Grading your Magic: The Gathering cards can dramatically change how the market views them – especially for iconic pieces like Black Lotus, dual lands, early Reserved List staples, and chase foils.

This guide breaks down the full process of preparing and submitting MTG cards to PSA, CGC, or Beckett – with collector-focused insights, practical advice, and visuals showing what to look for.

Why Grade Magic Cards?

• Authentication – critical for Alpha/Beta, Power Nine, Reserved List staples
• Condition certainty – slabs preserve and lock in NM/MINT status
• Higher liquidity – graded cards move faster and cleaner in high-end markets
• Long-term protection – slabs prevent binder dents, pressure marks, and shuffle wear

What You’ll Need

• Soft sleeves (penny sleeves)
• Semi-rigid holders (Card Saver 1 recommended)
• Microfiber cloth
• Strong light source (angled light helps spot flaws)
• PSA / CGC / BGS submission portal account
• Sturdy shipping materials (bubble wrap, box, packing tape)

Step 1: Decide What’s Worth Grading

Most MTG cards aren’t worth grading – modern rares and played staples rarely justify the cost.
You should grade when a card is:

• $100+ raw value
• Truly Near Mint or better
• A historically significant card
• A high-end foil, promo, or serialized card

Cards that commonly make sense:

• Power Nine
• Dual lands
• Early foils / Judge promos
• Reserved List staples
• Modern Horizons / limited-set foils in pristine condition
• Anything Alpha/Beta in solid condition

Step 2: Pre-Grade & Inspect Your Cards

To avoid disappointment, evaluate your card carefully before sending it in.

• Centering: Check border thickness on all sides – Alpha/Beta often have poor centering.
• Corners & Edges: Check for whitening, chipping, fraying, and binder marks.
• Surface: Tilt the card under angled light to spot scratches and print lines.
• Foils: Check for curling, clouding, and long print lines.

Step 3: Prep the Card for Submission

1. Clean gently with microfiber (no moisture).
2. Slide into a fresh penny sleeve.
3. Insert into a Card Saver 1 (preferred by PSA/CGC).
4. Group in team bags for moisture protection.

Step 4: Choose a Grading Company

PSA

The most liquid and widely trusted for MTG.
Best for Power, duals, Reserved List, and iconic foils.

CGC

Excellent slabs + subgrades.
Great for collectors who want detailed condition metrics.

BGS

Historically strong for foils.
Black Label potential for pristine modern cards.

Step 5: Select Service Level

Your price depends on:

• Declared value
• Speed
• Bulk vs. single submission
• Insurance

Value/Economy tiers are usually enough unless the card is $1,000+.

Step 6: Create & Pack Your Submission

1. Enter card details in the grading portal.
2. Print your submission form.
3. Stack Card Savers in the listed order.
4. Bubble wrap tightly.
5. Pack inside a sturdy box.
6. Ship tracked + insured.

Step 7: Receiving Grades & What To Do Next

• Verify the cards match the labels.
• Inspect slabs for cracks, dust, or mislabels.
• Decide whether to hold, sell, or cross-grade.
• Avoid cracking slabs unless you’re experienced – risk is high.

Understanding MTG Grades

MTG’s black borders reveal flaws more easily than Pokémon – this makes 10s significantly rarer for older sets.

Pro Tips

• Don’t grade heavily played cards unless historically significant.
• Beware binder dents – they kill grades fast.
• Foils from 2000–2015 often have print lines; check closely.
• Grade in batches to reduce shipping cost per card.
• Use population reports to target cards with upside.

Related Reading

• How to Store High-End Magic Cards Long-Term
• Beginner’s Guide to the MTG Reserved List
• Price Trends – Hottest MTG Chase Cards of 2025

Final Thoughts

Grading MTG cards isn’t just about profit – it’s about preserving history. From Alpha corner cuts to serialized foils, Magic has one of the richest physical print legacies in the hobby.

Handled correctly, grading can protect your most important pieces and elevate them into true collector assets.