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PSA, BGS or CGC: which to choose for grading Pokémon cards

Updated on 16/10/2026

PSA, BGS or CGC: which to choose for grading Pokémon cards
PSABGS (Beckett)CGCScale1–101–10 with half points1–10 with half pointsSubgradesNo (qualifiers like OC)Yes: centring, corners, edges, surfaceOn requestTop gradeGem Mint 10Pristine 10 / Black LabelPristine 10StrengthThe most tradedDetailed subgradesClear labels
The three most used companies for Pokémon cards compared (simplified diagram: services and fees change over time, always check the official website).

PSA: the most widespread

PSA is the most used company for Pokémon cards: a single grade from 1 to 10, a red label and a huge market. That's why a PSA 10 card is the easiest to resell and often fetches the highest price. When centring is poor, PSA can add a qualifier like OC (off-centre).

BGS: subgrades and the Black Label

Beckett (BGS) gives four subgrades (centring, corners, edges, surface) and a final grade with half points. When all four subgrades are 10, the card gets the Black Label: it's extremely rare and many collectors' dream.

CGC: clarity and Pristine 10

CGC comes from the comics world and is now widely used for cards too. The top grade is Pristine 10, above Gem Mint 10; subgrades can be requested. It's often the choice of people grading many cards with an eye on costs.

POKÉMON CARD · JPNCERT. 00000000 · SAMPLE10
What a graded card looks like: a sealed hard case with a label, grade and certificate number. Sample illustration with one of our cards, no real brands.

Which to choose

If you want…Choose
To resell at the highest pricePSA
To know exactly where the card loses pointsBGS (subgrades)
To grade lots of cards for lessCGC
To try for the rarest grade in the worldBGS Black Label

Japanese cards

Japanese cards are graded exactly like the others, and their careful printing makes them excellent candidates for high grades. Before sending them, prepare them as explained in how to store your cards; for how grading works in general, read grading Pokémon cards.

SARs worth grading, from our catalogue

Pikachu ex 126/103 — 30th Celebration JP

Pikachu ex

126/103

74,99 €3 pcs
Salamence ex 133/103 — 30th Celebration JP

Salamence ex

133/103

19,99 €2 pcs
Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR 234/172 — VSTAR Universe

Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR

234/172

36,49 €2 pcs
Deoxys VSTAR 223/172 — VSTAR Universe

Deoxys VSTAR

223/172

32,99 €1 pcs

Frequently asked questions

PSA, BGS or CGC: which is better?+
To resell Pokémon cards, PSA is the most traded and usually fetches the highest prices. BGS is liked for its subgrades and the ultra-rare Black Label, CGC for its clear labels and often lower fees.
What is a BGS Black Label?+
A BGS 10 where all four subgrades (centring, corners, edges, surface) are 10: it's extremely rare and worth far more than a regular 10.
What does Pristine 10 mean?+
It's CGC's top grade, above Gem Mint 10: a card that's perfect even under magnification. BGS uses the same word for its 10.
What does OC mean on a PSA label?+
OC stands for off-centre: it's a qualifier PSA adds when the centring is worse than the grade would suggest.

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