PSA turnaround times are creeping back up. After finally clearing the pandemic-era backlog in late 2023, wait times are growing again — and collectors are noticing.
In this article, we break down current PSA wait times, why the backlog is returning, how it impacts the card market, and what you should do about it.
Current PSA Turnaround Times
As of early 2025, here are PSA’s estimated turnaround times (from the day they receive your cards):
Value Service ($25/card, max $499 value)
Estimated: 25-35 business days Reality: 30-45+ business days
Regular Service ($40/card, max $1,499 value)
Estimated: 15-20 business days Reality: 20-30 business days
Express Service ($125/card, max $2,499 value)
Estimated: 5-7 business days Reality: 7-12 business days
Walk-Through Service (in-person at shows)
Estimated: Next business day Reality: Generally accurate
Translation: The quoted times are optimistic. Add 25-50% to PSA’s estimates for real-world results.
Why the Backlog Is Growing Again
1. Submission Volume Is Back Up
After the 2021-2023 boom-and-bust cycle, the market has stabilized. Collectors are submitting again, and volumes are rising.
Key driver: Modern card releases (2023-24 Wemby, 2024 draft class) are generating high submission volumes.
2. PSA Hasn’t Scaled Staffing Fast Enough
PSA expanded capacity during the boom, but they’re cautious about over-hiring given the volatility of the hobby.
Result: Modest submission increases strain capacity faster than expected.
3. Lower-Tier Services Are Overwhelmed
The Value service ($25) is the most popular tier. Everyone wants cheap grading, so that tier gets backed up first.
Express service ($125) still moves fast because fewer people pay premium prices.
4. Quality Control Delays
PSA’s reputation took a hit during the boom when rushed grading led to inconsistencies. They’re grading more carefully now, which slows throughput.
Translation: Better quality control = slower turnaround. Most collectors support this trade-off.
How the Backlog Impacts the Market
1. Delayed Liquidity
When your card is stuck at PSA for 6-8 weeks, you can’t sell it. If the player’s value drops during that time, you lose money.
Example: You submit a hot rookie’s card at peak hype. By the time it comes back, he’s cooled off and the card is worth 30% less.
2. Raw Card Premiums
When grading is slow and expensive, raw cards hold value better. Buyers become more comfortable buying high-quality raw cards instead of waiting for slabs.
Trend: Raw gem cards are selling for 60-70% of PSA 10 prices instead of the historical 40-50%.
3. Alternative Graders Gain Market Share
BGS, SGC, and newer entrants like CGC are capturing submissions from collectors tired of PSA’s backlogs.
Data point: SGC reported 40% submission growth in 2024 compared to 2023.
4. Flip Timelines Extend
If you’re a flipper buying raw, grading, and selling, slow turnarounds kill your ROI. Capital is tied up longer, reducing annual returns.
Impact: Fewer flippers in the market = less volatility, but also less liquidity.
Alternative Grading Companies to Consider
BGS (Beckett Grading Services)
Pros:
- Subgrades (surface, corners, edges, centering)
- BGS 9.5 and “Black Label” 10 command premiums on modern chrome cards
- Faster turnaround than PSA (15-25 days for standard service)
Cons:
- Lower resale liquidity vs PSA
- Subgrades can hurt if uneven (9.5/9.5/9/9.5 looks worse than a clean PSA 9.5)
Best for: Modern chrome cards (Prizm, Select), cards you’re holding long-term
SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation)
Pros:
- Fastest turnaround (10-15 days for standard service)
- Lower cost ($20-$30/card)
- Vintage-friendly grading standards
- Growing acceptance in the market
Cons:
- Lower resale premiums vs PSA (10-20% less on average)
- Less recognizable to casual buyers
Best for: Vintage cards (pre-1990), bulk submissions, budget grading
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
Pros:
- Fast turnaround (12-18 days)
- Modern slabs with QR codes and app integration
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Newest entrant = lowest market acceptance
- Resale values are 20-30% below PSA
Best for: Personal collection cards you want protected but don’t plan to sell
Collector Strategy During the Backlog
If You’re Buying
✅ Buy PSA-graded cards — Less supply due to backlog = stable/rising prices ✅ Buy quality raw cards — You can enjoy them now and grade later when times improve ✅ Target BGS/SGC slabs — These are undervalued vs PSA right now ❌ Don’t overpay for raw cards — Factor in grading risk and time
If You’re Selling
✅ Sell graded cards now — Scarcity premium while backlog persists ✅ Sell raw gems at a premium — Market is paying more for quality raw cards ❌ Don’t submit low-value cards — Long waits + high costs = poor ROI
If You’re Submitting
✅ Use bulk submission services — Card shops and online services negotiate better rates/times ✅ Consider BGS or SGC — Faster, cheaper, and resale gap is narrowing ✅ Only submit high-value cards to PSA — Use Express if timing matters ❌ Don’t submit speculative cards — The player could cool off before you get it back
Predictions for the 2025 Grading Landscape
Short-Term (Next 6 Months)
- PSA backlogs will grow slightly but stabilize around 30-45 day turnarounds
- Alternative graders will capture 35-40% market share (up from ~25% in 2023)
- Raw card premiums will stay elevated (60-70% of PSA 10 values)
Medium-Term (6-18 Months)
- PSA will raise prices again (likely $30 for Value service, $50 for Regular)
- Higher prices will reduce submission volume and ease backlogs
- BGS and SGC will narrow the resale gap with PSA as collector acceptance grows
Long-Term (2-5 Years)
- Fanatics’ acquisition of Topps and potential entry into authentication could disrupt the grading industry
- Blockchain/digital authentication may emerge as an alternative to physical slabs
- PSA will remain the market leader but with 50-60% market share instead of 70-80%
What This Means for You
For Investors
Strategy: Focus on buying PSA-graded cards now. The backlog creates scarcity that supports prices. When times normalize, prices may dip.
For Collectors
Strategy: Buy what you love, raw or graded. If you plan to grade, use BGS or SGC for speed and value.
For Flippers
Strategy: Adapt. Either pay for Express service to maintain flip speed, or switch to SGC for bulk submissions. The cheap-and-fast PSA grading era is over.
The Bottom Line
The PSA grading backlog is back, but it’s manageable. Turnaround times are longer than ideal, but nowhere near the 12-18 month nightmares of 2021.
Key Takeaways:
- PSA Value service: 30-45 days (not 25)
- Alternative graders (BGS, SGC) are viable options
- Raw card premiums are up due to grading delays
- Only submit high-value cards to PSA unless you’re patient
- Expect PSA price increases in 2025 to manage demand
The grading landscape is evolving. PSA is still king, but the monarchy is becoming a democracy. Adapt your strategy accordingly.
For more on when grading makes sense, read our Should You Grade That Card? Complete Guide.