How to Get Trading Cards Graded by PSA from Overseas

Grading your trading cards can significantly increase their value, especially if they receive high grades. One of the most reputable grading services is Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) – but there are other great companies in the market. While it’s easier to submit cards for grading from within the U.S., international collectors can also send their cards to PSA from overseas. This blog will guide you through the process of submitting trading cards to PSA from abroad and offer some key tips to make the experience as smooth as possible.

Why Get Cards Graded?

Before diving into the process, let’s quickly recap why grading is important:

• Card Protection: PSA slabs cards in tamper-proof cases, preserving their condition.
• Value Increase: A high PSA grade can significantly raise the market value of a card.
• Authentication: PSA confirms the card’s authenticity, which is important for rare or valuable items.
• Resale Value: Graded cards are often easier to sell, as buyers can trust their condition.

Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Cards to PSA from Overseas

1. Create a PSA Account

The first step is to create a PSA account on their official website. Here’s what you need to do:

• Go to the PSA website and click on “Join” in the upper right-hand corner.
• Choose the membership level that best suits your needs. Some membership tiers come with perks such as submission discounts.
• Complete the registration by providing the necessary details like name, email, and payment method.

Tip: If you’re planning to grade multiple cards, consider a membership level that offers bulk submission discounts.

2. Understand PSA Grading Overseas Fees

PSA offers various grading tiers, depending on the declared value and turnaround time. Grading fees range from around $25 to several hundred dollars per card, depending on the service level you choose.

Here’s a breakdown of PSA’s most common service levels:

• Regular: For cards with a declared value up to $1,499.
• Express: For more valuable cards with a declared value up to $2,499.
• Super Express: Faster processing for cards with a declared value up to $4,999.
• Walkthrough: The fastest and most expensive option for cards with values above $5,000.

If you’re unsure of your card’s value, look at recent sales for similar cards in the PSA database or on online marketplaces.

3. Prepare Your Cards

Before shipping your cards, make sure they are clean and properly protected. Here’s how to prepare them:

• Sleeves and Toploaders: Insert your card into a penny sleeve and then place it in a toploader or card saver. PSA recommends using Card Saver 1 holders because they allow for easier card removal without damaging the card.
• Cleaning: Lightly clean your card to remove any fingerprints or dust. PSA grades on condition, so even minor blemishes can affect your score.

4. Fill Out the Submission Form

Once you’re ready to submit your cards, log into your PSA account and fill out the submission form. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Select the service level based on the value and desired turnaround time for your cards.
• Declare the value of your cards (the estimated market value).
• Include details such as the card’s set name, year, player name, and card number.
• Print the submission form and include it in your package. This form is vital for tracking your cards and ensures they are processed correctly.

5. Choose an International Shipping Method

Sending cards internationally requires careful consideration of both shipping methods and costs. Here are the key steps:

• Package Carefully: Protect your cards in bubble wrap or a sturdy box to prevent damage during transit. Use a secure, padded envelope for smaller shipments or a box for larger ones.
• Choose a Reliable Courier: It’s best to use tracked shipping for international submissions. Some couriers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS offer reliable global shipping services with detailed tracking information.
• Insurance: Consider insuring your package for its full declared value to cover any potential losses during shipment.

6. Pay for International Return Shipping

PSA will return your graded cards using an international shipping service. You’ll need to pay for this as part of the submission process. PSA offers different return shipping options based on your location and the value of the cards being returned. Typically, the higher the card value, the more expensive the shipping cost due to insurance.

7. Monitor the Submission Process

PSA provides status updates for all submissions through your account. These are the key stages:

• Received: PSA has received your cards.
• Grading: Your cards are in the grading process.
• Assembly: Cards are being placed into slabs.
• Shipped: Your graded cards are on their way back to you.

Depending on the service level, this process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

8. Receive Your Graded Cards

Once your cards are shipped back to you, you’ll receive them in tamper-proof, PSA-labeled slabs. Each slab will feature your card’s grade (ranging from 1 to 10) along with its unique certification number.

At this point, your cards are graded, authenticated, and protected—ready to sell, display, or hold as an investment!

Key Tips for International Submissions

• Bulk Submissions: If you’re sending multiple cards, try to submit in bulk. This can save you on shipping and grading costs.
• Research Customs Regulations: In some countries, customs fees may apply when your graded cards are shipped back to you. Check your local regulations to avoid any surprises.
• Join PSA Groups: There are online communities of collectors who regularly submit cards for PSA grading overseas. Joining these groups can provide insights, advice, and even bulk submission opportunities.

Getting your trading cards graded by PSA from overseas is straightforward with careful planning. The key steps include preparing your cards, selecting the appropriate service level, using a reliable shipping service, and monitoring the submission process. While international submissions may involve some extra steps and costs, the potential value added by PSA’s grading service makes it worth the effort for many collectors.

Happy grading, and may your cards receive lots of PSA 10!