Grading Pokémon Cards: Is It Actually Worth It?
Pokémon card grading has become hugely popular, but that doesn’t mean every card should be graded. Between grading fees, shipping costs, and the risk of a lower-than-expected grade, submitting cards without a plan can quickly turn into a loss.
This guide is written for UK collectors who want a realistic answer to one question: is it actually worth grading Pokémon cards?
What Does Grading a Pokémon Card Do?
Grading involves sending your card to a professional grading company such as PSA or CGC. The card is authenticated, assessed for condition, and sealed in a tamper-proof case with a numeric grade.
Higher grades typically increase value, but grading does not guarantee profit.
The Real Costs of Grading in the UK
Before deciding to grade, it’s important to understand the true costs involved:
- Grading fees (per card)
- International shipping to the grading company
- Return shipping and customs charges
- Insurance and packaging
For UK collectors, these costs add up quickly — especially when grading modern cards.
When Grading Usually Makes Sense
Grading is generally worth considering when:
- The card has strong resale demand
- The raw value is already high
- The card condition is genuinely excellent
- You are targeting long-term value, not quick flips
Vintage cards, chase cards, and popular Pokémon tend to benefit most from grading.
When Grading Often Is NOT Worth It
In many cases, grading can reduce your return:
- Low-value modern cards
- Cards with visible whitening or surface wear
- Overprinted or mass-produced cards
- Cards graded purely on hype
If the graded value doesn’t significantly exceed the raw value plus costs, grading rarely makes sense.
Use a Calculator Before You Grade
Rather than guessing, collectors should always calculate potential outcomes before submitting cards.
Our Pokémon grading calculator lets you compare selling raw vs graded, factoring in grading fees, shipping, and different grade outcomes.
Final Thoughts for UK Collectors
Grading Pokémon cards can be rewarding — but only when done selectively. The most successful collectors grade fewer cards, not more.
Take your time, assess condition honestly, and always run the numbers before sending anything off.
If you’d rather focus on sealed products or graded cards ready to collect, you can explore our sealed Pokémon TCG products or browse graded cards available at 120HP.