GrailPSA vs BGS vs CGC vs SGC: Card Grading Companies Compared
Updated October 2026 · Evergreen guide
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All four major graders put your card in a tamper-evident slab with a 1–10 grade, but they differ in how they report that grade and in how buyers value their slabs. Here's how they compare, based on each company's published grading scale. Fees and turnaround times change often, so check each company's current price list before submitting.
At a glance
| PSA | BGS (Beckett) | CGC Cards | SGC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale | 1–10; half points only at 1.5 and 8.5 upward | 1–10, half points | 1–10, half points | 1–10, half points |
| Top grade | Gem Mint 10 | Pristine 10; Black Label when all four subgrades are 10 | Pristine 10 (above Gem Mint 10) | 10 Pristine (gold label), above 10 Gem Mint |
| Subgrades | No | Yes: centering, corners, edges, surface | Available | No, one overall grade |
| Known for | Strongest resale for most modern sports cards | Subgrades and the Black Label | Pokémon and TCG | Vintage; black "tuxedo" slab |
PSA
PSA is the largest grader, and for most modern sports cards its slabs are the market's default. That liquidity is the main reason to choose it: more buyers, more sales data, easier pricing. It gives one overall grade, with qualifiers like OC (off-center) for cards that have one notable issue. See PSA 10 listings on eBay.
BGS (Beckett)
Beckett prints four subgrades on the label, so buyers can see exactly where a card is strong or weak. A BGS 10 with all four subgrades at 10 earns the Black Label, one of the hardest results in the hobby. BGS is worth considering when a card is truly exceptional, or when strong subgrades can reassure buyers. See BGS listings on eBay.
CGC Cards
CGC grades on a half-point scale with a Pristine 10 tier above Gem Mint 10, and it has grown fastest in Pokémon and other TCGs. If you collect Pokémon or One Piece, CGC is a real option to compare with PSA. Check sold listings for your specific card, since slab premiums vary by game and grade. See CGC Pokémon listings on eBay.
SGC
SGC is best known for vintage sports cards, and its black-bordered "tuxedo" slab is popular with set collectors. Its top tier is 10 Pristine, a "virtually flawless" card with 50/50 centering, above its 10 Gem Mint. It gives one overall grade without subgrades. See SGC listings on eBay.
Ownership note
PSA and SGC are both owned by Collectors, which announced in December 2025 that it was acquiring Beckett. Each company still runs its own grading standards, but it's useful context when you see "independent grader" claims.
How to choose
- Modern sports card you might sell: start with PSA, then compare sold prices for the same card in other slabs.
- Near-perfect card: consider BGS for a shot at subgrades or a Black Label, but only if the card can really hold up.
- Pokémon / TCG: compare PSA and CGC sold prices for your exact card.
- Vintage: SGC and PSA are both strong; many vintage collectors like the tuxedo look.
- Personal collection: pick the slab you like looking at, at the lowest total cost.
Whichever you choose, the decision to grade comes first. Our guide Is It Worth Grading Your Sports Card? walks through the numbers, and How Card Grading Works explains the process.
Sources: SGC grading scale, PSA grading standards, ESPN on Collectors buying Beckett, SCA grading standards comparison, Hobby Card Index SGC guide.