If you’re fortunate enough to pull a holographic, a mega rare or a card that resonates with fanatics, you’ll probably want to know and understand the grading process. What do different card grades mean? In a nutshell, they’re a way to verify the quality of your card.
If you’re out of the grade loop, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll explain trading card grades, break down the grading scale, how to look after your cards and how GetGraded evaluates your cards with pride and precision. If you’re in it for the money or you’re in it for the love, there are some great tips to unpack.
Understanding Card Grading: Why It Matters
Card grading hasn’t just blown up overnight, it’s been around since the early 90s. Grading is a solid choice for collectors wanting to add credibility, protection and value to any card. The card grading process removes uncertainty, especially when buying or selling in person or online. Think of a card grade as a seal of approval from a third party. There’s no margin for error when cards have been professionally evaluated.
Here’s why card grading is essential for collectors and investors:
- Authenticity: Confirms the card is real and untampered.
- Standardisation: Grades let buyers know exactly what they’re getting.
- Market Trust: Makes buying, selling, or trading more secure.
- Understandable Pricing: Higher grades = higher value.
- Preservation: Sealed slabs keep cards safe from damage.
If you’re new to grading, start with our beginner’s guide to understand the full process.
Overview of the 1–10 Card Grading Scale
At GetGraded, we use a modified PSA-style scale from 1 to 10, but we offer greater transparency, including subgrades for centering, surface, edges, and corners. Here’s a simplified look at how grades break down:
- 10 – GEM MINT: Flawless under magnification
- 9.5 – MINT+: One barely noticeable flaw
- 9 – MINT: Near perfect with tiny edge or centering issues
- 8 – NEAR MINT: Slight wear, minor scuffs
- 7 – NEAR MINT-: Noticeable edge/corner imperfections
- 6 – EXCELLENT: Minor surface scratches, whitening
- 5 – VERY GOOD/EX: Small creases or dullness
- 4 – GOOD: Multiple signs of play or damage
- 3 – FAIR: Significant wear or bending
- 2 – POOR: Creases, ink marks, or tears
- 1 – AUTHENTIC/POOR: Confirmed authentic but heavily damaged
Each GetGraded card is securely slabbed and trackable through our Cert Checker. Many factors go into card grading. If you think you have a perfect card, chances are there will be a few caveats stopping you from reaching the lofty heights of a 10/10.
What Each Card Grade Means (1 to 10 Explained)
GEM MINT 10
The highest possible grade. These cards have:
- Perfect centering (within 55/45 tolerance)
- Sharp edges and pristine corners
- Glossy, flawless surfaces
- Zero visible wear even under 10x magnification
Mint 9.5 – Mint+
Extremely close to perfect, with one micro-flaw. A slight whitening/fading on one corner or a faint surface speck can be more common than you think.
Mint 9
Still visually flawless to most collectors, with slightly off-centering or very mild edge wear.
Near Mint 8-8.5
Clean cards with minor flaws:
- Slightly dull corners
- Minor print lines or scuffs on the surface
- Acceptable wear for vintage cards
Grades 6-7: Played but Presentable
Light wear, small scratches or dullness. Corners may be soft or frayed. Still great for collectors on a budget.
Grades 1-5: Damaged but Valuable
These grades show real wear and tear – creases, whitening, bends, or even writing. Yet for rare vintage cards, they can still be worth grading.
Knowing whether or not a card is worth grading is completely up to the owner. If you love a card or have an imperfect sought-after card, it may be worth making the grade.
What Is a GEM MINT 10?
GEM MINT cards are ten for a reason. Unlike the world of record collecting, card grading means you’re getting what you pay for.
A Get Graded GEM MINT 10 means:
- Dead-on centering on both sides
- Zero whitening on edges or corners
- Crystal-clear surface without dimples, print lines, or factory marks
- No handling wear whatsoever
These are incredibly rare, even from booster packs. If you’re lucky enough to own one, consider submitting it through your Get Graded account. Now you know what cards make what grade, it’s important to understand sub-grade factors.
Sub-Grade Factors: Corners, Edges, Centering & Surface
Unlike some grading companies, GetGraded scores each card using four subcategories. This gives customers a detailed breakdown of the card condition:
Centering
The card’s image should be aligned evenly. We use digital tools to assess both front and back. Tolerance for GEM MINT is 55/45.
Corners
We look for sharpness, consistency, and whitening. Foil cards are especially susceptible to softening.
Edges
Are the edges smooth and free of nicks or fraying? A single nick might drop a card from a 10 to a 9.5.
Surface
The most complex category. We examine:
- Print lines
- Scratches
- Foil defects
- Roller or press marks
Each subgrade contributes to your final Get Graded score. The score is fully visible on our labels and trackable via our database. Waiting to send multiple cards off? You’ll need to know the best ways to preserve your cards.
Best Ways to Preserve Cards Before Grading
To keep your card in tip-top shape before grading, consider the following:
- Sleeve it immediately after pulling
- Store upright in a cool, dry place
- Avoid touching foil areas
- Use semi-rigid card holders when sending to a grader
- Avoid overhandling – oils from hands can leave marks
- Inspect under a light before submission
For more tips on preparing your cards, visit our grading submission guide.
Why Accurate Grading Increases Value & Trust
Grading is a no-brainer for those wanting to preserve cards and enter the marketplace with reassurance and confidence. Trust is an important tenet of buying and selling goods, and trading cards are no different.
Benefits include:
- Buyers are more confident in purchasing a third-party graded card.
- Sellers get a fairer value based on the real condition.
- It levels the playing field – no guesswork, biased opinions, and it’s easier to deal with lowballers.
That’s why GetGraded prioritizes accuracy, integrity, and transparency in every submission. Whether you’re flipping modern cards or protecting a vintage set, grading gives collectors clarity.
Mistakes to Avoid Before Sending Your Cards for Grading
Even small oversights can damage your card or lower your grade. Here’s what to avoid:
- Using tight sleeves that scuff foil surfaces
- Sending cards in hard screw cases (they can crack or damage corners)
- Cleaning with alcohol or chemicals (big no-no)
- Wiping with anything abrasive
- Handling cards without gloves
If in doubt, reach out via our Contact Us page for guidance before submitting.
How GetGraded Evaluates Cards
We combine expert graders with advanced digital tools to deliver consistent, transparent evaluations. Our process includes:
- Intake & Authentication: Each card is logged and inspected for authenticity.
- Subgrade Assessment: Four subcategories are reviewed using light boxes, digital magnification, and centering software.
- Final Score Assignment: A second grader confirms the overall score.
- Tamper-Evident Slabbing: Each card is encapsulated in a sealed acrylic case.
- Unique Serial & Certificate: Track any card via our Cert Checker.
If you’d like to drop off your cards in person, we have stores and trusted vendors all over the country. Use our store locator if in-person drops are more your bag.
Submit Your Cards with Confidence to Get Graded
At GetGraded, we aren’t just grading cards. We’re championing the culture. Our passion for trading cards led us here, and we’re proud to serve collectors across the United States. With over 30 years of combined experience in the hobby, we’re committed to providing a transparent, trusted, and detailed service. Whether you’re a Magic the Gathering master or a Panini National Treasures hunter, you’re in safe hands.
If you’d like to drop off your cards in person, we have stores and trusted vendors all over the country, including our new location in Los Angeles, California, with Tampa, Florida coming soon. Use our store locator if in-person drops are more your bag.
- Ready to submit? Start through your account
- Need supplies? Browse our shop for sleeves, cases, and more
- Have a question? Reach out via our Contact Page
Want to know how your cards rank? Submit them to Get Graded for fast, transparent, and professional grading—trusted by US collectors.