Sending your Pokemon cards off for grading is an exciting but nerve-wracking process. The grade your card receives can dramatically affect its value, so proper preparation is essential. In this guide, we'll walk you through every step to maximize your chances of getting the best possible grade.
Step 1: Evaluate Your Card
Before you do anything else, carefully evaluate your card under good lighting. Look for:
- Corners: Are they sharp and pointed? Any whitening, fraying, or dings?
- Edges: Are they clean and smooth? Any chipping or silvering?
- Surface: Any scratches, print lines, or indentations?
- Centering: Is the image well-centered on all sides?
Use GradePokemon's AI pre-grading tool to get an objective assessment before you spend money on submission fees.
Step 2: Clean Your Card
If your card has surface debris or fingerprints, careful cleaning can help:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Use a clean, microfiber cloth (the kind used for eyeglasses)
- Gently wipe the surface in one direction — never rub back and forth
- For stubborn debris, use a small amount of distilled water on the cloth
- Never use cleaning chemicals, alcohol, or abrasive materials
Warning: Do not attempt to clean a card that has visible scratches or print defects. You could make things worse.
Step 3: Handle with Care
Proper handling is crucial to avoid damaging your card before it reaches the grader:
- Always hold cards by the edges, never touch the surface
- Use cotton gloves if possible
- Work in a clean, well-lit area away from food and drinks
- Keep cards away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Avoid talking directly over cards (saliva can damage the surface)
Step 4: Choose the Right Card Saver
The most common and recommended holder for submitting cards is the Card Saver 1 (for PSA) or semi-rigid card holders. Here's what you need to know:
- PSA: Requires Card Saver 1 holders (semi-rigid)
- CGC: Accepts Card Saver 1 or similar semi-rigid holders
- BGS: Accepts Card Saver 1 or similar semi-rigid holders
Do NOT use one-touch magnetic holders, screw-down holders, or top loaders for submission. These can damage cards during transit and are not accepted by most grading companies.
Step 5: Package for Shipping
Proper packaging ensures your cards arrive safely:
- Place each card in a Card Saver 1 holder
- Use painter's tape (not scotch tape) to seal the holder if needed
- Place cards between two pieces of cardboard for rigidity
- Use a bubble mailer or small box
- Add padding (bubble wrap or packing peanuts) to prevent movement
- Include your submission form and payment
- Ship with tracking and insurance
Step 6: Choose the Right Service Level
Each grading company offers different service levels based on declared value and turnaround time. Choose the level that matches your card's value:
- For cards worth under $200, economy service is usually sufficient
- For cards worth $200-$1000, regular or express service
- For cards worth $1000+, use premium or super-express service
Be honest about your card's declared value. Under-declaring can result in your card being held for additional payment, while over-declaring wastes money.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using top loaders: They're not accepted and can damage cards
- Over-cleaning: Aggressive cleaning can scratch the surface
- Poor packaging: Cards shifting in transit can get damaged
- Not pre-grading: Submitting cards that won't grade well wastes money
- Wrong declared value: Can delay processing or cost extra
Pre-Grade with GradePokemon First
The single most important step is to pre-grade your cards before submitting. Use GradePokemon's AI grading tool to:
- Get estimated grades for PSA, CGC, and BGS
- Identify which cards are worth the submission cost
- Set realistic expectations for your grades
- Save money by only submitting your best cards
With GradePokemon, you get instant AI-powered grading predictions that analyze corners, edges, centering, and surface — the same criteria the professionals use. Try it free today!