PSA backlog near 9 million as new Standard orders queue behind Value
PSA’s September 22 tracker update shows about 9 million units and confirms new Standard orders wait behind older ones. Separately, PSA GO now takes submissions at Lids.
By Jamie Budesky · Published September 22, 2026
In short
PSA's September 22, 2026 tracker update puts the backlog at about 9 million units, down from 9.9 million on September 8. PSA says active Value and Bulk orders from before the pause keep priority, so new Standard orders are processed behind them. PSA GO now takes submissions at 50 Lids stores. Plan Standard turnaround around the queue, not the price.
The September 22 backlog update
PSA's Backlog Tracker update dated September 22, 2026 says its “active global backlog is down to approximately 9 million units (from 9.9 million on September 8),” and credits its newly opened Frankfurt facility for “even stronger global momentum.”
New Standard orders wait their turn
The same update addresses orders placed since PSA launched its Standard tier on September 14 (announced on X on September 9 at $59.99 per card). PSA says incoming orders are “queued alongside existing submissions” and that “active Value and Bulk orders submitted prior to the pause retain priority in our production queue, ensuring new Standard orders are processed behind items already in our care.”
In plain terms: a Standard order placed today lines up behind items already in PSA’s care, a backlog PSA puts at about 9 million units. If you need a card back by a specific date, budget for that. Our Standard launch update and Standard vs Priority guide cover the tier choice.
PSA GO: submitting at Lids
ICv2 reported on September 21 that PSA has introduced PSA GO at Lids stores across the U.S., with 50 Lids locations in the program. PSA's PSA GO page describes the process:
- Bring your cards to a participating Lids and complete the submission in the PSA GO app at the counter; a Lids associate can help.
- Hand the cards to a Lids team member, who packages and ships them. PSA emails a FedEx tracking number once the order ships.
- PSA grades the cards; you can track the order online or in the PSA app.
- Graded cards ship back to you or to the PSA Vault, depending on your selection.
PSA GO removes the packing and shipping step, not the queue. Neither PSA nor ICv2 says PSA GO orders move ahead of the queue described above.
Screen before you join the line
With new orders queued behind millions of older ones, send only the cards that justify the wait. CardGrade gives you a photo-based pre-screen of visible condition so you can decide which cards are worth the fee. It is not an official grade, authentication or appraisal, and CardGrade is not affiliated with PSA, BGS, CGC, SGC or TAG. Try a pre-screen
Comparing graders?
SGC also reset its pricing this month. Our SGC Standard vs PSA Standard guide compares the two entry tiers.
What we could not confirm
- A list of the 50 Lids locations. ICv2 gives the count; PSA's page points to a store locator.
- Whether PSA GO adds any fee on top of PSA's tier pricing. Neither source says.
- How long new Standard orders will wait behind pre-pause Value and Bulk orders. PSA has not published a figure.
Sources
- PSA Backlog Tracker (September 22 and September 8, 2026 updates)
- PSA on X: Standard tier announcement (September 9, 2026)
- ICv2: PSA Introduces PSA GO at Lids Locations Across U.S. (September 21, 2026)
- PSA: PSA GO, Submit Cards for Grading at Lids
Frequently asked questions
What is the PSA backlog as of September 22, 2026?
PSA’s September 22 tracker update says its active global backlog is approximately 9 million units, down from 9.9 million on September 8.
Are PSA Standard orders processed before Value orders?
No. PSA says active Value and Bulk orders submitted before the pause retain priority, and new Standard orders are processed behind items already in its care.
What is PSA GO?
PSA GO is a submission app available at participating Lids stores. You complete the submission at the counter, and Lids packages and ships the cards to PSA.
How many Lids stores offer PSA GO?
ICv2 reported on September 21, 2026 that 50 Lids locations are included in the PSA GO program. PSA’s page offers a locator for participating stores.
How much does PSA Standard cost?
PSA announced Standard at $59.99 per card, available from September 14, 2026.