How to Submit Cards to PSA: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Step 1: Create a PSA Account

Before you can submit cards, you need a free account at psacard.com. Go to the PSA website, click "Submit," and create your account with your name, email, and shipping address. Your account will be used to track every submission, view grades when they are assigned, and manage your grading history.

Keep your shipping address up to date — PSA returns graded cards to the address on file, and address changes after submission can cause delays.

Step 2: Decide Which Cards to Submit

Not every card is worth the cost of PSA grading. Before filling out any forms, evaluate each card honestly.

• Value threshold: The graded card needs to be worth at least $35-$75 more than its raw value to break even on all-in grading costs.
• Condition check: Inspect centering (must be 60/40 or better for PSA 10), corners, edges, and surface. Learn our grading terminology if these terms are new.
• AI pre-screening: Upload your cards to GradingMetric's submit-or-hold tool to get AI-powered grade predictions. Only submit cards with a positive expected value.

Being selective here is the most important step. Submitting 10 carefully selected cards will generate better returns than submitting 50 cards randomly.

Step 3: Choose Your Service Tier

PSA offers multiple service levels. Choose based on your budget, timeline, and card values.

• Value ($20/card): Best for cards under $500 declared value. 60-120+ business day turnaround. The most popular tier for casual collectors.
• Economy ($35/card): Faster than Value at 45-65 business days. Same $499 max declared value.
• Regular ($75/card): 20-30 business day turnaround. Required for cards with declared value $500-$4,999.
• Express ($150/card): 10 business day turnaround. For cards valued up to $9,999.
• Super Express and Walk-Through: 1-5 business days at $200-$300+. For high-value, time-sensitive submissions.

Not sure if PSA is the right choice for your cards? Compare fees and turnaround times across all grading companies with our PSA vs BGS vs CGC comparison.

Step 4: Fill Out the Submission Form

Log into your PSA account and create a new submission order. For each card, you will need to provide:

• Card year: The year the card was produced (e.g., 2024)
• Card brand/set: The manufacturer and set name (e.g., Topps Chrome, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet 151)
• Card number: The card number as printed on the card
• Player/character name: Who is featured on the card
• Card variation: Refractor, holo, reverse holo, autograph, etc.
• Declared value: Your honest estimate of the card's current market value. This determines your service tier and insurance coverage.

Double-check every entry. Incorrect card identification causes delays and can result in wrong labels.

Step 5: Package Your Cards

Proper packaging is critical. PSA has specific requirements that, if not followed, will delay your submission.

• Penny sleeve first: Place each card in a clean penny sleeve.
• Card saver second: Insert the sleeved card into a semi-rigid card saver. Do NOT use toploaders — PSA requires card savers and will delay processing if you use toploaders.
• Label each card saver: Write the line number from your submission form on a small piece of tape attached to the card saver. This matches each card to its form entry.
• Stack cards neatly: Place labeled card savers in a small box or card storage box. Cards should be snug but not bent or compressed.
• Cushion the box: Wrap the inner box with bubble wrap and place it inside a slightly larger shipping box. Fill any empty space with packing material.

Include a printed copy of your submission form in the box. Some submitters also include a packing slip inside a ziplock bag for protection.

Step 6: Ship to PSA

Ship your package to PSA's submission center address (listed on your submission confirmation page). Important shipping tips:

• Use tracked, insured shipping: USPS Priority Mail with insurance, UPS, or FedEx. Match insurance to your total declared value.
• Get delivery confirmation: Signature confirmation is recommended for high-value submissions.
• Ship early in the week: Monday-Wednesday shipments avoid weekend warehouse backlogs at PSA's facility.
• Save your tracking number: You will need this to verify delivery and contact PSA if there are issues.

PSA's turnaround clock starts when they log your submission as received, not when the package arrives at their facility. There is typically a 1-5 business day gap between delivery and logging.

Step 7: Track and Receive Your Cards

After PSA receives your submission, you can track progress in your account. Cards move through several stages: Received, Research & ID, Grading, Assembly, Quality Assurance, and Shipped.

When your cards are ready, PSA ships them back to the address on your account. Graded cards arrive in their tamper-evident slabs with the grade, card details, and unique certification number on the label.

Check each card against your submission form to verify correct grades and identification. If anything seems wrong, contact PSA customer service promptly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using toploaders instead of card savers: This is the #1 packaging mistake. PSA requires semi-rigid card savers.
• Wrong declared value: Declaring too low risks inadequate insurance. Declaring too high may require a more expensive service tier.
• Submitting cards that will not grade well: Every $20+ fee on a card that gets PSA 7 or 8 is money lost. Pre-screen with the cost guide in mind.
• Not insuring the shipment: If your package is lost without insurance, you lose both the cards and the grading fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to submit cards to PSA?

PSA grading starts at $20 per card for Value service. Add $10-$30 for shipping each way, $1-$3 per card for supplies, and optional insurance. Total all-in cost is typically $35-$75 per card for economy tiers.

How many cards can I submit to PSA at once?

There is no strict maximum. Most service tiers have minimum card counts (typically 10+ for Value pricing). You can submit hundreds of cards in a single order. Larger submissions benefit from lower per-card shipping costs.

Can I submit cards from any country?

Yes, PSA accepts international submissions. International collectors should factor in higher shipping costs, customs fees, and longer transit times. Many international collectors use a US-based forwarding service.

What happens if PSA damages my card?

PSA carries insurance for cards in their possession. If a card is damaged during grading, contact PSA customer service with your order number and photos. PSA's liability is typically limited to the declared value.

Should I submit to PSA or another grading company?

PSA is the best choice for maximum resale value on most cards. However, CGC offers faster turnaround at lower prices, BGS is better for flawless cards targeting Black Label, and SGC excels with vintage. Use GradingMetric to compare all four companies for your specific card.