If you’re a UK collector wondering “Which grading company should I use?” — you’re not alone. With options like PSA, Beckett (BGS), CGC, and SGC all vying for attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But when it comes to global recognition, resale value, and collector trust, PSA remains the clear leader.
In this guide, we’ll compare the major grading companies and explain why UK collectors continue to choose PSA — especially when submitting through CardHawk, a trusted UK-based intermediary.
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
• Founded: 1991
Strengths:
- Highest resale value across Pokémon, sports, and TCGs
- Largest population reports and registry system
- Most trusted slabs in the global market
Weaknesses:
- Longer turnaround times during peak demand
- Requires international shipping from the UK (unless using an intermediary)
Best For:
- Serious collectors, investors, and sellers who want maximum credibility
Beckett Grading Services (BGS)
Strengths:
- Subgrades for centering, corners, edges, and surface
- Strong reputation in sports cards
Weaknesses:
- Lower resale value than PSA for most cards
- Bulkier slabs, less demand in Pokémon/TCG
Best For:
- Collectors who want detailed condition breakdowns
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
Strengths:
- Competitive pricing
- Strong crossover from comic grading
Weaknesses:
- Newer in the card space
- Lower resale value compared to PSA
Best For:
- Budget-conscious collectors and crossover comic/TCG fans
SGC (Sportscard Guaranty)
Strengths:
- Fast turnaround
- Respected in vintage sports cards for personal collections
Weaknesses:
- Less demand in Pokémon and modern TCGs
Best For:
- Vintage sports collectors who intend to keep cards for their own collections
Why PSA Is Still #1 for UK Collectors
- Resale Value: PSA 10s consistently sell for more than equivalent grades from other companies.
- Market Trust: PSA’s slabs are the most recognised and respected worldwide.
- Liquidity: PSA-graded cards move faster on eBay, Goldin, and UK marketplaces.
- Global Registry: PSA’s population reports help collectors track rarity and value.
The UK Challenge: Customs, VAT & Shipping
Submitting directly to PSA from the UK means:
- Customs delays and VAT charges on return shipments
- High international shipping costs
- Risk of damage or loss in transit
- Complex paperwork and declared value forms
These hurdles make direct submission costly and stressful.
CardHawk: The Trusted UK Route to PSA
CardHawk solves the UK grading problem by offering:
- Customs-Free PSA Grading – No surprise VAT or import fees
- Transparent Pricing – Clear tiers from £25 to £110
- Insurance & Tracking – Peace of mind at every stage
- Vintage Card Expertise – Ideal for football stickers, Pokémon, and provenance-sensitive cards
- Bulk Discounts – Lower per-card costs for larger submissions
Whether you’re grading a single grail or a full binder, CardHawk makes PSA grading simple, secure, and collector-first.
Final Thoughts
While Beckett, CGC, and SGC all have their strengths, PSA remains the benchmark for value, trust, and global recognition. For UK collectors, the smartest way to access PSA is through CardHawk — a customs-free, transparent, and vintage-savvy submission service.
👉 Ready to grade your cards? Start your PSA submission with CardHawk today.