How to Submit Cards to PSA (DIY)
Updated: Feb 9
Submitting cards to PSA can feel intimidating the first time you do it—different service levels, value tiers, shipping rules, and the biggest fear: “What if I mess something up?”
This guide walks you through the full PSA submission process from start to finish, in plain English, with the exact steps we recommend so your cards arrive safely and get processed smoothly.
Step 1: Decide Why You’re Grading (and what “success” means)
Before you submit anything, get clear on your goal—because it affects what you send and how much you should pay.
Common goals:
Max resale value (chasing PSA 10s)
Personal collection (protect & display)
Authentication (auto or card authenticity)
Long-term hold (preserve condition long-term)
If you’re grading for ROI, you want to submit cards that have a realistic chance at PSA 9/10 and that still make financial sense after fees, shipping, and turnaround time.
Step 2: Pick the right PSA service level
PSA has multiple service levels based on declared value (what the card would be worth after grading) and turnaround expectations.
The key idea:
Your service level is based on the card’s estimated value after it comes back graded.
If you under-declare value, PSA can upcharge you later (that’s normal). If you massively over-declare, you may overpay.
Quick rule of thumb:
If it’s a modern card and you’re hoping for a 10, base the value estimate on PSA 10 comps
If it’s older/vintage, estimate closer to PSA 8/9 comps unless it’s truly clean
Step 3: Create your PSA account + start a submission
Go to PSA and log in / create an account
Start a new submission
Choose:
TCG / Sports / Non-sports
Service level
Grading type (standard vs. autos, etc.)
Then you’ll add each card to your submission list.
Step 4: Add your cards to the submission (correctly)
When entering cards, accuracy matters because it reduces delays.
For each card:
Set / year
Card number
Player/character
Declared value
Quantity
Pro tip: If you can’t find a card in PSA’s search list, double-check spelling and set name formatting first. If needed, use the closest match and add notes (or choose “Other” where applicable).
Step 5: Confirm totals + print the packing slip
Before you ship, PSA will show:
Submission total
Shipping & handling charges (return shipping is included)
Any add-ons
Then you’ll print:
Packing slip
Submission barcode/ID sheet (if provided)
Do not skip this. It helps PSA identify your order fast.
Step 6: Prep the cards the PSA-approved way
This is where most people accidentally make mistakes.
PSA typically wants:
Penny sleeve
Semi-rigids (Not top loaders unless specifically allowed—semi-rigids are the norm.)
How to load properly:
Put card in penny sleeve
Use a post-it “tab” (optional but helpful) so PSA can pull it easily without pinching corners
Slide into Card Saver I carefully
Don’t force it
Keep corners safe
Step 7: Bundle and protect the cards (no movement = no damage)
Once cards are in semi-rigids:
Recommended bundling:
Stack them neatly
Put cardboard on both sides (like a sandwich)
Use painter’s tape (easy to remove) or rubber bands (not too tight)
Bubble wrap the whole stack
Then place inside a sturdy box with void fill so nothing shifts.
Rule: If you shake the box and feel movement, fix it.
Step 8: Ship with tracking + insurance
Use a shipping method that matches the value of what you’re sending.
Most common safe approach:
USPS Priority (or UPS/FedEx)
Tracking + signature (especially for higher value)
Insurance appropriate to the raw or replacement value
If you’re sending high value cards, consider a more secure shipping option.
Step 9: Track your package + monitor PSA status updates
Once delivered, PSA typically updates your submission through stages like:
Arrived
Research & ID
Grading
Assembly
QA Check
Shipped
Don’t panic if it sits at one stage for a while—some stages take longer depending on volume and service level.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid these and you’ll save yourself delays + risk:
Sending in toploaders (unless the submission specifically allows)
Not using enough padding (cards shift in transit)
Under-declaring value drastically (upcharges happen)
Submitting cards that clearly won’t grade well (wasted fees)
Dirty cards / fingerprints (handle carefully)
Want us to help you decide what to submit?
This is exactly why pre-grading exists.
At Graded Investors, we help you:
Identify which cards are worth grading
Spot condition issues before you waste fees
Pick the best service level/value strategy
Prep and package the right way
If you want, tell me:
What you’re grading (Pokémon / One Piece / sports / etc.)
Rough value range
How many cards…and I’ll recommend the best PSA submission strategy for your situation.
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