Hong Kong Card Grading Guide: How to Choose Between PSA, BGS, CGC, TAG, and GEA?

I have a nice card I want to get graded, but which one should I choose among PSA, BGS, CGC, TAG, and GEA? The direct answer: if you value international recognition and liquidity, choose PSA; if you want detailed subgrades, choose BGS which offers four subgrades; if you like a company that started with comic book grading and is active in the TCG market, choose CGC; if you want an AI-driven data report, choose TAG; if you want to support a Hong Kong brand and like custom slab designs with NFC anti-counterfeiting, choose GEA. Below is a framework and comparison table to help you decide. If you want to save time, MOONROAD offers grading submission services for all five companies. You can visit our grading services page or WhatsApp 6915 7469 for inquiries.

Before Submitting: Three Questions to Determine if It's Worth It

Not every card needs grading. Before submitting, answer these three questions:

1. How much is the card worth? Grading has a cost. If the market value of the card is too low, grading might not be worth it. A rough calculation: the expected value after grading, minus the ungraded value, minus the grading cost. Only consider it if the result is positive.
2. What is the condition? Condition is central to grading. A card in average condition will receive a low grade, which offers limited help for resale. Conversely, for expensive or vintage cards, even if the condition is not top-tier, grading still serves to authenticate and protect them long-term.
3. What is the purpose? For selling, choose a company with high recognition; for long-term collection, encapsulation protection and anti-counterfeiting are more important; purely for authentication, choose a company with a robust verification system. There is no "best" company, only the one that is most suitable for your particular card.

A Look at the Five Major Grading Companies

PSA: Highest Market Recognition. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Santa Ana, California. It is the world's largest card authentication and grading service, having certified over 65 million items. It uses a 1-10 point scale, with Gem Mint 10 being the highest. Its strength is liquidity: buyers worldwide recognize PSA grades, minimizing explanation costs for resale.

BGS: Four Subgrades, Black Label is the Pinnacle. BGS (Beckett Grading Services) is headquartered in Plano, Texas. Its main feature is the four subgrades—Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface—each graded independently in 0.5-point increments. A Black Label 10, BGS's highest honor, is awarded only when all four subgrades are perfect 10s. If you want to know "where your card falls short," a BGS label makes it clear.

CGC: A Powerhouse that Started with Comic Book Grading. CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) was founded in 2000, starting with comic book grading. Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, it has certified over 20 million collectibles. For cards, it uses a 1-10 point scale, with Pristine 10 above Gem Mint 10—awarded only if the card is perfectly flawless under 10x magnification, accompanied by a special gold label. In recent years, it has been very active in the Pokémon and other TCG markets.

TAG: AI Grading, Transparent Data. TAG (Technical Authentication & Grading) is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. It uses AI and patented computer vision technology (photometric stereo) for grading. In addition to the industry-standard 1-10 scale, each card also receives a 100-1000 point TAG Score, accompanied by a DIG digital report. By entering the cert number online, you can see the location of each flaw and the reason for the deduction. Perfect for collectors who want to know "why it received this grade."

GEA: Founded in Hong Kong, Designer Slabs + NFC Anti-Counterfeiting. GEA (Grading Eleven Authentication) is a new generation grading brand operating out of Hong Kong. It offers a PRISTINE 11 highest evaluation, surpassing the traditional perfect 10, based on four categories: Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface, accompanied by a special translucent slab. The slabs feature character/theme designs and embed NFC chips for instant authenticity verification, supporting cards like Pokémon, One Piece, and Disney Lorcana.

Quick Comparison of the Five Companies

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

When is it worth submitting a card for grading?

Consider three things: market value, condition, and purpose. Grading is more meaningful for high-value cards, cards in good condition, or cards needing authentication and long-term preservation; grading low-value cards may not be worth it. Please note that grading results are not guaranteed. If you are unsure, you can bring your card to our store for a consultation.

How to choose among PSA, BGS, CGC, TAG, GEA?

For resale, prioritize recognition (PSA); for detailed subgrades (BGS); for comic background and TCG activity (CGC); for transparent data reports (TAG); for a local brand with special slabs (GEA). You can also submit the same batch of cards to different companies.

How to submit cards for grading in Hong Kong?

You don't need to handle international shipping and customs yourself. Bring your card to any MOONROAD store, or WhatsApp 6915 7469 for inquiries. We will handle the entire submission process. The latest fees and processing times will be clearly communicated during your inquiry.

Can MOONROAD stores help?

Yes. MOONROAD has 7 stores in Hong Kong where you can have your cards inspected and get advice on which company to choose. For details, please see our store list.

Want to Submit for Grading? Next Steps

First, visit the grading services page to understand our services; second, WhatsApp 6915 7469 to tell us what cards you want to grade; third, bring your cards to the nearest store.

Source: Official websites and press releases of PSA, Beckett, CGC, TAG, GEA (verified August 2026).