PSA vs CGC vs BGS slabs

Updated 2026-10-26

PSA, CGC and Beckett (BGS) are the most common graders for Pokémon and sports cards. Collectors argue about which is best. For photos, what matters is how the slabs look.

PSA

The most common slab in the hobby, especially for Pokémon and vintage sports. A red bordered label at the top with the card name, grade and cert number. The holder is fairly slim.

CGC

Started with comics and now grades a lot of Pokémon and other TCG cards. A clear, thick holder with a label at the top. CGC's top grade has two levels, Gem Mint 10 and Pristine 10.

BGS

Beckett is known for subgrades, four scores for centering, corners, edges and surface printed on the label. A card with all four subgrades at 10 gets the rare Black Label. The holder is thick, with an inner sleeve.

For photos

• Thicker holders (CGC, BGS) reflect more at the edges. Shoot straight on.
• Glossy labels catch light. Check the label before taking the shot.
• Keep the label in frame. It's the part buyers read first.

Grailshot handles all three. It finds the holder in your photo and keeps the label sharp.