Submitting cards to PSA is exciting, but before your cards can be graded, they need to get there safely.

Whether you are sending Pokémon cards, sports cards, Magic: The Gathering cards, One Piece cards, Lorcana cards, or other trading cards, proper packaging is one of the most important parts of the PSA submission process.

A great card can lose value if it gets damaged in transit, and a poorly organized submission can create delays. PSA’s official shipping guide says submitters should use materials such as clear penny sleeves, semi-rigid card holders, cardboard dividers, rubber bands, bubble wrap, packing tape, a new shipping box, and the printed submission form.

Before you ship your cards, first-time PSA submitters can also save money by using PSA promo code:

BOXEDVINYL25

Use promo code BOXEDVINYL25 to get $25 off your first PSA grading submission.

What You Need to Package Cards for PSA

Before you start packing your PSA order, gather your supplies.

You will need:

• Clear penny sleeves
• Semi-rigid card holders, such as Card Saver-style holders
• Cardboard dividers
• Rubber bands
• Bubble wrap or other packing material
• A new, sturdy shipping box
• Packing tape
• Your printed PSA submission form

PSA specifically lists clear penny sleeves and semi-rigid card holders among the recommended materials for preparing a card submission.

Step 1: Inspect Your Cards Before Packaging

Before placing your cards into sleeves, inspect each card carefully.

Look for:

• Corner whitening
• Edge wear
• Surface scratches
• Print lines
• Dents or bends
• Centering issues
• Stains or residue

This step matters because packaging your cards for PSA does not improve the condition of the card. If a card has damage before submission, that damage may affect the final grade.

For Pokémon cards, sports cards, and modern TCG cards, collectors often look closely at centering, corners, edges, and surface quality before deciding whether a card is worth submitting.

Step 2: Place Each Card in a Penny Sleeve

Start by placing each card into a clean penny sleeve.

Use a fresh, clear sleeve without dirt, dust, labels, stickers, or residue. Do not force the card into the sleeve. Slide it in carefully to avoid catching a corner.

For valuable cards, take your time. The goal is to protect the card without creating new damage during the packaging process.

Step 3: Place the Sleeved Card Into a Semi-Rigid Card Holder

After the card is in a penny sleeve, place the sleeved card into a semi-rigid card holder.

PSA’s shipping guide recommends semi-rigid card holders as part of the packaging process.

Many collectors use Card Saver-style holders because they are flexible enough for PSA to remove the card safely during processing.

Step 4: Do Not Use Toploaders Unless PSA Specifically Allows It

For standard card submissions, avoid using regular toploaders as your default packaging method.

PSA’s guide references semi-rigid card holders, not standard hard plastic toploaders, as the recommended holder type for card submissions.

Toploaders can make it harder to remove cards safely and may not match PSA’s preferred submission process. Always check PSA’s current instructions before shipping.

Step 5: Keep Cards in the Same Order as Your Submission Form

Once your cards are sleeved and placed in semi-rigid holders, organize them in the exact order listed on your PSA submission form.

This is one of the most important steps.

If your PSA submission form lists the cards as:

1. Charizard
2. Pikachu
3. Shohei Ohtani
4. Michael Jordan
5. Serialized Magic card

Then your physical card stack should be in that exact same order.

Keeping your cards organized helps PSA process your order more efficiently and reduces the chance of confusion.

Step 6: Sandwich the Cards Between Cardboard

After the cards are stacked in order, place them between two pieces of cardboard.

The cardboard should be slightly larger than the cards and holders. This helps protect the stack from bending during transit.

Do not use cardboard that is dirty, wet, weak, or already damaged. The cardboard should be firm enough to protect the stack without crushing the cards.

Step 7: Secure the Card Stack with Rubber Bands

Use rubber bands to gently secure the cardboard-and-card stack.

The rubber bands should hold the stack together, but they should not be so tight that they bend or compress the cards.

The goal is to keep the cards from sliding around while still avoiding pressure damage.

PSA lists rubber bands and cardboard dividers among the materials used for preparing card submissions.

Step 8: Wrap the Stack in Bubble Wrap

Next, wrap the secured card stack in bubble wrap or another protective packing material.

This adds another layer of protection inside the shipping box.

Make sure the stack is protected on all sides. The cards should not be directly touching the walls of the box.

Step 9: Place Everything in a New, Sturdy Box

Place the wrapped card stack inside a new, sturdy cardboard shipping box.

PSA recommends using a new shipping box as part of the submission packaging process.

Avoid reusing weak or damaged boxes. If the box has crushed corners, old tape, water damage, or soft spots, use a different box.

Step 10: Add Packing Material So Nothing Moves

Once the cards are inside the box, fill any empty space with packing material.

Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or similar material to prevent movement.

When you gently shake the box, you should not feel the card stack sliding around. Movement inside the box increases the risk of damage during shipping.

Step 11: Include Your PSA Submission Form

Include the required PSA submission paperwork in the box.

Your printed PSA submission form helps PSA identify and process your order. PSA’s shipping guide lists the submission form as one of the materials needed for sending cards in.

Before sealing the box, confirm that the form is included and that your cards are in the same order as the submission.

Step 12: Seal the Box Securely

Use strong packing tape to seal the box.

Tape all seams securely. Make sure the label is attached clearly and the package is ready for carrier handling.

If PSA provides specific labels, barcodes, or shipping instructions during the submission process, follow those instructions carefully.

PSA Card Packaging Checklist

Before shipping your PSA submission, use this checklist:

• Cards inspected for condition
• Each card placed in a penny sleeve
• Each sleeved card placed in a semi-rigid card holder
• Cards arranged in submission form order
• Card stack placed between cardboard
• Stack gently secured with rubber bands
• Stack wrapped in bubble wrap
• Submission form included
• Box filled with packing material
• Box sealed with packing tape
• Shipping label attached correctly
• Promo code BOXEDVINYL25 used before checkout if eligible

Common PSA Packaging Mistakes to Avoid

Using the Wrong Card Holders

For standard card submissions, use semi-rigid card holders unless PSA’s current instructions say otherwise.

Packing Cards Out of Order

Your cards should match the order on your PSA submission form.

Using Dirty Sleeves

Do not use scratched, dusty, cloudy, sticky, or labeled sleeves.

Making the Rubber Bands Too Tight

Rubber bands should secure the stack, not crush it.

Leaving Empty Space in the Box

If the cards can move around inside the box, add more packing material.

Forgetting the Submission Form

Do not seal the box until you confirm your PSA submission paperwork is included.

Forgetting to Use Promo Code BOXEDVINYL25

If this is your first PSA grading submission, enter promo code BOXEDVINYL25 before completing your order to save $25.

Where to Enter PSA Promo Code BOXEDVINYL25

During the PSA online submission process, look for the promo code field before completing checkout.

Enter:

BOXEDVINYL25

The code gives first-time PSA submitters $25 off their first PSA grading submission.

Make sure the discount applies before finishing your order. If you complete the submission without entering the code, you may miss the discount.

What Cards Should You Send to PSA?

Not every card is worth grading. Before packaging your submission, consider whether the card has enough value or collector demand to justify grading.

Good PSA grading candidates may include:

• Pokémon alternate art cards
• Vintage Pokémon holos
• Popular sports rookie cards
• Autographed cards
• Serial-numbered cards
• Magic: The Gathering serialized cards
• One Piece manga rares and leader cards
• Disney Lorcana enchanted cards
• Rare promotional cards
• High-value vintage cards

A card may be worth grading if the PSA 9 or PSA 10 value is significantly higher than the raw value.

How to Package Pokémon Cards for PSA

Pokémon cards should be packaged the same way as most standard trading cards:

1. Place the Pokémon card in a clean penny sleeve
2. Insert the sleeved card into a semi-rigid holder
3. Organize cards in the same order as the PSA submission form
4. Place the stack between cardboard
5. Secure gently with rubber bands
6. Wrap in bubble wrap
7. Pack inside a sturdy box with no empty space

This process works for modern Pokémon cards, vintage holos, full arts, alternate arts, secret rares, and promotional cards.

How to Package Sports Cards for PSA

Sports cards should also be placed in penny sleeves and semi-rigid card holders.

Pay close attention to thicker cards, patch cards, relic cards, and autographed cards. Some thicker cards may require different handling or holders, so always check PSA’s current instructions before shipping.

For standard sports cards, keep the same general process:

• Sleeve
• Semi-rigid holder
• Submission order
• Cardboard protection
• Bubble wrap
• Sturdy box

Final Thoughts: Package Carefully and Save $25

Packaging your cards correctly helps protect your PSA submission from damage, delays, and processing issues.

Take your time, use the right supplies, keep your cards organized, and follow PSA’s current shipping instructions.

And before you complete your first PSA grading submission, use promo code:

BOXEDVINYL25

to get $25 off your first PSA grading submission.

FAQ: How to Package Cards for PSA Submission

What is the best way to package cards for PSA?

The best way to package cards for PSA is to place each card in a clear penny sleeve, insert it into a semi-rigid card holder, organize the cards in submission form order, sandwich the stack between cardboard, secure it gently, wrap it in bubble wrap, and ship it in a sturdy box.

Does PSA want cards in penny sleeves?

Yes. PSA’s shipping guide lists clear penny sleeves as one of the materials used for card submissions.

Does PSA want cards in Card Savers?

PSA recommends semi-rigid card holders for card submissions. Card Saver-style holders are commonly used by collectors for PSA submissions.

Can I send cards to PSA in toploaders?

For standard card submissions, semi-rigid card holders are the preferred option listed in PSA’s shipping guide. Check PSA’s current instructions before using toploaders.

Should my PSA cards be in the same order as the submission form?

Yes. You should keep your physical card stack in the same order as the cards listed on your PSA submission form.

What promo code gives $25 off PSA grading?

Use PSA promo code BOXEDVINYL25 to get $25 off your first PSA grading submission.