PSA Grading Costs Are Rising in 2026: What You Need to Know Before Submitting

PSA grading costs are increasing in 2026, and collectors need to understand how these changes will affect their submissions. The authentication leader is adjusting pricing across multiple service levels while extending turnaround times for graded trading cards. These modifications impact everything from bulk submissions to premium services, consequently affecting how collectors approach their grading strategies. Whether you primarily use PSA, Beckett, or other grading companies for your trading cards, understanding these new rates is essential for planning your graded cards budget and submission timing moving forward.

PSA Price Increases for 2026

The February 10, 2026 pricing update affects five primary service levels at PSA, with increases ranging from $3 to $5 per card ¹. Each tier sees a price adjustment that pushes psa grading costs higher across the board for trading cards submissions.

Value Bulk Pricing Changes

Value Bulk moved from $21.99 to $24.99 per card ¹. This represents a $3 increase on PSA's most economical option, which carries a maximum insured value of $500 per card ². The service remains exclusive to PSA Collectors Club members who pay an annual fee of either $149 or $199 ¹.

A significant structural change accompanies this price adjustment. PSA consolidated its separate TCG Bulk service into the standard Value Bulk tier ³. Prior to this update, TCG Bulk grading cost $18.99 per card ³. The consolidation means all bulk submissions, whether sports cards or TCG, now fall under a single multi-category service level at the new $24.99 price point ³.

This marks the second increase for Value Bulk in recent months. The service was priced at $19.99 before jumping to $21.99 in late September 2025 ¹. Viewed over this timeframe, the cost has risen $5 per card in approximately five months.

Value and Value Plus Updates

The Value tier increased from $27.99 to $32.99, representing a $5 jump ¹. This service maintains the same $500 maximum insured value as Value Bulk but doesn't require minimum submission quantities like the bulk option ².

Value Plus saw its pricing climb from $44.99 to $49.99 ¹. This $5 increase affects one of PSA's most popular mid-tier options for graded cards. Compared to the September 2025 pricing when Value Plus cost $39.99, collectors now pay $10 more per card for this service level ¹.

Value Max and Regular Service Adjustments

Value Max pricing shifted from $59.99 to $64.99 per card ¹. Regular service, which offers faster processing than Value Max, increased from $74.99 to $79.99 ¹. Both tiers received the standard $5 increase applied across most service levels.

These adjustments continue a pattern established in September 2025, when PSA raised prices across multiple tiers including Value Bulk (from $19.99 to $21.99), Value (from $24.99 to $27.99), and Value Plus (from $39.99 to $44.99) ¹.

What Services Remain Unchanged

Express and all higher-tier service levels maintain their current pricing structure ¹. These premium options, which command significantly higher per-card costs, were not adjusted in this update cycle.

The pricing changes apply exclusively to cards. PSA's grading services for comic books, magazines, video games, tickets, packs, and other collectible categories remain at their existing price points ¹. Dual Service pricing adjusts proportionally based on the applicable grading service level ¹.

Submissions created before February 10, 2026, honor the original pricing structure ¹. Cards already in transit to PSA or currently in the grading queue continue through the process at their submitted rates without being subject to the new increases ¹.

Updated Turnaround Times for Card Grading

Turnaround times are extending alongside the pricing adjustments, affecting three of PSA's most utilized service levels for graded trading cards. Each tier receives a five-business-day increase that pushes expected completion dates further into the future.

Value Plus Timeline Extension

Value Plus processing time moved from 40 to 45 business days ⁴. This extension affects collectors who use this middle-tier option to balance psa grading costs with reasonable return timelines. Previously, Value Plus had already experienced timeline increases from 20 to 25 business days during the September 2025 adjustments ³. The current change represents the second extension for this service level within a six-month period, pushing total processing time more than double what it was earlier in 2025.

Value Max Processing Time

Value Max turnaround extends from 30 to 35 business days ⁴. This five-day addition impacts one of the faster standard options available to collectors. By comparison, Value Max was processing cards in just 15 to 20 business days before the September 2025 modifications ³. The compounded effect of these two increases means Value Max now takes nearly twice as long as it did less than a year ago.

Regular Service Turnaround

Regular service timelines shift from 20 to 25 business days ⁴. Despite the extension, Regular maintains its position as a faster alternative to Value Max and Value Plus tiers. Historical data shows Regular service operated at 10 to 15 business days before September 2025 ³. The pattern mirrors what's happening across other tiers, with processing windows expanding as submission demand continues.

These timeline modifications apply exclusively to new submissions created on or after February 10, 2026 ⁴. Cards already submitted, currently in transit, or sitting in PSA's queue continue processing under the original estimated turnaround times ⁴. This means collectors who submitted before the cutoff date retain their faster processing estimates regardless of when their cards actually get graded.

How This Compares to Previous Years

The timeline extensions mark the second major adjustment cycle in approximately five months. September 2025 saw similar five-day increases across Value Plus, Value Max, Regular, and Express tiers ³. Dual Service options, which combine autograph authentication with card grading, experienced corresponding timeline extensions during that same period ³.

PSA's capacity expansion provides context for these changes. In 2021, the company graded approximately 15,000 cards per day globally ⁴⁵. Current operations process roughly 90,000 cards daily while maintaining grading standards ⁴⁵. This six-fold increase in throughput demonstrates substantial growth, yet demand continues outpacing even this expanded capacity. PSA states daily global throughput could reach hundreds of thousands of cards in coming years as they continue responsible expansion ⁴.

Owing to these sustained submission volumes, collectors who remember the COVID-era grading delays recognize these adjustments as relatively modest. During that period, economy submissions required lottery entry just for the opportunity to submit cards at $50 per item ⁶. The current timeline extensions, while inconvenient, reflect more stable operations than the industry experienced during peak pandemic demand.

Why PSA Is Raising Grading Costs

PSA attributes the February 2026 adjustments to a straightforward operational challenge: aligning submission volume with grading capacity. The company states these updates help balance demand across service tiers while supporting more predictable turnaround expectations ². This explanation has become familiar to collectors, as capacity management and demand alignment have justified nearly every PSA price increase over recent years ⁷.

Record Submission Volumes in 2025-2026

Submission volumes reached unprecedented levels during 2025, creating processing challenges across all service tiers ³. The trading card hobby continues expanding, with more collectors entering the market and grading becoming an increasingly important part of how collections are protected and valued ². This growth reflects a healthy hobby, yet it simultaneously strains grading infrastructure.

PSA regularly monitors submission volume against grading capacity to maintain consistency and predictability across service levels ². In light of sustained demand, the company made the difficult decision to increase both pricing and estimated turnaround times for select tiers ³. The September 2025 adjustments preceded the February 2026 changes by approximately five months, indicating demand pressures remained elevated throughout that period.

Capacity Expansion Investments

PSA has invested substantially in expanding grading capacity worldwide through continued commitment to people, facilities, and technology ². The scale of this expansion becomes clear when examining throughput data. Specifically, PSA graded approximately 15,000 cards per day globally in 2021 ². Presently, the company processes roughly 90,000 cards daily while maintaining consistent standards of accuracy and care ².

This six-fold increase in daily throughput represents significant infrastructure development. PSA plans to expand capacity substantially at both existing and new facilities around the world in 2026 ². Given these points, the company projects daily global throughput could reach hundreds of thousands of cards in coming years ². This scalable infrastructure aims to support long-term hobby health rather than short-term volume spikes.

Maintaining Grading Quality Standards

The point often overlooked in pricing discussions involves maintaining grading consistency despite volume increases. PSA emphasizes its commitment to supporting collectors and the long-term health of the hobby ². The company positions these updates as necessary steps toward ensuring grading remains reliable and predictable as the hobby continues growing ².

Operationally, the explanation makes sense from a business perspective. Practically, it means grading with PSA in 2026 costs more and delivers less flexibility than it did previously ⁷. Grading with PSA becomes more expensive and selective by necessity, particularly for collectors submitting lower value graded cards or bulk orders ⁷. The adjustments reflect a deliberate choice to manage volume through pricing rather than allow service quality to deteriorate under unsustainable submission levels.

How These Changes Impact Collectors

Collectors face tangible financial and operational consequences from these adjustments. The math behind each submission requires recalculation, particularly for cards sitting near the profitability threshold where grading fees consume potential returns.

Cost Per Card Breakdown

A Value Bulk submission at $24.99 per card means a 20-card order costs $499.80 before shipping and insurance ². By the same token, Value Plus at $49.99 pushes that same 20-card submission to $999.80 ². These totals demand more selective card evaluation before submission.

Cards valued between $50 and $150 raw now require careful consideration. A $100 raw card graded at Value Plus costs $49.99, leaving minimal profit margin unless it achieves a high grade that substantially increases market value ². Lower-tier modern cards that might grade PSA 9 often see price increases too modest to justify current psa grading costs.

Dual Service pricing increases proportionally with card grading rates ². Collectors seeking autograph authentication alongside grading face compounded cost pressures. Specifically, a Value Plus dual service submission costs more than standard card grading alone.

Timeline Planning for Submissions

Business days exclude weekends and holidays, which extends actual calendar time beyond stated estimates. A 45-business-day turnaround for Value Plus translates to roughly nine weeks or more depending on holiday schedules ². Value Max at 35 business days means approximately seven weeks minimum ².

Collectors planning submissions around specific selling windows or card shows need to account for these extended timelines. A card submitted in March at the Value Plus level might not return until late May. In effect, strategic timing becomes crucial for maximizing graded cards value during peak selling seasons.

Cards Already in Queue

Submissions created before February 10, 2026 maintain original pricing and turnaround estimates ²⁸. Cards in transit to PSA or currently processing continue under previous terms regardless of when grading actually completes ². This grandfathering protects collectors who submitted before the changes took effect.

Nevertheless, receiving takes approximately 15 business days presently on account of high submission volumes ³. The turnaround clock starts after PSA opens and enters submissions into their system, not upon package arrival ³.

Alternative Service Level Options

Other grading companies present viable alternatives as psa grading costs rise. CGC gained reputation for faster turnaround times compared to PSA and Beckett ⁹. SGC standard submissions often complete faster than PSA with more straightforward pricing structures ¹⁰.

Beckett charges approximately $15 per card for standard service, though market acceptance varies by card type ¹¹. For lower-value modern cards, companies like GMA offer $3.50 per card pricing ¹¹. The trade-off involves reduced resale premiums compared to PSA-graded cards.

PSA-graded cards typically command the highest premiums and broadest marketplace recognition ¹¹. Beckett and SGC graded cards sell well within their niches but expect slightly lower peak prices ¹¹. Collectors must weigh cost savings against potential resale value differences when considering alternative grading companies for their trading cards.

What You Should Know Before Submitting

Submitting cards requires more than understanding new rates. Several practical considerations determine whether PSA remains your best option or if alternatives better serve your collection goals.

Calculating Your Total Grading Investment

Declared value determines two critical factors: service level selection and maximum insurance coverage ¹². This insurance begins only when your order reaches "Order Prep" status, meaning PSA has received, unpacked, and identified your items ¹². PSA doesn't insure cards during inbound shipping ¹².

Calculate total costs by adding per-card grading fees, membership costs if applicable, and shipping expenses ¹. Ship with insurance to protect against loss or damage in transit ¹. Fill out PSA's submission form accurately with year, set, card number, and player or character name ¹. Getting these details right helps PSA identify your cards correctly in their system.

Choosing the Right Service Level

Match your card's potential post-grading value to the appropriate service tier. Cards worth hundreds or thousands after grading justify Regular or Express for quicker turnaround ¹. Common or moderately valuable cards work better with Value Bulk or Value services ¹.

When to Wait vs Submit Now

Consider market timing and selling windows. If grading costs consume too much of your expected profit margin, waiting for potential future rate decreases makes sense. Besides, if you need cards by a specific date, factor in extended turnaround times when deciding whether to submit now or postpone.

Exploring Other Grading Companies

BGS basic grading starts at $14.95 per card for 45-plus business day turnaround, with an additional $3 for subgrades ¹. CGC offers bulk rates starting around $12 per card ¹. SGC provides significantly cheaper options compared to PSA and BGS with generally faster turnaround times ¹³.

PSA-graded cards command premiums exceeding $100 compared to other companies ¹³, making PSA the choice for maximizing resale value ⁴. Choose BGS for detailed subgrades ⁴ or CGC for fast, affordable grading ⁴.

Conclusion

PSA's 2026 price increases and extended turnaround times require collectors to approach submissions more strategically than before. For this reason, calculating total costs against potential returns becomes essential before sending any cards for grading.

The math changed significantly with rates climbing $3 to $5 per card. Run the numbers on each submission to ensure grading fees don't consume your profit margins. Most important, factor in those extended processing windows when planning around selling opportunities or card shows.

Whether you stick with PSA for maximum resale premiums or explore alternative grading companies for cost savings, make informed decisions based on your specific cards and collection goals. Your submission strategy should adapt to these new realities.

References

[1] - https://www.eneba.com/hub/play-to-earn/how-much-does-psa-grading-cost/?srsltid=AfmBOop36TK8SaF7PrZTlml5ylKpW78UuWz7HqBtNkS5P_kc_L4Q_Sio
[2] - https://www.psacard.com/articles/articleview/15663/grading-services-update-february-2026
[3] - https://www.psacard.com/info/submission-delays
[4] - https://phantomdisplay.com/blogs/blog/where-should-you-grade-your-cards-a-comprehensive-comparison-of-psa-bgs-and-cgc?srsltid=AfmBOoqDHsquen1IuVTXztJB32GyxcLKkS2OmdrlmkAku9mZucqMGV8o
[5] - https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/psa-increasing-prices-turnaround-time-141500962.html
[6] - https://www.si.com/collectibles/psa-increasing-card-grading-prices-and-turnaround-times
[7] - https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2026/02/10/psa-grading-price-increase-2026/
[8] - https://www.psacard.com/info/submission-updates
[9] - https://phantomdisplay.com/blogs/blog/where-should-you-grade-your-cards-a-comprehensive-comparison-of-psa-bgs-and-cgc?srsltid=AfmBOorpupdl5bKQUON_U7JlGgl_43Ipm4t36mt0FjieOVGpe_iMTIH0
[10] - https://www.thornberrymedia.com/post/are-psa-s-controversies-catching-up-these-grading-alternatives-are-gaining-trust
[11] - https://www.quora.com/Are-there-any-good-cheaper-alternatives-to-PSA-grading-of-baseball-cards
[12] - https://www.psacard.com/info/get-started
[13] - https://giantsportscards.com/blogs/blog/understanding-psa-bgs-sgc-the-best-sports-card-grading-company?srsltid=AfmBOorNqXBH7-d7LDbtiPUxrDeH5ovVEtnAslUV3zeIgVotq4euDETe