What Cards Are Worth Grading? A Guide to Valuable Trading Cards in 2026

Should you grade all of your cards?

It is a common misconception that only the most valuable trading cards are worth grading. Undeniably, these cards are often worth taking a look at to see if they could return as a 9 or 10, but it isn’t just top-end cards that deserve a once-over.

In fact, we know plenty of collectors and trading card enthusiasts who only collect specific teams, players, or characters, and have built a whole collection around graded cards that don’t consider value at all. So, when you consider what cards are worth grading, you really need to consider your own collection.

Of course, there are factors to consider in making it cost–effective. Those considering grading Pokémon cards will likely avoid modern commons, as the cost of these cards equates to about $0.02. When you consider that each card will cost you between $15 and $600 to grade, you can see why it is wise to be selective when considering what and how to grade your cards.

A complete guide to card grading

Now, we want to focus on how to grade sports cards, One Piece cards, and just about everything in between.

Purchase packs

First and foremost, you’ll want to get hold of packs. Depending on the CCG you collect, this could be harder than you first anticipate. Make sure marketing preferences are on and keep an eye on those emails to learn when the next drops may take place.

Also, it is worth considering whether you plan to simply buy the odd pack in the wild or purchase booster boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs), booster bundles, or other promo collections. Once you’ve made your purchases (and decided you don’t wish to collect sealed products), you’re ready for ripping.

Look for big-hitters or those you collect

Most CCGs provide you with a selection of commons, uncommons, and the chance to find an EX, Holo, special, rare, or other top-end card with every pack. When you’ve opened your pack, you’ll be looking for the very best cards or those you collect before you consider getting them graded.

Check for whitening and centering

This is arguably the most important step of all. Both centering and whitening are crucial to the grading experience, and those sought-after 10s will be perfectly aligned and perfectly clean. New CCG fans instantly think that a pack-fresh card is a 10, but this simply isn’t the case.

Aside from centering and whitening, you’ll also want to consider surface scratches. This can instantly drop you down to a 7 or 8 without a second look. This is why sleeves and top loaders are crucial to keeping cards in top condition.

Use a tool or check with a vendor

Oftentimes, we can get a little ahead of ourselves when we pull one of the set’s biggest cards. We have all gotten ahead of ourselves in the office beforehand, claiming “it’s definitely a 10”; however, on closer inspection, it is just another card for the binder.

With this, we would be quick to suggest purchasing a dedicated tool that helps to take the guesswork out of things. These are small, see-through card checkers, with alignments in place for you. Alternatively, if you are near a card store or attending a card show, it’s best to consider asking a trusted vendor.

Choose your grading company

If you’ve found yourself a card with potential, the next big question is who you will go with. PSA? BGS? ACE? All of these are respected names within the community, but the costs, future resale value, turnaround times, and presentation will differ greatly.

Send off your collection

We have briefly touched on protection earlier in this guide, but what about sending things off? We suggest waiting until you have several grade-worthy cards to save on postage. Plus, having numerous cards back to back can help them retain shape and avoid excessive movement in transit.

Naturally, the usual suspects: A strong box, bubble wrap, sleeves, and toploaders are involved, but also consider sending your items tracked.

Wait for your cards to be returned

Wait times vary. If the huge price differential earlier wasn’t enough to clear things up, let us explain. Your $15 submissions are for lower-end cards with longer wait times. This can be upwards of six months, since the recent boom. Your $600 price tag is attached to the most valuable cards with a same-day turnaround. You pay for what you get in this business, so choose what works for you.

Alternative ways to own graded cards

Despite all of your efforts, you may still find that a graded company disagrees with your initial assessment. There have been many times we have sent off in the hopes of a 10, only to find an 8 or 9 returned to us.

The only way to avoid this happening is to purchase directly or to check out the latest card rip platforms. The latter works by purchasing packs, watching them being digitally ripped online, and deciding whether you want to sell or have whatever is pulled shipped out to you.

Conclusion: Is it time to get your cards graded?

As you can see, not all cards are worth grading. Generally speaking, it is wise to consider top-end pulls or cards that suit your own collection. Commons, uncommons, and most modern holos won’t make the cut, but it all depends on your own preferences, time constraints, and how much you are willing to spend.

Unfortunately, even after all the relevant checks, your cards may still come back at a lower grade than anticipated. The only way to avoid this is by purchasing outright or by pulling a top-end graded card from a card rips platform. You can find some of these in the banners on this page, or you can keep pulling and hope to land a 10 very soon.

What Cards Are Worth Grading FAQ