A bulk submission saves money per card, but only if nothing goes wrong on the way. This checklist follows the graders' own packing instructions (PSA's shipping guide and CGC's packing instructions), plus the tier rules each grader publishes. Always follow the specific grader's current instructions if they differ.
Before you pack
1. Decide which cards actually go
Bulk grading only pays on the cards where grading beats selling raw after fees. Run your candidates through the checker or the step-by-step math, and sell the rest raw. Sending marginal cards is the usual way a bulk order loses money.
2. Match cards to tiers, minimums and caps
| Tier | Fee | Minimum | Max value per card | Estimated turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CGC Bulk | $17 | 25 cards (games can be mixed) | $500 | ~150 working days |
| CGC Economy | $20 | none listed | $1,000 | ~90 working days |
| TAG Value | $29.95 | 10 cards | $250 protection | ~90 business days |
| TAG Base | $39.95 | 5 cards | $500 protection | ~60 business days |
| SGC Standard | $50 | none listed | $1,500 | 40+ business days |
| PSA Standard | $59.99 | none listed | $1,000 | 90–100 business days |
PSA's Value tiers and Beckett's Base and Standard tiers were not taking orders when we checked on Oct 24, 2026. TAG says each service takes one card category, and mixed categories may be split into separate orders. See the full grader comparison for every tier.
3. Set an honest declared value
The declared value decides which tier a card belongs in. CGC says that if it decides a card's fair market value is higher than you stated, it will move the card to the right tier and bill you the difference. Declare what you expect the card to be worth after grading, and keep each card under its tier's cap.
4. Fill out the submission form first
Enter the cards online, then print the form or packing slip. You'll stack the cards in the same order, so it's easiest to number them as you go.
Packing, step by step
5. Sleeve each card
Use a clear penny sleeve for every card. PSA says solid or opaque sleeves can cause delays.
6. Put each card in a semi-rigid holder
Slide each sleeved card into a semi-rigid holder. PSA specifies 3 5/16" x 4 7/8" holders for standard cards and says not to use toploaders, tape, pull tabs or sticky notes. CGC asks for a semi-rigid sturdy enough for it to remove the card safely. CGC also says it doesn't return sleeves, semi-rigids or other packing materials.
7. Stack in form order and bundle
Stack the cards in the exact order on your form, item 1 on top. Put the stack between two pieces of cardboard larger than the cards and hold it with rubber bands. PSA says 2 to 3 bands, tight enough to stop shifting but loose enough not to cause damage. CGC warns that packing too tightly can damage cards.
8. Wrap and box
Wrap the bundle in bubble wrap or other packing material and put it in a sturdy box (PSA says a new box). Fill empty space so the bundle can't move, without jamming it in. Put the printed form or packing slip inside. If you're sending more than one submission in a box, PSA says to bundle each separately.
9. Seal, label and ship
Seal every seam with packing tape (PSA says not painter's tape, Scotch tape or reused tape). Attach the shipping label with the barcode fully visible, and no label pouches. For CGC Express or WalkThrough orders, mark each side of the box with EX or WK in large letters.
Ship with tracking and enough insurance for what's inside. PSA's shipping advisory says it isn't liable for loss or damage during shipping, and CGC says you're responsible for getting the cards to it safely. CGC also notes that the shipping option you pick on its form is for the return trip.
Quick checklist
- Only cards that beat selling raw after fees
- Tier minimum met (CGC Bulk 25, TAG Value 10, TAG Base 5)
- Every card under its tier's value cap
- Clear penny sleeve + semi-rigid, no toploaders or tape
- Stacked in form order, between cardboard, rubber-banded
- Wrapped, boxed with no movement, form inside
- Taped seams, visible barcode, tracking and insurance
Keep reading
- PSA vs CGC vs TAG vs SGC vs BGS for Pokémon cards (2026)
- Is my Pokémon card worth grading? The math, step by step
- Free Worth grading? checker
Sources
- PSA Shipping Guide: https://www.psacard.com/info/shipguide (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CGC Cards packing and shipping instructions: https://www.cgccards.com/services/shipping-cards-to-CGC/ (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- PSA pricing: https://www.psacard.com/pricing (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- PSA Standard tier announcement (Sep 9, 2026): https://www.psacard.com/articles/articleview/15763/psa-new-standard-service-level (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- CGC Cards services and fees: https://www.cgccards.com/submit/services-fees/cgc-grading/ (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- SGC services and pricing: https://gosgc.com/card-grading/services-pricing (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Beckett grading service levels and pricing: https://www.beckett.com/grading (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- TAG pricing: https://taggrading.com/pages/pricing (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- TAG Help Center: available grading services: https://help.taggrading.com/en/articles/10692075-what-are-tag-s-available-grading-services (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Fees, tiers and turnaround change often. Check the grader's own page before you submit.