Is My Card Centered

Submission prep

How to Start Submitting Cards

Collector Guide

Published by super_pjj · Last reviewed August 25, 2026

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This guide includes optional paid Amazon links; purchases through them may earn a commission. Product links do not affect Centering, Pre-Screen, AI Review, or submit-or-hold guidance.

Submitting cards for grading is easier when you separate the decision into a few checks: whether the card is worth grading, whether the condition is strong enough, and whether it is packed safely before it leaves your hands.

This guide is a practical starting point for collectors. It is not official grading-company instruction, and every submission should still follow the current rules from the grading company you choose.

1. Choose cards with a clear reason to grade

Start with cards that have enough value, personal importance, or collector demand to justify the grading fee, shipping cost, and wait time.

  • check recent sold prices for raw and graded copies
  • compare likely grade outcomes, not only the best possible grade
  • use Gem Finder to compare PSA population counts, PSA 10 counts, and gem rates when rarity or grading upside matters
  • avoid sending cards only because they are new, shiny, or popular

2. Inspect the card before you pay to submit

Look at the card under good light before deciding. Centering is only one part of the grade; corners, edges, surface, print lines, dents, and scratches can matter just as much.

  • start with Pre-Screen when you want an in-depth guided walkthrough from a card photo
  • use the Card Centering Calculator when you want a precise guide-based centering measurement
  • use AI Review when you want a deeper photo-based AI-assisted review before submitting
  • read the surface inspection section before relying on one straight-on photo
  • if you are looking for a 10, skip grading if the card has obvious dents, creases, peeling, or heavy whitening

3. Prepare basic supplies

You do not need a complicated setup, but you should protect the card and make inspection easier before packing it. A simple starter kit usually covers the essentials.

Basic Submission Starter Kit

This is an unbranded checklist, not a product recommendation. Confirm the holder and packing requirements in your grading company's current instructions before buying supplies.

Protection

  • clean, card-safe penny sleeves for the first protective layer
  • semi-rigid card holders when required by the selected grading service

Inspection

  • a hand-squeezed air blower for loose dust; never use canned propellant on a card. View an example hand air blower on Amazon (paid link)
  • optional magnification for checking corners, edges, print lines, and surface marks

Shipping / organization

  • a labeled card list or sorting tray to preserve submission order
  • rigid outer packaging and interior padding that prevents movement in transit
  • only the bundling method the grading company's current shipping guide permits; never place bands directly on raw cards
Handling caution: Do not use liquids, solvents, erasers, or aggressive cleaning on cards. Only remove loose dust or debris, and avoid touching card surfaces. Stop if air could move the card or a lifted edge.

4. Pick a grading path

Different grading companies and service levels can make sense for different cards. Compare turnaround, cost, resale market, holder preference, and what you want from the card.

  • PSA is commonly used for broad resale demand
  • BGS may appeal when subgrades or strong condition separation matters
  • TAG may appeal when you want a more detailed condition report
  • CGC may appeal for certain collectors, sets, or holder preferences
  • always use the grading company's current submission instructions before packing or shipping

Official submission resources:

Always follow the current instructions from the grading company you choose.

5. Handle and pack carefully

Handle cards slowly and deliberately. A strong card can lose grading potential from a corner tap, surface mark, or rough holder insertion.

  • wash and dry your hands before handling cards
  • insert the card into a sleeve without dragging corners
  • load the sleeved card into the holder gently
  • keep cards in the same order as the submission form
  • use enough padding so cards cannot shift in transit

Quick pre-submit checklist

  • the card is worth grading at more than one possible grade outcome
  • centering has been checked from a straight-on photo
  • corners and edges look clean under close inspection
  • surface issues have been checked under direct and angled light
  • the card is sleeved, protected, and packed securely
  • the submission form, card order, declared value, and shipping method are confirmed