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Getting your cards ready for grading is a big step for any collector. It’s not just about keeping them safe. It’s about giving them the best shot at a high grade.
At TGA, we grade thousands of cards. And we want to help you get the best results.
In this guide, we’ll show you what our professional graders look for. We’ll talk about the four key areas: centering, corners, edges, and surface. Then, we’ll walk you through how to inspect, clean, and protect your cards before sending them in.
Let’s get your collection ready to score big!
The primary factors on which the card grading is divided are centering, corners, edges, and surface condition.
Centering is a measure of how well the image is centered in the card border. Perfect centering is with uniform borders, and misalignment is a penalty.
Centering on all vintage cards is judged also by border size, so use a ruler or centering tool if the border size is noted. 50/50 centering cards get graded the highest, while cards that have 60/40 centering or worse have grades deducted. While current cards frequently feature stronger centering, it's an aspect that anyone should still be aware of.
Similarly, the corners of your card should be sharp and crisp. This plays an important role in determining the grade of the card. An excellent card has soft or raised corners.
The edges of high-level cards are clean-cut and even, and the cuts do not stray from what would be considered the perfect cut.
The surface quality is paramount in grading cards. This will include any rips, holes, etc., on the front, as well as the back of the card.
Surface Check: Look for print lines, scratches, smudges, and creases.
Tips for Use of Lighting: Check defects in many angles of light, and some defects may not be normally seen when lighting is not present.
A good look under the right light will pinpoint every possible condition issue before you turn in your list.
Only clean if you observe any obvious dirt or marks that can be gently wiped away.
A gentle cloth or pantyhose may be used.
Wipe in straight lines from end to end and avoid cross wiping. Do not wipe with strong chemicals.
If you're unsure about cleaning the card, it's best to submit it as is.
The first line of defense is the flimsly plastic sleeves called penny sleeves.
Slide the card gently to avoid bruising at the corners.
We suggest you use new, clean sleeves for submissions.
Hard holders offer a higher degree of protection from the card while still providing access for grading.
Card savers are highly recommended; toploaders will also be acceptable.
The card should slide in smoothly without any obstructions.
Ready to send in your cards? We’ve made it simple! You can either use our easy online submission or drop your cards off in person.
Online Submission (Most Popular)
For most collectors, the online option is the fastest and easiest way to go. Here’s how it works:
Go to our website and sign up for a free account. This is your personal dashboard where you can manage submissions, track orders, and view your card grading history.
After you log in, start a new submission. Pick the service that fits your needs—our standard option or a faster, expedited one. Then, fill in the card details like the year, set, and player. Don’t worry—our form will guide you step by step.
Once everything looks good, you’ll get shipping instructions and our address. Be sure to follow our packaging guide to protect your cards during shipping. We suggest using a service with tracking and insurance for extra peace of mind.
After you ship your cards, you can track the whole process in your TGA dashboard. We’ll update you when we get your cards, when grading starts, and when it’s done. You’ll even see high-quality images of your graded cards online—before we send them back to you, sealed and certified.
If you're close to one of our drop-off spots, you can bring your cards in directly. Our team will help you finish the submission and answer any questions. It’s fast, easy, and secure.
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