The Short Answer
- PSA Regular currently takes 40-60 business days
- BGS and SGC are faster, often 10-20 business days
- Express tiers cost more but return cards in 1-3 weeks
- Walkthrough tiers at PSA and BGS are the fastest but most expensive
- Submitting during peak periods can add 1-2 weeks to estimates
The Quick Answer
In 2026, PSA Regular takes 40-60 business days, while BGS, CGC, and SGC typically return cards in 10-20 business days for standard tiers. Express and Super Express tiers at PSA cut that to 15-20 days and 5-10 days respectively. Walkthrough tiers at PSA and BGS are the fastest at 3-5 days but cost the most. SGC is consistently the fastest budget option for cards that do not need a PSA slab.
PSA Turnaround Times
| Service Level | Estimated Time | Price Per Card |
|---|---|---|
| Walkthrough | 3-5 business days | $600+ |
| Super Express | 5-10 business days | $300 |
| Express | 15-20 business days | $150 |
| Regular | 40-60 business days | $79.99 |
| Value (paused) | Not available | N/A |
PSA Value tiers remain paused as of mid-2026, which is why alternatives like BGS and SGC have gained market share. PSA turnaround times can spike during major release windows and peak submission periods.
BGS Turnaround Times
| Service Level | Estimated Time | Price Per Card |
|---|---|---|
| Walkthrough | 3-5 business days | $150+ |
| Express | 10-15 business days | $50-75 |
| Standard | 15-25 business days | $20-35 |
| Economy | 20-30 business days | $15-25 |
BGS is a popular PSA alternative because it is faster and cheaper while still carrying strong resale value. Subgrades add transparency that many buyers appreciate.
CGC Turnaround Times
| Service Level | Estimated Time | Price Per Card |
|---|---|---|
| Walkthrough | 3-5 business days | $100+ |
| Express | 10-15 business days | $40-60 |
| Standard | 15-25 business days | $25-35 |
| Economy | 20-35 business days | $15-25 |
CGC is especially strong for Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, and other TCGs. Its pricing is competitive, and turnaround times are generally faster than PSA.
SGC Turnaround Times
| Service Level | Estimated Time | Price Per Card |
|---|---|---|
| Priority | 5-10 business days | $50-75 |
| Standard | 10-20 business days | $25-35 |
| Economy | 20-30 business days | $15-25 |
SGC is known for fast turnaround and strong vintage recognition. The black tuxedo slab is distinctive, and SGC is a reliable choice for cards where PSA premiums are not critical.
How to Choose the Right Tier
Choose based on your cash flow needs and the card market:
- Long-term hold: Use the cheapest standard tier. Time is not a factor.
- Hot modern release: Use Express or a faster competitor (BGS, SGC) to catch the peak market window.
- High-value single card: Walkthrough tier at PSA or BGS for speed and security.
- Volume submission: BGS or SGC standard tiers for cost and speed balance.
Always check the grader website for current turnaround estimates before submitting. Times change based on submission volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does PSA grading take in 2026?
PSA Regular takes approximately 40-60 business days as of mid-2026. Express is 15-20 days, Super Express is 5-10 days, and Walkthrough is 3-5 days.
Which grading company is fastest?
SGC and BGS are generally faster than PSA for standard tiers, often returning cards in 10-20 business days. PSA is the fastest only if you pay for Walkthrough or Super Express tiers.
Why are PSA Value tiers paused?
PSA paused its lower-cost Value tiers due to high demand and capacity constraints. As of mid-2026, the cheapest PSA tier is Regular at $79.99 per card.
Should I pay for Express grading?
Pay for Express if the card value is time-sensitive, such as a hot modern rookie or chase card. If you are holding long-term, standard tiers save money without hurting final value.
Sources & Further Reading
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.