The Short Answer
- No — PSA does not use AI grading. All grades assigned by human experts as of 2026.
- TAG uses hybrid AI+human: AI analysis with human verification and final grade assignment.
- AGS uses full AI: Completely automated grading system with computer vision.
- PSA explored AI for authentication assistance but maintains humans are essential.
- AI pre-screening tools (PreGradeCards) can predict PSA grades but are not affiliated with PSA.
Does PSA Use AI Grading? No.
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) has not switched to AI grading and maintains that human expertise is essential for their authentication and grading process. Every PSA grade is assigned by a trained human grader.
What PSA Has Said About AI
"While we explore technological innovations to improve our processes, PSA believes that human expertise remains essential for detecting alterations, authenticating cards, and assessing the subtle condition factors that impact grade."
— PSA Statement on Grading Technology, 2025
PSA has acknowledged exploring AI for quality control and authentication assistance, but the company has repeatedly confirmed that final grade assignment is performed exclusively by humans.
Which Grading Companies Actually Use AI?
| Company | Uses AI? | How They Use It |
|---|---|---|
| PSA | NO | Human graders exclusively |
| BGS | NO | Human graders exclusively |
| SGC | NO | Human graders exclusively |
| CGC | NO | Human graders exclusively |
| TAG | YES | Hybrid AI + human verification |
| AGS | YES | Full AI grading system |
Only TAG and AGS use AI as part of their official grading process. The "Big 4" (PSA, BGS, SGC, CGC) rely entirely on human graders.
TAG: The Hybrid AI + Human Approach
TAG (Trading Card Grading) is the only major grading company that uses AI as a core part of their process. Their approach:
- AI Analysis: Computer vision measures centering, corners, edges, surface
- Digital Report: Creates detailed condition report with measurements
- Human Review: Expert graders review AI assessment
- Final Grade: Human assigns final grade based on AI data + expertise
- QR Link: Each slab links to digital condition report
AGS: Full AI Grading
AGS (Automated Grading Systems) takes a different approach — full AI grading without human graders in the loop:
- Computer vision analyzes all condition factors
- Algorithm assigns final grade automatically
- No human grader intervention
- 85-86% accuracy vs PSA grades
Why PSA Sticks With Human Graders
PSA has several reasons for maintaining human graders:
1. Authentication Requirements
Detecting counterfeits, trimmed cards, and alterations requires expertise that AI currently lacks. PSA graders are trained to spot sophisticated fakes.
2. Context Awareness
Understanding era-specific issues (vintage wax stains, factory print defects, handling patterns) requires contextual knowledge that AI struggles with.
3. Market Trust
PSA's brand is built on human expertise. Switching to AI could undermine collector confidence in their grades.
4. Subtle Surface Detection
Humans catch 92% of print lines and surface flaws vs 78% for AI. For Gem Mint grading, this difference matters.
Will PSA Ever Use AI Grading?
Industry speculation suggests PSA may eventually adopt a hybrid approach similar to TAG:
Possible Future: AI-Assisted (Not AI-Only)
- AI handles centering measurement (99.2% accuracy)
- AI pre-screens for obvious flaws
- Humans focus on authentication and final grade
- Humans handle vintage and high-value cards exclusively
Timeline: When Might PSA Adopt AI?
Industry analysts speculate:
- Short term (2026-2027): AI for quality control and authentication assistance only
- Medium term (2028-2030): Possible hybrid AI + human for modern cards under $500
- Long term (2030+): Uncertain — depends on AI advancement and market acceptance
Frequently Asked Questions
Did PSA switch to AI grading?
No — PSA has not switched to AI grading. As of 2026, all PSA grades are assigned by human experts. PSA has explored AI for quality control and authentication assistance but maintains that human graders are essential for detecting alterations and assessing subtle condition factors. The company has announced no plans to switch to AI grading.
Does PSA do AI grading?
No — PSA does not use AI for grading. Every PSA grade is assigned by a trained human grader. PSA has investigated AI technology for authentication support and process improvement, but the actual grade assignment is performed exclusively by humans. This is a key difference from TAG (which uses hybrid AI + human) and AGS (which uses full AI).
Does TAG do AI grading?
Yes — TAG uses hybrid AI + human grading. TAG employs computer vision to analyze card condition and generate measurements, then human graders review the AI assessment and assign the final grade. Each TAG slab includes a QR code linking to a digital condition report with detailed measurements. This hybrid approach combines AI consistency with human expertise.
Does Collectr do AI grading?
No — Collectr (now part of the Collectors ecosystem) is primarily a portfolio tracking and price data platform, not a grading company. They do not offer AI grading services. For AI grading tools, look to PreGradeCards (pre-screening app), TAG (hybrid professional grader), or AGS (full AI grader).
Is there an AI for color grading?
In video/film production, yes — AI color grading tools exist (DaVinci Resolve AI features, Runway ML). In trading cards, AI grading tools analyze condition factors but don't "color grade" in the video sense. They detect color-related defects (fading, print registration) as part of condition assessment. Card grading AI focuses on the 1-10 condition scale, not color correction.
Did the grading scale change?
No — the PSA 1-10 grading scale has not changed. However, PSA's interpretation of Gem Mint 10 standards has evolved over time. Modern cards (2020+) are held to stricter standards than vintage. Some collectors perceive that PSA 10 is "harder" to achieve now than 10 years ago, but the scale itself (1-10) remains unchanged. BGS, SGC, and CGC also maintain consistent 1-10 scales.
Sources & Further Reading
- PSA Official Statement
- TAG Grading Technology
- AGS Automated Grading
- AI vs Human Grading Study
- Future of AI Grading
With submission floors rising, pre-screening is no longer optional. Use our AI Pre-Grade Calculator to score a card's PSA 10 odds before you pay, and the Submission Planner to pick the right tier.