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Collectors submitting cards to PSA might want to brace for longer waits—and slightly higher costs. Professional Sports Authenticator announced today that it's increasing turnaround times for several service levels, along with another price bump for its TCG Bulk tier.
The changes affect all submissions created on or after April 7, and come amid what PSA describes as "continued high demand" for grading services. Here’s how the updated timeline looks:
Value: 65 business days
Value Bulk: 65 business days
TCG Bulk: 65 business days
Value + Bulk Dual Service: 75 business days
On top of that, starting April 8, the TCG Bulk price will go up from $16.99 to $18.99 per card. This marks the second price and turnaround adjustment this year. The last shift happened in mid-January, when PSA pushed the bulk turnaround window to 45 business days—meaning the new 65-day estimate tacks on roughly three more weeks of waiting.
If you’ve sent cards to PSA lately, you’ve likely noticed the lag. Submissions from January and February are still being processed, and collectors have been voicing frustrations as estimated dates stretch further.
While some hobbyists may begin looking to alternatives, they might not find relief elsewhere. SGC, a top competitor, is also seeing delays thanks to increased volume. Despite attempts to keep up, it’s clear that grading demand across the board remains sky-high.
Timing isn’t the only thing drawing complaints. Earlier this year, PSA made it known that grading standards—particularly on centering—had become more rigid. And based on recent returns, it’s clear they weren’t bluffing. Gem Mint 10s appear to be harder to come by, with plenty of near-mint hopefuls falling short.
This tightening of criteria, combined with longer waits and higher prices, might shift submission strategies. Collectors who previously sent in borderline cards might now hold off, fearing a long delay and a likely 9.
The grading scene is still booming, but these updates may push some collectors to rethink their approach. Fewer speculative submissions could ease the backlog over time, but that remains to be seen.
For now, PSA remains the dominant force in the grading world, and the demand hasn’t slowed. If you're planning to submit, be prepared to wait—and choose your cards wisely.
