging on to them delaying the start of the grading process. We are an authorized PSA dealer that receives turnaround times that are faster than the public. Anyone that claims they have a special deal at PSA beyond that is not being honest.

Q10. If I have a basketball or hockey card that is 1979-80, which service level should it go on?
A10. This would count as a 1979 card. It should go on the 1979 and before service.

Q11. Can I have Pokemon, Magic, or Yu-gi-oh cards graded?
A11. Yes, they can be graded. 

Q12. I have a card graded by another grading company (BGS, SGC, etc.)? How do I get it graded by PSA?
A12. You have two options. First, crack the card of the case and submit it along with all of your other cards. Second, leave it in the existing case and submit for a crossover service, optionally with a minimum grade. For example, if you have a card that is graded BGS 9, you can submit it in the BGS 9 holder. If you specify a minimum grade of a 9, the card will come back in a PSA 9 or PSA 10 holder if it meets that grade. If not, it will be returned in the original BGS 9 holder. You can submit at any service level and pay the grading fee regardless if your card is crossed over to a PSA holder or not. PSA is accepting crossovers at the Economy level and higher. Please use our Additional PSA Services form to submit crossovers.

Q13. I have a damaged PSA case. Can I get the card recased?
A13. Yes, as long as the card is not damaged. The cost is $20 for cards valued up to $20000 and $40 for cards valued at over $20000 (or cards you want back faster). Please use our Additional PSA Services form to submit reholders.

Q14. I received a card that was mislabeled. Can this be fixed?
A14. Yes, fill out a submission form and indicate that the card was mislabeled. There is no charge for this service.

Q15. I have an in person autographed card that I would like to have graded. Will PSA do this?
A15. Yes, you can submit autographed cards at any available service level. Please use our standard submission form, but choose one of the service offerings that includes autograph authentication.

Q16. What should I put down for the declared value of my card?
A16. This is really the value that you would like your card insured for. If your card is lost or stolen on the way to or from PSA or if your card is damaged while at PSA, this is the value you will receive.

Q17. What is an upcharge?
A17. If you declare the value of a card as $400 and submit it on the Value service (which as a maximum value of $499 per card) and it comes back as a PSA 10 that is valued at $2000, you would be charged for the card at the $2000 service level (currently $175). One way to think about this is that you now have a $2000 card instead of the $400 card you thought you had, so the extra money is worth it.

Q18. Why should I graded my cards with you instead of myself or someone else?
A18. Here are some reasons:
1. We are often less expensive if you are submitting under 100 cards at a time.
2. We handle all of the packaging, paperwork and shipping for you.
3. You can drop off and pick up your cards at the shop, seven days a week. You don't have to worry about shipping someone your cards. We do accept cards by mail if you would prefer to ship your cards to us or if you are not local.
4. We are a PSA authorized dealer. We ship your cards directly to PSA, not through another party.
5. You can check the status of your order online. No need to call, email, text your submitter to see where your cards are.

Q19. How do I do I can trust you? How do I know I will receive my cards back?
A19. We have sent tens of thousands of cards to PSA and have never had an issue. We will give you a copy of your submission form and encourage you to take pictures of your cards, write down serial numbers and anything else you would like to do to feel comfortable.

Q20. How long do I have to pick up my cards after they are graded? 

A20. You will have six months to pick up your cards after you are notified that they are ready to be picked up. Please see our PSA Grading Terms and Conditions for complete details.