Get Your Cards Graded at ACE Collectibles
Simply drop off your cards, relax and let ACE handle the grading process—simple, secure and stress-free.
A PSA grading upcharge is an additional fee charged when the final market value of a card after grading exceeds the maximum declared value of the service level under which it was originally submitted.
This may happen when a card receives a higher grade than expected, such as a GEM-MINT 10, or when recent sales data shows that the card’s market value has increased significantly.
The upcharge is the difference between the original service fee and the higher-value service tier for which the card now qualifies. This difference must be paid before the graded card can be returned.
What Causes a PSA Upcharge?
- Higher-than-expected grade: A card you expected to receive a grade of 9 may receive a 10, pushing its market value into a higher service tier.
- Increased market value: Recent sales of the same or similar cards may show an increase in value since your submission, exceeding the maximum value cap of the original service tier.
- Spikes in demand: A card’s value may increase considerably because of its rarity, low population or popularity as a chase card or special variant.
Only cards that exceed their service tier’s value cap are adjusted. Other cards within the same submission remain on their original service tier.
Service Fees, Typical PSA Value Caps and Turnaround Times
All service fees are displayed in Australian dollars. PSA declared-value caps are displayed in US dollars.
Due to current changes affecting PSA pricing and turnaround times, updated service information will be available soon.
TBA
How We Notify You
- Transparency first: If an upcharge applies, we will email you with the calculation for each affected card, including the original fee, new fee, difference and applicable ACE Collectibles processing fee.
- You can pay securely using the instructions provided in the email to finalise your order.
Quick Upcharge Example
Normal service: A$50.00 with a US$199 value cap
New service: Express at A$80.00 with a US$499 value cap
Your card receives a grade of 10 and PSA values it at approximately US$350. Because this exceeds the original US$199 value cap, the card is moved to the higher service tier.
Initial grading service fee: A$50.00
New grading service fee: A$80.00
Administration fee: A$5.00
Upcharge calculation: A$80.00 − A$50.00 + A$5.00 = A$35.00
Total payable: A$35.00
Real-World PSA Upcharge Scenarios
Scenario 1 — Normal to Express Plus
A card is submitted at A$50.00 with an applicable value cap. It receives a grade of 10 and PSA values it at approximately US$650. The card is moved to the A$120.00 service tier with a US$999 value cap.
A$120.00 − A$50.00 + A$5.00 administration fee = A$75.00
Scenario 2 — Normal to Value
A card is submitted using the Normal service at A$50.00 with a US$199 value cap. PSA values the graded card at approximately US$350, moving it to the A$80.00 service tier.
A$80.00 − A$50.00 + A$5.00 administration fee = A$35.00
Scenario 3 — Express Plus to a Higher Service Tier
Express Plus Insurance is selected at A$140.00 with a US$1,499 value cap. PSA values the graded card at approximately US$2,100, moving it to the A$350.00 service tier with a US$2,499 value cap.
A$350.00 − A$140.00 + A$5.00 administration fee = A$215.00
Additional Information About Grading Your TCG Cards
How Do I Know if My Raw Card Is Worth Grading?
Whether a raw card is worth grading depends on several factors, including its condition, rarity, popularity, recent sales and potential market value at different grades.
Start by carefully examining the card under good lighting. Cards with strong centring, sharp corners, clean edges and an unmarked surface generally have the best chance of receiving a higher grade. Look closely for scratches, dents, print lines, whitening, creases or other imperfections that could affect the result.
It can also be helpful to compare recent sales of the card in its raw condition with graded examples. Pay particular attention to sales at different grades, as the difference in value between a Grade 9 and Grade 10 can sometimes be significant. Remember to consider grading fees, possible upcharges and turnaround times when deciding whether grading makes financial sense.
However, grading does not always need to be about resale value or making a profit. If a card is personally important to you, features your favourite Pokémon, One Piece character or Riftbound champion, or represents a memorable pull, grading can be an excellent way to protect and display it.
Ultimately, it is your collection. If you love the card and want it professionally protected, presented and preserved, go for gold—even if its future market value is not your main concern.
What Do Professional Graders Inspect?
Professional graders carefully assess several aspects of a trading card before assigning its final grade. The four primary areas are:
- Centring: How evenly the card’s artwork and borders are positioned from left to right and top to bottom. Poor centring can lower the grade, even when the rest of the card appears flawless.
- Corners: Each corner is examined for whitening, rounding, bending, fraying or other damage. Sharp, clean corners are important when aiming for a high grade.
- Edges: Graders inspect the edges for chips, whitening, rough cuts, peeling and handling damage. Dark-bordered cards can make edge wear particularly noticeable.
- Surface: The front and back surfaces are checked for scratches, dents, creases, fingerprints, stains, print lines, scuffing and other imperfections. Some surface issues can be difficult to see without strong lighting or magnification.
Graders may also assess the card’s authenticity, print quality and overall presentation. Manufacturing defects—including off-centred printing, ink marks, poor cuts and factory lines—may affect the grade even when the card was placed into a sleeve immediately after being opened.
A pack-fresh card is therefore not guaranteed to receive a perfect grade. The grading company makes the final decision independently, and no estimated or expected grade can be guaranteed in advance.
What types of cards can I submit for grading?
Does ACE Collectibles guarantee what grade my card will receive?
Can I grade Japanese Pokémon cards?
What is card grading?
Join the ACE Collectibles Community
ACE Collectibles is more than just a Pokémon card store — we’re a growing community of collectors, players, investors and hobby enthusiasts from across Australia. Whether you’re new to the Pokémon TCG or have been collecting for years, we aim to create a welcoming and family-friendly environment for everyone who loves trading cards.
We regularly take part in in-store events, trade nights and community card shows where collectors can connect, trade cards, share collections and enjoy the hobby together. Our team loves helping customers discover new sets, learn more about collecting, and stay up to date with the latest Pokémon TCG releases and trends.
Follow ACE Collectibles on social media to keep up with new booster box arrivals, live pack openings, restocks, exclusive products and community events. We enjoy sharing the excitement of big pulls and creating a fun online space for Pokémon fans around Australia.
Whether you collect for nostalgia, investment, gameplay or simply the excitement of opening packs, ACE Collectibles is proud to support the Australian Pokémon card community with genuine products, friendly service and a passion for the hobby.