Top 5 Reasons to Get Your Cards Graded

This article is written for beginners and casual fans who are considering card grading for the first time.

Why bother grading your cards?

For many people, card grading feels like a mystery at first. You’ve probably heard others talk about getting their Pokémon or sports cards graded, but is it really worth it? At Majesty Grading Company (MGC), we’ve helped thousands of UK collectors take that first step – and the benefits speak for themselves.

Here are five strong reasons to get your cards graded. These aren’t in any particular order – they all matter, and which one means most to you might depend on where you are in the hobby.

1. Grading protects your card

Once graded, your card is sealed in a tamper-proof, sonically-welded slab. That means no more bent corners, scratches, fingerprints, or surface damage. Whether your card is worth £10 or £10,000, proper protection matters – especially for long-term collectors or anyone passing cards down to kids.

2. It gives your card a verified condition

Grading removes the guesswork. A card with a Grade 10 has been independently confirmed as near-perfect. Buyers trust graded cards more because the condition is officially documented. Even if you’re not planning to sell, it’s satisfying to know exactly where your card stands.

3. A graded card is worth more

In most cases, a graded card will sell for more than a raw (ungraded) version of the same card. That’s especially true for popular cards from Pokémon, football, or limited-run sets. Grading doesn’t just add a label – it adds value, credibility, and peace of mind for future buyers or traders.

4. It turns a card into a keepsake

Sometimes, it’s not about money. One of our favourite submissions at MGC came from a parent grading their child’s first ever Charizard pull. That card might never be sold, but now it’s preserved and displayed in a way that makes it feel special. Grading transforms a memory into something permanent – a memento you can show off or gift.

5. It makes your collection feel organised and complete

There’s something satisfying about seeing your cards lined up in neat, uniform slabs. Whether you’re working on a full set, building your ‘personal collection’, or just want to bring order to your best pulls, grading adds structure. It’s the finishing touch that helps a collection look and feel premium.

Bonus: UK grading is simpler, safer, and more reliable

If you’re in the UK, there’s a lot to be said for staying local. Many new collectors are tempted to send their cards to PSA or Beckett in the US – but international grading often means:

• Expensive shipping and insurance
• Long wait times – sometimes months
• Customs delays and unexpected duties
• Risk of cards being lost or damaged in transit
• And of course the dreaded upcharges!

With MGC, everything stays in the UK. No customs, no hidden charges, and no stress. Your cards are graded by expert UK-based staff and returned to you safely, quickly, and securely.

Is it time to grade your first card?

Whether you’re trying to protect your favourites, explore the market, or just see what all the fuss is about, grading is an exciting part of the hobby. And at MGC, we make it easy for first-timers to get started. If you want discounts, priority turnaround, and a smoother submission experience, check out our MGC Membership programme too.

Still got questions?

No problem. Our Knowledge Centre has plenty of FAQs and advice, and you can browse the Getting Started section in there for more beginner guides like this one. We’re here to make card grading feel simple, exciting, and worth your while.

Get started with MGC – the UK’s trusted grading company.