If you want to get your cards graded, you are probably going to wonder, ‘how long does card grading take’? While there is no one answer to this depending on where you do, the number of cards you are having graded, and other factors, there are some key factors to bear in mind before you post your cards away for this service.
For those who are not familiar with grading, this is when a card is submitted to professionals like us to assess the card. We will analyse and evaluate the card by checking its condition, and we will assign a numerical grade to it based on the card’s condition, authenticate the card, and place it in a slab for protection.
Not all cards need to be graded, and most people will only bother grading a card if it is rare, and they want to sell it. However, you can grade a card for any reason, including nostalgia — because you never know when something could happen to it. If you want to sell your cards, we highly recommend getting them graded ahead of time to make the sale easier, and to make sure that you are getting what the card is worth.
How Long Does It Take to Grade a Card in the US?
You can expect card grading to take anywhere between 10–25 days in most cases, with faster express turnaround of 5–10 business days. However, with Get Graded, we can grade your cards in as little as 2–5 business days with express grading, making us the perfect option for anyone who is in a rush, or just doesn’t feel like waiting around.
Card grading delays are a common occurrence, though, and is something that everyone should plan for. While express grading services will offer a faster card grading turnaround time, these are not immune to these same delays. So, if you are looking for a solid answer to a question like how long does card grading take, you need to know that the grading timeline varies for all kinds of reasons.
Why Get Your Cards Graded At All?
Getting your cards graded ensures authenticity, which means that potential buyers know what they are getting without any fuss. A graded card will increase buyer confidence if you are planning to sell your cards for some extra money, meaning that making sales will be more straightforward, and you won’t need to convince anyone of the quality of the card.
Getting a collector’s card graded can increase its value because the assessment is objective, and all forms of damage are taken into account. When a card gets graded, it will also be authenticated and be given a protective sleeve to prevent damage—both of which improve and maintain the card’s value.
While you can get your cards graded for any reason, we think you should grade a card to:
- Prove authenticity
- Protect it
- Maintain its condition
- Make selling it easier
- Keep its high natural value
How Fast Is Get Graded Compared to US Services?
So, how long does card grading take at different grading companies? It boils down to the specific service you are choosing, but Get Graded can easily come out on top for express grading, with the job being done in as little as two days. As a smaller company, we are also less likely to experience submission volumes high enough to delay your cards getting back to you like some of the bigger ones like PSA.
GetGraded | PSA | Beckett | CGC | |
Base/Value Card Grading | — | 45 business days (value) | 45+ business days (base) | — |
Standard Card Grading | 15–20 business days | 10 business days | 10–25 business days | 10 business days |
Express Card Grading | 2–5 business days | 5 business days | 7–10 business days | 5 business days |
Economy Card Grading | — | — | — | 25 business days |
Bulk | — | 65 days (TCG bulk) | — | 50 business days |
Priority Grading | — | — | 2–3 business days | — |
What Factors Can Delay Your Card Grading?
When considering the question, ‘how long does card grading take’ it’s important to know that many factors can play a part. This includes re-slabbing, mishandling, authentication, high submission volumes, protocols, services, and more. While grading companies will have estimated wait times, these are not guarantees, and you need to be aware that grading can take longer or shorter for a number of reasons.
The following factors can lead to delays in your cards being graded:
- Re-slabbing – more time is required if a card or cards need to be re-slabbed due to damage or staining to the slab
- Mishandling – mishandling can lead to sludges, fingerprints, and more on a card, and these can take extra time to clean off
- Research time – some cards might require extra research for identifying issues, verifying authenticity, or something else
- Qualifier issues – more detailed scrutiny may be required for some cards that have qualifiers, so bear this in mind when submitting your cards
- Condition issues – additional time for evaluation might be needed to determine that a card is not fit for grading due to extensive damage
- High submission volume – when there is a high submission volume, there will be a longer turnaround time for cards to get graded and returned to you
- Authentication (e.g. autographs) – authentication can increase turnaround times significantly, as more research and collaboration may be required for the correct outcome
- Choosing a particular service level – different service levels at a grading company may include additional steps, which increase the turnaround time
- Specific grading protocols at a company – depending on the grading company, there could be specific protocols that must be followed. In many cases, this can lead to delays and longer turnaround times
Can You Speed Up the Grading Process?
The only way to speed up the grading process is to opt for express service and pay the higher fees that comes with it. Besides this, there is nothing that you can do to shorten the turnaround time, as the impacting factors are out of your hands.
Is Express Grading Worth the Extra Cost?
Express grading is worth the cost if you are in a rush to receive your grading and your cards back. However, because of how much extra cash it takes, it is not always the smart choice to make. Instead, plan ahead and get cards graded ahead of time wherever possible. Unless you are on a strict deadline, express grading might be too much of an indulgence.
With that being said, express grading is a good option if you want your card to be protected as quickly as possible, and you are willing to pay for it. The faster you grade your card, the faster it gets sealed in a protective sleeve, away from harm!
How Long Should You Wait Before Selling a Graded Card?
You can sell your graded card immediately upon receiving it, no need to wait around! Most sellers will find that recently graded cards will be bought up faster than imagined, but this doesn’t mean that just any graded you put up for sale is going to be bought in the blink of an eye. There are many factors to take into consideration if you are wondering how fast a card will be sold, including grade level and card popularity.
Choose Get Graded for a Fast Turnaround and Expert Service
So, how long does card grading take? It all depends on the service you use, with many express services taking around five business days, while others can take anywhere between 20–45 days, depending on who you grade with.
Tired of waiting months for results? Get Graded offers quick turnaround times with transparent tracking — submit your cards today and skip the wait. Or, find out about our shop or service pricing, population report, or CERT checker, and create an account or find your nearest store now.