If you’re a serious Pokémon card collector, you’ve probably heard about the importance of card grading. Grading services like Beckett (BGS) and PSA are vital when it comes to evaluating the condition of your cards, determining their value, and protecting them for the future. But when it comes to Beckett vs. PSA, which grading service is better for Pokémon cards? In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the pros and cons of Beckett and PSA grading, and help you decide which service is best for your Pokémon card collection.

What Is Card Grading and Why Does It Matter?

Card grading is a process used to assess the quality and authenticity of trading cards, including Pokémon cards. Professional grading companies like Beckett and PSA evaluate various aspects of a card—such as its centering, corners, edges, and surface condition—and assign a numerical grade based on its condition. Grading your cards offers several benefits:

• Preserves and protects your cards by encasing them in tamper-proof holders.
• Increases the value of rare cards, especially if they receive a high grade.
• Adds credibility when selling or trading your cards.
• Helps authenticate the card to confirm it’s genuine.

With these benefits in mind, let’s compare Beckett vs. PSA and see how they stack up against each other.

What Is Beckett Grading (BGS)?

Beckett Grading Services (BGS), part of Beckett Media, is one of the most respected names in card grading. Beckett is known for their detailed grading system and their distinctive grading subcategories, which give collectors more insight into how each card is evaluated.

Beckett’s Grading Scale

Beckett uses a 1 to 10 grading scale, with a half-point system to allow for more precision. The grades break down as follows:

• Gem Mint 10 (Pristine): This is the highest possible grade and is exceedingly rare. Cards in this condition show no visible flaws.
• Mint 9.5: Near perfect, with only the most minor imperfections.
• Mint 9: Excellent condition but may have tiny issues like slight off-centering or minor surface wear.

Beckett’s Subgrades

One thing that sets Beckett apart is its use of subgrades, which rate specific aspects of a card’s condition: centering, edges, corners, and surface. Each of these receives its own score, and the overall grade is an average of the subgrades. Subgrades offer a transparent breakdown of why a card received a particular grade.

Beckett Grading Pros:

• Subgrades give a clearer picture of the card’s condition.
• BGS 10 Pristine and Black Label grades are extremely rare and highly valued.
• Thicker and sturdier card holders provide extra protection for cards.

Beckett Grading Cons:

• More expensive than PSA in some cases, especially for cards with higher declared value.
• Can be stricter in grading, making it harder to achieve a 9.5 or 10.
• Less recognized in certain markets (especially for vintage Pokémon cards) compared to PSA.

What Is PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)?

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is the most recognized and widely used card grading service, especially in the Pokémon card community. Founded in 1991, PSA has graded millions of cards and is considered the gold standard for Pokémon card grading.

PSA’s Grading Scale

Like Beckett, PSA uses a 1 to 10 scale, but without subgrades. The PSA grading scale is straightforward:

• Gem Mint 10: The highest grade, indicating the card is virtually perfect with sharp corners, no surface issues, and excellent centering.
• Mint 9: Close to perfect, with only slight imperfections such as minor off-centering or very tiny corner wear.
• Near Mint-Mint 8: Cards in great condition but showing some wear, such as slight surface scratches or a minor corner ding.

PSA Grading Pros:

• Widely recognized and trusted by collectors, particularly for vintage Pokémon cards.
• More lenient than Beckett, meaning it can be slightly easier to get a PSA 10 compared to a Beckett 10.
• PSA-graded cards tend to have higher resale value, especially for vintage or base set Pokémon cards.
• Larger database of graded cards, which helps with price comparisons.

PSA Grading Cons:

• PSA does not offer subgrades, so collectors don’t get detailed information on why a card received a certain grade.
• Turnaround times can be longer, especially during peak periods when submission volumes are high.
• Some collectors feel that PSA holders are less durable than Beckett’s thicker slabs.

Beckett vs. PSA for Pokémon Cards: Key Differences

Let’s break down the major differences between Beckett and PSA for Pokémon card grading:

Aspect	Beckett (BGS)	PSA
Grading Scale	1 to 10 with half-point grades	1 to 10 with whole numbers
Subgrades	Yes (centering, edges, corners, surface)	No
Rarity of Pristine Grades	Extremely rare for BGS 10 and Black Label	PSA 10 is more common
Card Holders	Thicker and more durable	Thinner, but still effective
Market Recognition	Highly respected, especially for modern cards	Most popular for Pokémon cards
Resale Value	Higher for Black Label cards	Generally higher for PSA 10 cards
Pricing	Often more expensive	Competitive and typically more affordable
Turnaround Time	Varies, but often faster for high-value cards	Can be slow during high submission periods

Which Grading Service Is Best for Pokémon Cards?

Choosing between Beckett and PSA depends on what you value most as a collector or seller:

• If you want the most detailed breakdown of a card’s condition, Beckett’s subgrades are invaluable. This is particularly helpful if you want to understand why a card didn’t achieve a perfect grade. Additionally, if you’re lucky enough to receive a Beckett Black Label 10, it’s one of the most prestigious and sought-after grades in the hobby.
• If you’re looking for higher market recognition and faster resale of your graded Pokémon cards, PSA is the way to go. PSA-graded cards, especially PSA 10s, are generally easier to sell and command higher prices in the vintage Pokémon card market, which makes PSA a go-to for collectors of older sets.

Modern vs. Vintage Pokémon Cards

• For modern Pokémon cards, such as those from the Sword & Shield or Sun & Moon sets, Beckett might be a better option due to their higher level of scrutiny, subgrades, and the potential to earn a BGS 10 or Black Label.
• For vintage Pokémon cards—particularly cards from the Base Set, Jungle, or Fossil sets—PSA is often the preferred grading service because of its established reputation and higher resale potential.

Resale Value: Beckett vs. PSA

When it comes to resale value, there are some important distinctions between Beckett and PSA:

• PSA 10s generally command higher prices on the secondary market, especially for vintage Pokémon cards. Many collectors trust PSA for older cards, and a PSA 10 can often fetch a premium.
• Beckett Black Label 10s are extremely rare and can sell for significantly more than a PSA 10. However, achieving a Black Label grade is much harder, and the rarity drives up its value.

Conclusion: Beckett vs. PSA – Which Should You Choose?

When choosing between Beckett and PSA for Pokémon card grading, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the type of cards you’re grading.

• If you’re aiming for a pristine grade with full transparency on how your card was graded, Beckett and its subgrades offer a clear advantage.
• However, if you’re looking to maximize resale value or grade vintage Pokémon cards, PSA might be the better choice due to its wider market acceptance and higher perceived value.

Whichever you choose, both Beckett and PSA provide expert grading that can help protect and authenticate your Pokémon card collection for years to come.