CGC Grading Cost 2026: Fees, Wait Times & Membership Perks
Market Insights
CGC Grading Cost & Turnaround Guide for 2026
CGC grading starts at $15/card in 2026. Full pricing by tier, real turnaround times, and whether a Collectors Society membership is worth the cost.
CardGrade.io Editorial·Published Feb 21, 2026 · Updated Mar 30, 2026·15 min read
CGC Card Grading Cost Overview
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) has become one of the fastest-growing card grading companies in the hobby. Originally known for comic book grading, CGC expanded into trading cards and has built a reputation for strict, consistent grading standards at competitive prices. Understanding the full CGC card grading cost helps you decide whether CGC is the right company for your submission.
This guide covers everything you need to know about CGC pricing in 2026: service tiers, turnaround times, hidden costs, optional sub-grades, and how CGC compares to PSA and BGS. Whether you are a first-time submitter or a seasoned grader comparing companies, this breakdown gives you the full financial picture.
CGC offers multiple service levels that balance cost against turnaround speed. One of CGC's competitive advantages is pricing: their entry-level tier is among the lowest in the industry.
Service Level
Cost Per Card
Turnaround Time
Max Declared Value
Best For
Economy
$15
50-80 business days
$250
Budget bulk submissions
Standard
$25
30-50 business days
$499
Moderate-value cards, balanced approach
Express
$50
15-25 business days
$2,499
Higher-value cards needing faster service
Priority
$75
10-15 business days
$4,999
Valuable cards with shorter timelines
Walkthrough
$150+
3-5 business days
$9,999+
Premium cards, fastest standard service
Important Pricing Notes
Prices are per card and subject to change. Always verify current pricing on CGC's official website before submitting
Declared value determines the minimum service tier you can use. A card declared at $500 cannot use the Economy tier
CGC's Economy tier at $15 per card is the lowest entry-level price among the three major grading companies
Pricing may vary during peak demand periods
CGC Sub-Grade Pricing
Unlike BGS, which includes sub-grades for free, CGC offers sub-grades as an optional add-on:
Option
Additional Cost
What You Get
Standard label (no sub-grades)
Included
Overall grade only
Sub-grade label
+$10-$15 per card
Centering, Corners, Edges, Surface scores
This means a CGC Economy submission with sub-grades costs approximately $25-$30 per card, bringing it closer to BGS pricing. Without sub-grades, CGC remains the most affordable option among major grading companies.
Should you add sub-grades? Consider it for cards you plan to sell, as buyers increasingly value sub-grade transparency. For cards you are keeping in your personal collection, the standard label may suffice.
Hidden Costs: The Full Picture
The grading fee is only part of how much CGC grading costs. Here is the complete list of additional expenses:
Shipping to CGC
CGC's trading card grading facility accepts submissions by mail. You are responsible for inbound shipping:
Shipping Method
Approximate Cost
Best For
USPS First Class (tracked)
$5-$8
Small, low-value submissions
USPS Priority Mail
$8-$15
Standard submissions
USPS Priority Mail Express
$25-$35
Time-sensitive submissions
UPS/FedEx Ground
$10-$20
Larger submissions
UPS/FedEx with declared value
$20-$50+
High-value submissions
Insurance
Shipping insurance is essential for any submission with meaningful value:
USPS Priority Mail includes $100 of insurance
Additional coverage costs approximately $2.50 per $100 of declared value
UPS and FedEx offer declared value coverage at their standard rates
Third-party insurance is available for high-value shipments
Return Shipping
CGC charges for return shipping, added to your final invoice. Standard return shipping typically costs $10-$25 depending on the number of cards and return method selected. Expedited return shipping is available at additional cost.
Packaging Supplies
Supply
Cost
Notes
Penny sleeves
$0.02-$0.03 each
Use new, clean sleeves
Card Saver 1 or top-loaders
$0.15-$0.30 each
CGC accepts both
Shipping box
$2-$5
Appropriately sized, sturdy
Packing material
$2-$4
Bubble wrap, packing paper
Tape and labels
$1-$2
Seal all seams
For a 20-card submission, supplies cost approximately $8-$14.
Declared Value Adjustments
Like other grading companies, CGC may adjust your service tier if a card's graded value exceeds the maximum declared value for the tier you selected. This results in an upcharge to the next tier's fee.
Total Cost Example: Real-World Submission
Let's calculate the true CGC card grading cost for a 10-card Economy tier submission without sub-grades:
Cost Item
Amount
Grading fees (10 cards x $15)
$150
Penny sleeves (10 x $0.03)
$0.30
Card Saver 1 holders (10 x $0.25)
$2.50
Shipping box and packing
$5
USPS Priority Mail to CGC
$12
Shipping insurance ($250 declared)
$3
Return shipping
$12
Total
$184.80
Cost per card
$18.48
At under $19 per card, CGC's Economy tier is the most affordable option for budget-conscious submitters. Each card needs to gain at least $19 in graded value to break even.
With sub-grades added:
Cost Item
Amount
Grading fees with sub-grades (10 x $25)
$250
Supplies, shipping, insurance, return
$34.80
Total
$284.80
Cost per card
$28.48
Adding sub-grades brings the per-card cost closer to BGS, but still competitive.
CGC Turnaround Times: What to Expect
CGC's turnaround times have generally been competitive with or faster than BGS, though slower than PSA at economy levels:
Service Level
Stated Turnaround
Typical Actual Turnaround
Economy
50-80 business days
60-100 business days
Standard
30-50 business days
35-55 business days
Express
15-25 business days
15-30 business days
Priority
10-15 business days
10-18 business days
Walkthrough
3-5 business days
3-7 business days
Turnaround variability: Like all grading companies, CGC's actual turnaround can exceed stated estimates during peak periods. Major set releases, holiday seasons, and hobby surges increase submission volume and extend processing times.
CGC vs PSA vs BGS Turnaround Comparison
Tier
CGC
PSA
BGS
Economy/Value
50-80 days
60-90 days
60-120+ days
Standard/Regular
30-50 days
30-45 days
30-60 days
Express
15-25 days
15-20 days
15-25 days
CGC typically falls between PSA and BGS on turnaround time, offering a reasonable middle ground. At economy levels, CGC is often faster than both competitors.
CGC Grading Standards
Understanding how CGC grades helps you predict results and decide if CGC is the right fit for your cards.
Overall Scale
CGC uses a 1-10 grading scale with half-point increments:
Grade
Label
Description
10
Pristine
Virtually flawless in every respect
9.5
Gem Mint
Near-perfect with only the most trivial imperfections
9
Mint
Outstanding overall quality with minor imperfections
8.5
NM/Mint+
Excellent with a few minor flaws
8
NM/Mint
Very good overall quality with noticeable but minor issues
7.5
Near Mint+
Above average with moderate imperfections
7
Near Mint
Average condition for a well-cared-for card
CGC Grading Reputation
CGC is widely considered to have strict grading standards, particularly for modern cards. A CGC 10 is generally harder to achieve than a PSA 10, which means:
CGC 10s carry weight: Because they are harder to earn, a CGC Pristine 10 is a meaningful designation
Expect slightly lower grades: Cards that would grade PSA 10 might receive CGC 9.5. This is not a negative; it reflects CGC's stricter tolerances
Growing market acceptance: CGC's market share and buyer confidence have increased steadily. CGC grades are gaining premium recognition, particularly in Pokemon and TCG markets
Sub-Grade Evaluation
When you opt for sub-grades, CGC evaluates the same four categories as BGS:
Centering: Border symmetry measured as left-right and top-bottom ratios. Use the CardGrade.io centering tool to check before submitting. For detailed centering guidance, see our centering guide
Corners: Sharpness of all four corners under magnification
Edges: Condition of all four edges, checking for chips, whitening, and rough cutting. Check with the edge analysis tool
Surface: Scratches, print defects, staining, and overall surface integrity. Evaluate with the surface tool
According to our State of Card Grading 2026 study, which analyzed 32,000+ cards, CGC's $15-$18 per card economy pricing gives it the lowest barrier to entry among major grading companies -- but even at these prices, most cards grade below the breakeven threshold where fees exceed value added. The study also revealed up to a significant grade-point spread between PSA, BGS, and CGC for the same card, meaning CGC's stricter standards may produce lower numerical grades but carry corresponding credibility. With typical turnaround times faster than both PSA and BGS at economy tiers, CGC offers a compelling combination of affordability and speed for collectors who pre-screen effectively and submit only strong candidates.
When CGC Is Worth It
Budget-conscious submissions: At $15 per card for Economy tier, CGC is the most affordable path to professional grading. If grading costs are your primary concern, CGC delivers authentic, well-respected slabs at the lowest price point.
Pokemon and TCG cards: CGC has built strong market share in the Pokemon and trading card game markets. CGC-graded Pokemon cards sell at competitive premiums, sometimes matching PSA for certain sets and grades.
When you value strict grading: If you believe your card is truly exceptional, CGC's strict standards mean that a high CGC grade carries significant credibility. A CGC 10 tells the market the card passed rigorous evaluation.
Cards where sub-grades are optional: For lower-value cards where sub-grade detail is not essential for resale, CGC without sub-grades offers the cheapest grading available from a major company.
Growing market position: CGC's market share continues to increase. Cards graded by CGC today may see stronger premiums in the future as the brand continues to grow.
When CGC Is NOT Worth It
Maximum resale value on sports cards: PSA still commands the highest premiums for most sports card types. A PSA 10 typically sells for more than a CGC 10 of the same card in sports categories.
When you need sub-grades included: If sub-grade transparency is important to you, BGS includes them for free. CGC's sub-grade add-on brings the cost closer to BGS levels.
Vintage card authentication: PSA has the longest track record and largest database for vintage card authentication. For high-value vintage cards, PSA's authentication heritage may provide more buyer confidence.
Cards that barely miss PSA 10 thresholds: CGC's stricter standards mean some cards that would achieve PSA 10 may only receive CGC 9.5. If resale is your goal, the PSA 10 premium may outweigh CGC's lower grading cost.
The Break-Even Formula for CGC
Estimate the realistic CGC grade your card would receive (remember CGC grades slightly stricter)
Look up the market value for that card at that CGC grade
Compare the result to what you would net from PSA or BGS for the same card
CGC Pricing Comparison: CGC vs PSA vs BGS
Factor
CGC
PSA
BGS
Lowest tier price
~$15
~$20
~$20
Standard tier price
~$25
~$50
~$50
Express tier price
~$50
~$100
~$100
Sub-grades included
No (add $10-$15)
No
Yes
Economy turnaround
50-80 days
60-90 days
60-120+ days
Grading strictness
Strictest
Moderate
Moderate-strict
Sports card resale premium
Growing
Highest
High
Pokemon/TCG premium
Strong
Highest
Moderate
Slab design
Clean, modern
Classic
Thick, premium feel
Cost-Per-Grade Comparison (Economy tiers, all costs included)
Company
Base Fee
Total Cost Per Card
Sub-Grades Included
CGC (no sub-grades)
$15
~$18-$19
No
CGC (with sub-grades)
$25-$30
~$28-$33
Yes
PSA
$20
~$24
No
BGS
$20
~$24
Yes
CGC without sub-grades is clearly the budget winner. With sub-grades, the gap narrows significantly.
Bulk Submission Strategies for CGC
CGC Membership and Collector's Society
CGC offers membership through the CGC Collectors Society, which may provide:
Discounted submission rates for members
Access to exclusive submission events or promotions
Priority customer service for membership-level inquiries
Check CGC's website for current membership benefits and pricing.
Group Submissions
Local card shops: Many shops offer CGC group submission services alongside PSA and BGS
Online communities: Collector forums and Discord servers organize group submissions to share shipping costs
Third-party services: Submission middleman services handle the process for a per-card fee
Timing Your CGC Submissions
Off-peak periods: Avoid submitting right after major set releases when volume spikes
Watch for CGC promotions: CGC occasionally offers reduced pricing, free sub-grades, or other incentives
Market timing: Submit before anticipated value increases tied to player performance, set anniversaries, or cultural events
How to Save Money: Pre-Screen Before Submitting
Even with CGC's lower prices, submitting cards that grade poorly wastes money. A card that comes back CGC 7 on a $15 fee is $15 lost with minimal return.
CardGrade.io uses AI to analyze your cards across 47 inspection points in 29 seconds, providing predicted grades for CGC alongside PSA and BGS. This multi-company prediction is uniquely valuable for deciding which grading company gives each card its best shot.
Pre-Screening Workflow for CGC
Scan your grading candidates with CardGrade.io
Review CGC-specific predicted grades: Since CGC grades stricter, your CardGrade.io predictions help calibrate expectations
Compare predictions across companies: Some cards may predict higher at PSA than CGC. Use this to route each card to the optimal company
Check centering with the centering tool since centering thresholds differ by company
Consider a collector submitting 25 cards per quarter. Without pre-screening, roughly 30% of cards grade below expectations, wasting approximately $100-$150 per submission in grading fees on low-return cards. Over a year, that is $400-$600 wasted.
With CardGrade.io filtering, you submit fewer but higher-quality cards. Your per-submission cost decreases, your average grade increases, and your overall ROI improves dramatically.
Proper preparation protects your cards and prevents grade-drops between your inspection and the grader's evaluation. CGC accepts cards in both Card Saver 1 holders and top-loaders.
Key preparation steps:
Clean cards gently with compressed air and lint-free cloth
Sleeve in new penny sleeves before inserting into semi-rigid holders
Fill out the CGC submission form online with accurate card details and declared values
Package securely with bubble wrap and a snug-fitting box
CGC card grading cost starts as low as $15 per card at Economy tier, making it the most affordable option from any major grading company. When you factor in shipping, supplies, and insurance, the all-in cost is approximately $18-$19 per card without sub-grades or $28-$33 with sub-grades.
CGC is the best choice when:
Budget is your priority: No major grading company beats CGC on price
You want strict, credible grading: A high CGC grade carries significant weight
You are grading Pokemon or TCG cards: CGC's market position in these categories is strong and growing
Sub-grades are not essential: Skip sub-grades to keep costs at their lowest
To make every CGC submission count:
Pre-screen with CardGrade.io to predict your CGC grades before spending money. Sign up for free with 3 credits
Compare predicted grades across PSA, BGS, and CGC to route each card to the best company
Budget for all costs including shipping, supplies, and optional sub-grades
Submit in bulk when possible to spread fixed costs across more cards
Smart grading starts with smart screening. Try CardGrade.io free and see your predicted grades for every major grading company before your next submission.
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The CardGrade.io editorial team writes about card grading, AI technology, and collecting strategy. Our guides are researched against official PSA, BGS, and CGC standards.
