How to Send Cards to PSA: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

Getting PSA cards graded can seem tricky when you're just starting. In August 2024, PSA graded 1.4 million cards. This adds up to more than 50,000 cards each day. It makes sense since cards graded by PSA offer the highest return when compared to other grading services.

The PSA card submission process overwhelms many collectors at first. Your cards need proper preparation and you must follow submission guidelines precisely. PSA, now a 30-year old company, stands as the industry's largest and most trusted third-party authentication and grading service. Valuable cards require careful preparation before mailing, even though package loss rarely occurs. This detailed guide shows you the right way to submit cards to PSA. You'll learn to avoid common pitfalls and get the best possible grades for your collection.

Evaluating Your Cards Before Submission

Getting your cards' grade right is a vital step before sending them to PSA. The value difference between a PSA 9 and PSA 10 can reach thousands of dollars, so you need to take time to check your cards carefully.

Check for surface flaws, corners, and centering

PSA examines four key aspects: centering, edges, corners, and surface condition. Use bright and even lighting with a magnifying glass to check the card. Begin by spotting any surface scratches, dents, or print lines. The next step is to check all four corners for sharpness and wear. Your edges should be free from whitening or fraying. The last step is to measure border widths for centering—a PSA 10 needs centering between 55/45 to 60/40 percent on the front and 75/25 percent on the back.

Estimate the potential PSA grade

You'll grade better when you know PSA's scale. A PSA 10 needs to be perfect with sharp corners, exact centering, and spotless surface. PSA 9s can have one tiny flaw like slight off-centering or a small printing issue. It's smart to stay conservative with your estimates—you'd rather be happy than let down. Note that about 90% of recent sports cards (2017-present) score PSA 8 or higher, but perfect 10s are still hard to find.

Compare with similar graded cards on eBay or PSA database

Research makes all the difference. Check out similar graded cards on eBay or PSA's Auction Prices Realized (APR) database. This shows you what each grade looks like for your card and its market value. On top of that, PSA's Population Report reveals how many cards exist at each grade, which helps you understand rarity.

Use a grading tracker to calculate ROI

A submission tracking spreadsheet will help you stay organized. List your purchase cost, expected grade range, and possible values at different grades. This helps you figure out your return by weighing grading fees against value increases. You can find online calculators to help with this math. The card might not be worth grading if the fees exceed the potential value gain.

Note that eye appeal ends up being one of the most important factors in grading decisions. Cards with small technical issues might still grade well if they look great overall.

Preparing Your Cards for PSA Submission

Card preparation is essential for a successful PSA submission after evaluating your cards. The right preparation protects your cards throughout the grading process.

Clean cards gently with a microfiber cloth

Your cards need significant cleaning before sending them to PSA. A soft microfiber cloth helps remove fingerprints, dust, and smudges from the surface. PSA confirms they're "fine with blowing on it or using a dab of water or using microfiber to clean". Chemicals can damage the card's surface, so never use them. You should hold cards by their edges during cleaning to prevent new fingerprints.

Use penny sleeves and semi-rigid holders (Card Saver 1)

Card Saver 1 holders are PSA's recommended choice for submissions. These semi-rigid holders give extra space that makes insertion and removal safe for card corners. Each card needs a penny sleeve before careful insertion into the Card Saver 1. Wider penny sleeves work better for thicker cards to prevent corner damage during insertion.

Avoid excessive taping, stickers, or wraps

Many collectors believe in using painters tape on individual Card Savers, but PSA discourages this practice. The better approach is stacking your sleeved cards in Card Savers 1s with cardboard around the stack, secured by rubber bands. Rubber bands create "gentle enough pressure to the packet to keep the cards from moving around" without causing damage.

Label cards clearly but don't use sticky notes

Sticky notes should not go directly on card holders during PSA submission preparation because adhesive residue can transfer to cards. The official PSA submission forms are the right way to identify your cards. These forms have designated spaces for all card information and ensure proper processing.

PSA receives thousands of submissions daily, and proper preparation substantially increases your chances of accurate grades. These guidelines help protect your investment throughout the grading process.

How to Submit Cards to PSA Online

The PSA grading process starts with online submission. You can begin submitting your cards through PSA's digital system once they are properly prepared.

Create an account on PSA's website

Go to PSA's website and hit the "Start Submission" button. If you're new, you’ll need to set up an account with your name, email, and shipping info.

Start a new submission and select grading type

The Online Submission Center dashboard lets you create a new submission. Click "New Submission" and select "Trading Cards" as your item type. Next, choose "Grading" as your submission type unless your cards need authentication for autographs.

Enter card details and declared value

PSA's system makes it easy to search for your cards. Type the year, player, and manufacturer for common cards already in their database. You can add rarer cards manually if they aren't listed. Your declared value should reflect each card's estimated worth after grading.

Choose the right service level based on value and turnaround

PSA's service tiers come with different costs and processing times. The Value tier costs around $25 with longer processing times, while Value Plus ($40) provides faster service. Each tier has specific maximum declared value limits—usually $500 for Value/Value Plus tiers. Going over these limits leads to additional charges.

Print submission forms and labels

The final step requires printing confirmation pages and your submission ID packing label. These documents should go with your cards—keep one copy for PSA and one for yourself. The submission ID label belongs on your shipping package's exterior.

Packaging and Shipping Your Cards Safely

The PSA submission process ends with packaging your cards the right way. Your cards need proper preparation for their trip after completing the online submission.

Stack cards in semi-rigid holders and sandwich with cardboard

Put each card in a Card Saver I and stack them exactly as listed on your submission form. The stack needs protection between two pieces of sturdy cardboard that stick out past the holder edges. This barrier keeps cards from bending during shipping.

Use painter's tape or rubber bands (not too tight)

The cardboard-card sandwich needs 2-3 rubber bands in an "X" pattern. Make them snug to stop movement but loose enough to prevent damage. Many collectors add painters tape to cardboard edges for extra protection, but never put tape on card holders.

Place in bubble mailer or small box

A bubble mailer works for less than 10 cards. Notwithstanding that, a small box is what most experts suggest. PSA wants you to use a new shipping box with enough padding.

Add insurance and signature confirmation

USPS Registered Mail gives you maximum security. Additional protection comes from signature confirmation. High-value submissions need photo documentation of your card's condition before shipping.

Avoid overpacking or unnecessary materials

Cards can get damaged from too much packaging material. Skip sticky notes, label pouches, and opaque sleeves. Top loaders and excessive tape should never be used.

Conclusion

PSA card grading can feel overwhelming when you're getting started. Following a clear set of steps ensures that your prized collectibles stay safe and receive their best grades. Spending time checking each card before sending them in matters a lot if you want to get the most out of your investment. Even a small difference in grade can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in value.

Getting ready is an essential part of the process. PSA advises using penny sleeves along with Card Saver 1 holders to keep your cards protected during grading. Wiping off dust and smudges with a microfiber cloth can help ensure your grades aren’t affected.

Submitting online gets simple once your cards are prepped. Open a PSA account and choose the service level suitable for your cards' worth. Then finish the digital forms. The last part is packaging everything . Place your cards between pieces of cardboard, secure them with rubber bands, and pack them in a box that includes tracking and insurance.

PSA processes thousands of cards . Sticking to their rules helps make things go smoother. Stay away from using extra stuff like sticky notes too much tape, or holders they do not suggest. These can cause delays or even extra fees. The wait may feel long, but most collectors find it worth it since graded cards often gain value.