PSA grading prices are going up once again in 2025, with extended turnaround times announced across multiple service levels. The update, effective September 25, 2025, has sparked outrage in the sports card hobby. Collectors now face higher costs and longer waits when submitting cards, tickets, and comics for PSA authentication and grading. This, coming after PSA announced a prior price increase earlier this year. Let’s break down how pricing and times will be after this September increase.
PSA Grading Price Increases (Effective September 2025)
PSA is raising prices across its most popular grading tiers. Here’s a quick look at the updated costs:
- Value Bulk: $19.99 → $21.99
- Value: $24.99 → $27.99
- Value Plus: $39.99 → $44.99
For Dual Service (grading + autograph authentication):
- Value Bulk: $25.99 → $27.99
- Value: $34.99 → $37.99
- Value Plus: $54.99 → $59.99
These changes affect some of the most widely used PSA services, making it more expensive for collectors to grade entry-level and mid-tier cards.
PSA Turnaround Times Get Longer
Along with higher fees, PSA is extending grading turnaround times due to record submission volumes. Key changes include:
- Value Plus: 20 → 25 business days
- Value Max: 15 → 20 business days
- Regular: 10 → 15 business days
- Express: 5 → 10 business days
For Dual Service, delays are even greater:
- Value Plus: 30 → 35 business days
- Regular: 20 → 25 business days
- Express: 15 → 20 business days
Even comics and magazines are affected, with modern submissions jumping from 20 to 35 business days.
Why Is PSA Raising Prices and Slowing Turnaround?
PSA points to unprecedented submission demand as the main driver. In the first six months of 2025 alone, PSA graded 8.89 million cards.
To handle the surge, PSA is investing in expansion:
- A new grading facility in Toronto opens in October 2025.
- A full-scale operation in Frankfurt, Germany is planned for 2026.
- Domestic expansions include Plano, TX (ticket grading) and Boca Raton, FL.
- New graders are being trained to speed up capacity.
Despite these investments, PSA says higher prices and longer timelines are necessary to maintain grading quality and consistency.
How Collectors Are Reacting
Many collectors are frustrated, arguing that PSA grading fees are already too high. With slower turnaround times, some fear that low-value cards are no longer worth submitting.
Others see the move as inevitable, given PSA’s dominant market position. Competitors like SGC and Beckett could benefit if they keep prices lower and turnaround faster.
Tips for Collectors Navigating PSA’s New Pricing
- Grade selectively: Submit only cards with strong resale value.
- Use bulk submissions: Save on per-card fees when possible.
- Plan for delays: Factor in longer wait times for auctions or resales.
- Consider alternatives: Explore grading options with SGC or Beckett.
- Stay updated: PSA may adjust turnaround times again as new facilities come online.
PSA vs SGC vs Beckett: 2025 Grading Price Comparison
| Service Tier | PSA | SGC | Beckett (BGS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk (members) | TCG Bulk: $18.99/card Value Bulk: $19.99/card ETAs: ~65 business days | Standard <$1,500 DV: $15/card ETA: ~15–20 business days (current volume) | Base (no subgrades): $14.95/card ETA: 45+ business days |
| Value / Economy | Value: $24.99/card ETA: ~45 business days; Max insured value $500 | — (SGC uses flat “standard” pricing for most cards) Faster options available at higher fees | Standard (with subgrades): $34.95/card ETA: ~20–25 business days |
| Mid-Speed | Value Plus: $39.99/card (ETA ~20 bd) Value Max: $59.99/card (ETA ~15 bd) | — | — |
| Regular | Regular: $74.99/card ETA: ~10 business days; Max insured value $1,500 | — | — |
| Express / Fast | Express: $149/card (ETA ~5 bd) Super Express: $299/card (ETA ~5 bd) Walk-Through: $599/card (ETA ~5 bd) | 1–2 day “Immediate”: $40/card (typical promo tier) Standard remains $15; higher declared values escalate (e.g., $85/$125/$250+) | Express: $79.95/card (ETA ~7–10 bd) Priority: $124.95/card (ETA ~2–3 bd) |
| Notes: “DV” = declared value. ETAs are estimates and can change with submission volume. Additional handling, imaging, autograph, oversized, or shipping fees may apply. Always confirm the current pricing at the links below before submitting. Last checked: September 24, 2025. | |||
