As trading card games become more popular, especially Pokemon's, collectors are looking for ways to immortalize their precious cards. The easiest way to do that is by grading them. Not only does it increase their value, provided you get a high enough grade, but it's a surefire way to keep them safe from damage.
Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is the most popular option for this. It commands over 70 percent of the grading market because it typically offers the best return on investment, with PSA-graded cards almost always selling for more than their BGS or CGC counterparts.
Unfortunately, though, grading with PSA just got a lot less attractive, as, in some instances, grading times have more than doubled.
PSA Turnaround Times Have Just Got A Lot, Lot Longer
The Pokemon Trading Card Game is almost certainly the reason for PSA's new turnaround times. Over recent years, the TCG has exploded in popularity, and time and time again, you'll have seen me lamenting the state of things. It's nearly impossible to buy new products, with scalpers ruling stores, and individual cards have seen their prices rise to unattainable prices on the secondary market.
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With people seeing the value in grading their cards, PSA has seen an influx, admitting that the number of cards it grades per day has risen to 90,000, up from 15,000 in 2021. This has now had a major knock-on effect and is forcing it to increase its times for the third time since September 2025.
Starting immediately, PSA's turnaround times have risen drastically, meaning if you're looking to grade a card, you'll be waiting a lot longer to get it back. You can see the timetable below:
|
Grading Service Level |
Previous Turnaround Time |
New Turnaround Time |
Time Increase (%) |
|
Super Express |
7 business days |
7–10 business days |
42.9 percent |
|
Walk-Through |
7 business days |
5–7 business days |
0.0 percent (Max) / -28.6 percent (Min) |
|
Express |
15 business days |
20–30 business days |
100.0 percent |
|
Regular |
25 business days |
30–40 business days |
60.0 percent |
|
Value Max |
35 business days |
40–50 business days |
42.9 percent |
|
Value Plus |
45 business days |
60–80 business days |
77.8 percent |
|
Value |
75 business days |
100–120 business days |
60.0 percent |
|
Value Bulk (Collectors Club) |
95 business days |
140–160 business days |
68.4 percent |
As you can see, grading times have increased by between 43 percent and 100 percent.
Thankfully, PSA realizes this is an issue and is doing what it can to rectify it. It has just announced that it is spending $200 million to "support global demand." This money will be invested in infrastructure, technology, and the workforce, with plans to hire more than 1,000 new staff members.
It's yet another example of issues within the trading card world, and another time I regret the hobby that I have chosen.
- Franchise
- Pokemon
- Original Release Date
- October 20, 1996
- Player Count
- 2
- Age Recommendation
- 6+
- Length per Game
- Variable
- Franchise Name
- Pokemon