Where To Buy PSA Subgrades Service: What’s Possible And The Best Alternatives

If you've been searching for where to buy PSA subgrades service, you've probably run into a wall of conflicting info. Here's the reality: PSA does not offer subgrades, never has, and you can't bolt them onto an existing PSA slab after the fact. That doesn't mean you're out of options, though. If you love the added transparency and eye appeal of subgrades, you can still get them from other top graders, or use smart crossover strategies. As CardChasers, we help collectors navigate this every day, whether you're submitting through us, joining a live break, or hunting down a grail in-store. This guide breaks down exactly what's possible, what isn't, and the best alternatives.

What Subgrades Are And PSA’s Current Policy

Subgrades are the four category scores some grading companies display on the label to explain how they arrived at the final grade. Typically you'll see:

  • Centering

  • Corners

  • Edges

  • Surface

Each category is scored (often on a 1–10 scale) and then combined into a final grade. Subgrades are popular because they show why a card did or didn't gem, and they can boost buyer confidence, especially on expensive modern cards where centering and surface can make or break value.

PSA's stance today

  • PSA does not offer subgrades. Their red label shows one overall grade, plus qualifiers in certain cases (e.g., OC for off-center), and separate autograph grades when applicable.

  • You can't "add subgrades" to an existing PSA slab. Reholdering or label upgrades won't create subgrades because PSA doesn't use them.

  • If you want a card with subgrades, you must submit to a company that offers them or pursue a crossover to a subgrade-issuing grader (more on that later).

Why PSA skips subgrades

PSA leans on a single, holistic grade backed by their internal criteria and market trust. Like it or not, PSA's brand power and resale velocity often offset the lack of subgrades. For ultra-transparent breakdowns, though, collectors look to Beckett (BGS), CGC Cards, or niche players.

Can You Add Subgrades To An Existing PSA Slab?

Short answer: no. There's no official pathway to bolt subgrades onto a PSA label, now or retroactively. Here are the options people ask about, and why they do or don't work:

  • Reholder/Re-slab with PSA: You'll get a fresh label, but still no subgrades. This is useful for damaged holders or new label styles, not for adding features PSA doesn't offer.

  • Dual service with PSA: PSA will grade the autograph separately on certain services, but that's not the same as subgrades.

  • Third-party "overlays" or sticker labels: Avoid these. They're not recognized by the hobby and can hurt liquidity. Worse, they can be associated with scams.

If you're intent on subgrades, your real choices are: 1) crack and submit to a subgrade-issuing company, or 2) attempt a crossover submission (where a new company grades the card while it remains in the original slab, policies vary by grader). We'll walk through who offers subgrades and how to choose the right route.

Where To Get Grading With Subgrades (Alternatives To PSA)

Beckett (BGS): The Most Established Option For Subgrades

Beckett pioneered the modern subgrade format. In the marketplace, a BGS label with subgrades carries weight, especially for high-end modern parallels and condition-sensitive sets. A few notes:

  • Subgrades availability: BGS offers subgrades as part of select service options. Depending on current policies, subgrades may be included or priced as an add-on. Always check their latest menu before submitting.

  • Value impact: Clear category scores can command a premium for pristine cards (e.g., 9.5/10 centering with strong surface). Savvy buyers study subgrade balance: a lopsided 9.5 can price differently than a "true" 9.5.

  • Crossover appeal: Many collectors try to move strong PSA 9s to BGS for a 9.5 with attractive subgrades. There's risk, no guarantees, but when it works, it can unlock value.

When we recommend BGS: If you want market-recognized subgrades and plan to sell to experienced buyers, BGS is the safest bet. For vintage, the subgrade story can be less relevant: for ultra-modern, it's often meaningful.

CGC Cards: Modern, Transparent Subgrade Criteria

CGC Cards (under the Certified Collectibles Group) has become a legitimate player, especially for TCG but increasingly for sports. Key points:

  • Subgrades as an add-on: CGC has offered subgrades as an optional upcharge. Their breakdowns are consistent and easy to read.

  • Label clarity: CGC's current labels are clean, and their imaging and online verification tools are robust.

  • Market perception: For TCG, CGC subgrades are widely accepted and often expected. For sports, recognition is growing, though in some segments BGS still leads on subgrade prestige.

When we recommend CGC: If you collect TCG or prefer the modern look and digital transparency, CGC subgrades are a great fit. Also attractive for large mail-in batches due to efficient portals and tracking.

HGA And Other Niche Graders: When They Make Sense

Smaller graders like HGA display subgrades prominently and offer aesthetic customization. Pros and cons:

  • Pros: Eye-catching labels, quick innovation, and clear subgrade breakdowns at competitive prices.

  • Cons: Liquidity and resale can lag behind BGS/CGC, especially for higher-end sports cards. Market confidence is improving but still uneven.

When we recommend niche graders: For PC cards where you value the look and the subgrade clarity, or for mid-tier modern where you're not chasing maximum resale. For high-end or cross-market liquidity, stick with BGS or CGC.

Where To Buy Or Submit: Official Channels Versus Middlemen

You can buy grading services in a few ways: directly from the grading company, through an authorized dealer/local shop, or via a group submitter. Each path has tradeoffs.

Direct Submission Portals And Memberships

  • What you get: Official online forms, declared value tiers, turnaround time estimates, shipping labels, and add-ons (like subgrades when available, autograph authentication, or imaging).

  • Pros: Full control, clear TAT/pricing, direct status updates. No middleman fees or handoffs.

  • Cons: You handle all packing, insurance, customs (if applicable), and communication. Mistakes on forms or declared values can slow things down.

Tip: Create an account with the grader you choose and read their current policy on subgrades, availability and fees do change.

Authorized Dealers And Local Card Shops

A great option if you want guidance and peace of mind. At CardChasers, we routinely help collectors prep and submit to multiple grading companies. You can visit us in Laval or start online via our grading page. We'll advise on which cards actually benefit from subgrades and which are better off with a PSA single-grade.

  • Pros: Hands-on help with card prep, realistic pre-screening, secure shipping, and consolidated insurance.

  • Cons: You'll pay a service fee, and some shops batch submissions on schedules.

If you want a streamlined experience or are shipping from Canada to US graders, working with a shop like ours is a smart move. Start here: our dedicated Grading page on the CardChasers site.

Group Submitters And Concierge Services

These services aggregate many collectors' cards to negotiate better pricing tiers and simplify logistics.

  • Pros: Potentially lower per-card cost, pre-screen services, and bulk insurance. Helpful for international shipping and customs.

  • Cons: Added layer between you and the grader, fixed batching dates, and extra lead time. Choose reputable operators only.

At CardChasers, we offer concierge-style support and can integrate submissions into our broader ecosystem, think live reveals on stream, or pairing grading with a pull from our live breaks if that's your vibe. If you're new to our community, check out our live breaks hub and our storefront to see how we operate.

International Options And Shipping Considerations

Shipping cards across borders for grading introduces cost, paperwork, and risk. If you're deciding where to buy PSA subgrades service alternatives like BGS or CGC, factor these in.

Regional Partners And Mail-In Hubs

  • Some graders list regional partners who accept local submissions and forward in bulk to the main grading facility. This reduces individual customs headaches and can lower shipping per card.

  • Local shops (like CardChasers in the Greater Montreal Area) can act as your trusted hub, pre-screening, form entry, packing, and insured shipping under commercial accounts that get preferential handling.

If you're in or near Laval, drop your cards with us in person: if not, use our mail-in process. We're open seven days a week because the chase never stops.

Customs, Insurance, And Taxes For Cross-Border Submissions

  • Customs declarations: For outbound grading, clearly list "collectible trading cards for grading, returning to sender" with declared value. Under-declaring can void insurance: over-declaring can create tax issues.

  • Import taxes/VAT: When the graded cards return, some countries may attempt to assess taxes on the declared value. Keep documentation showing the cards are your property leaving and returning for a service.

  • Insurance: Use full-value insurance for each leg. If you're submitting via a shop like CardChasers, we can consolidate shipments and ensure adequate coverage end-to-end.

Pro tip: Photograph and inventory every card before shipping. Serial numbers post-grade will help reconcile any discrepancies.

Pricing, Turnaround Times, And Service Levels

Grading costs and TATs move with demand. Instead of locking into numbers that may age quickly, here's how to think about value.

Bulk, Standard, And Express Tiers

  • Bulk: Lowest per-card cost, strict declared value caps, and longer TATs. Great for modern base/inserts and TCG where you're grading many at once.

  • Standard: Middle ground. Suitable for mid-tier rookies, silvers, short prints, and TCG hits with moderate value.

  • Express/Premium: Fast TATs for high-value cards. Necessary when market timing matters (e.g., in-season spikes or set releases).

For subgrades specifically, confirm whether the option is available at your chosen tier. Some graders limit subgrades to certain levels or charge a small add-on.

Add-Ons: Autograph Authentication, Imaging, Reholders, And Crossovers

  • Autograph authentication: If you've got an on-card or slabbed-auto card, you can pair grading with auto authentication and a separate auto grade where offered.

  • High-resolution imaging: Useful for listings and documentation. Some graders include basic scans: others offer premium photography.

  • Reholder/Recase: If a slab is scuffed or you want a label refresh, reholdering is cheaper than regrading, but it won't add subgrades where they don't exist.

  • Crossover: Submit a card in one company's slab to be graded by another. Policies vary, some graders won't crack unless they're confident the card will meet a minimum grade you set.

At CardChasers, we'll help you pick the right tier for each card and decide if subgrades are worth the extra spend. When in doubt, we'll show you comps and recent sale patterns so you can choose with your wallet and your heart.

Choosing The Right Service For Your Cards

When Subgrades Add Value (And When They Don't)

Subgrades shine when small condition deltas swing value. Consider subgrades if:

  • You're grading modern chromium, PMGs, or surface-sensitive foils where a 9.5 with strong subgrades outperforms a generic 9.

  • You plan to sell to savvy buyers who appreciate a "true gem" profile (e.g., 9.5/9.5/9.5/9.5 or better).

  • You want transparency for long-term holdings and a clearer story for future resale.

You might skip subgrades if:

  • You're targeting the broadest possible buyer pool where PSA's liquidity dominates.

  • The card's condition has an obvious flaw that will drag one subgrade and the final grade anyway.

  • You're grading low-value cards where subgrade add-ons won't pay back.

Crossover Strategy: Moving From PSA To A Subgrade Provider

If you currently have PSA slabs but want subgrades:

  1. Decide your end game: Do you want maximum resale in a subgrade-friendly market (BGS/CGC), or just clarity for your PC?

  2. Pre-screen ruthlessly: Under bright light and magnification, assess centering and surface. If a PSA 9 has elite centering and edges, it might land a BGS 9.5 or CGC 9.5 with appealing subs.

  3. Choose your method:

  • Crossover in-slab: Safer: if your minimum grade isn't met, it returns as-is. Downside: Some graders are conservative on crossovers they can't inspect raw.

  • Crack and submit raw: Higher risk/higher reward. Only recommended if you're confident the card is strong and you're comfortable with the risk.

  1. Mind timing and comps: Check recent sales for the exact card in PSA vs BGS/CGC subgrade variants. If the delta isn't there, don't force it.

If you want a second set of eyes, bring the card by CardChasers or use our mail-in consult. We'll give you candid advice, sometimes the best play is to keep the PSA slab and move on another chase.

How To Avoid Scams And Misleading “PSA Subgrades” Offers

When you search where to buy PSA subgrades service, you'll see sketchy listings claiming to "add PSA subgrades" or sell "PSA subgrade labels." Hard pass. Here's how to protect yourself.

Red Flags To Watch For

  • Anyone claiming they can add subgrades to PSA labels or retrofit your slab.

  • "Overlay" stickers or secondary labels that sit on top of a PSA case.

  • Suspiciously cheap "grading" bundles on marketplaces promising 48-hour turnaround with subgrades using PSA branding.

  • Vendors unwilling to provide a clear grading company name, service level, and cert verification method.

Verification Steps And Serial Number Checks

  • Use official cert verification: For PSA, use their Verify tool: for BGS and CGC, do the same on their sites. Make sure the card, grade, and label style match.

  • Inspect the slab: Look for proper fonts, holo elements, weld lines, and label alignment. Fakes often get one or two details wrong.

  • Trace the submission chain: If you used a group submitter, they should provide evidence of your card in their batch (photos, receipts, tracking).

  • Keep paperwork: Save invoices, declared values, and pre-shipment photos.

When in doubt, ask the community, or ask us. Our team at CardChasers sees a ton of slabs every week between live streams and in-store traffic, and we're happy to sanity-check something before you spend.

Conclusion

If you're looking for where to buy PSA subgrades service, the straight truth is that PSA doesn't offer subgrades and you can't add them to a PSA slab. Your best alternatives are Beckett (BGS) and CGC Cards, with subgrades available on select tiers or as add-ons, plus niche graders like HGA for specific use cases. The right move depends on your card, your goals, and your market.

If you want hands-on help choosing between PSA's market liquidity and the transparency of subgrades, we've got you. CardChasers is your one-stop shop, swing by our Laval store, browse our online storefront, join our daily live breaks, or start a grading submission with us so we can map the best path for every card you own. The chase never stops, and with the right grading plan, it pays off more often than not.

Helpful links:

  • Explore grading options or start a submission through CardChasers: our grading page.

  • Shop sealed wax and singles: our online store.

  • Catch live breaks and community pulls: our live breaks page.

  • Learn more about us and visit in-store: our homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to buy PSA subgrades service, and is it even available?

You can’t actually buy PSA subgrades service—PSA doesn’t offer subgrades and never has. If you want subgrades, submit to companies that provide them, like Beckett (BGS) or CGC Cards. Purchase grading directly via their portals, through reputable local shops (e.g., CardChasers), or via trusted group submitters.

Can I add subgrades to an existing PSA slab?

No. PSA reholdering will not create subgrades, and third‑party overlays or stickers aren’t recognized and can hurt resale. If you want subgrades, either attempt a crossover to BGS/CGC while the card stays slabbed (policies vary), or crack the PSA slab and submit raw—higher risk, higher reward.

Which grading companies offer subgrades, and when should I choose each?

BGS is the most established for subgrades and is strong for high‑end modern. CGC offers subgrades (often as an add‑on), with big acceptance in TCG and growing in sports. Niche graders like HGA display subgrades prominently but can lag in liquidity. Choose based on card type, market, and resale goals.

How does a crossover from PSA to a subgrade provider work?

You can set a minimum grade and submit the PSA slab for crossover; if it’s not met, it usually returns unchanged. This is safer but sometimes conservative. Cracking and submitting raw may yield better outcomes but risks a lower grade. Pre‑screen carefully, check comps, and decide if the value delta justifies it.

What’s the best way to submit for subgrades—direct, local shop, or group submitter?

Direct portals provide full control and real‑time tracking. Local shops like CardChasers offer pre‑screening, secure packing, and insured shipments for peace of mind. Group submitters can lower per‑card costs and simplify international logistics. Pick the route that balances expertise, turnaround, and risk for your budget.

Is paying for subgrades worth it for my card?

Subgrades add value when small condition differences matter—think modern chromium, foils, and surface‑sensitive parallels, where a balanced 9.5 can outpace a generic 9. For vintage or low‑value cards, subgrades often matter less, and the add‑on fee may not pay back. Align the choice with comps and your resale plan.

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