How to Tell if Your Card is Worth Grading: A First-Time Collector’s Checklist

If you’re new to card collecting, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Is my card worth grading?” Submitting cards to PSA can protect your collection and boost long-term value, but not every card is a good candidate. Grading costs money and time, so making the right choice is key — especially for first-time collectors.

To help, we’ve created a simple checklist to know if your card is worth grading with PSA. And don’t forget: when you’re ready to grade, you can save $25 off your first PSA submission with promo code BOXEDVINYL25.

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First-Time Collector’s PSA Grading Checklist

1. Card Value & Market Demand

• Is the card already selling well in the marketplace?

• Does it feature a popular character, player, or artwork (e.g., Charizard, Jordan, chase cards)?

• Could PSA grading raise its resale value significantly?

💡 Rule of Thumb: If the card’s graded value (PSA 9 or 10) is at least 2–3x higher than its raw value, it’s often worth grading.

2. Card Condition (Pre-Grading Review)

Before sending your card to PSA, do a careful inspection under good lighting:

• Centering: Borders should look even on all sides.

• Surface: Look for scratches, dents, or print lines.

• Corners: Should be sharp with no whitening.

• Edges: Clean, without chips or damage.

Collectors often use magnifiers and card sleeves for inspection. Even a small flaw can drop a grade from a PSA 10 to a PSA 8, which heavily affects value.

3. Card Age & Rarity

Older cards and rare inserts tend to benefit most from grading. Examples include:

• Vintage Pokémon Base Set holos

• First Edition or stamped promos

• Sports rookie cards

• Short-print alternate arts

If your card is scarce and has collector demand, PSA grading can solidify its place as an investment piece.

4. Personal vs. Investment Value

Not every grading decision is about profit. Some collectors grade cards for:

• Personal keepsakes (favorite characters or players)

• Preservation (slabbed protection against wear)

• Display purposes (slabs look great for showcasing collections)

Even if the card isn’t highly valuable, grading may still be worth it for sentimental reasons.

5. Submission Costs & Promo Savings

PSA grading fees vary depending on card value and service level. That’s why first-time collectors should be smart about cost.

👉 Use promo code BOXEDVINYL25 at checkout and get $25 off your first PSA submission. That discount can make testing the grading process far more affordable for beginners.

Final Thoughts: Is Your Card Worth Grading?

The decision comes down to condition, rarity, and demand. If your card passes the checklist above, it’s likely a strong candidate for PSA grading — especially if the graded value is substantially higher than the raw price.

For first-time collectors, grading can feel overwhelming, but it’s also one of the best ways to protect and grow your collection. When you’re ready to start, visit PSA and use promo code BOXEDVINYL25 to get $25 off your first PSA grading order.

Your collection deserves the protection, authentication, and value boost that PSA provides.