PSA "The King of Grading" raising prices again

The PSA Tax: Higher Fees, Longer Waits, and No End in Sight

PSA has once again adjusted its pricing and turnaround times as of February 10, 2026, marking the second such increase in six months. This latest "update" is a double-edged sword for collectors: higher costs across nearly all entry-level and mid-tier services, paired with a formal admission that those cards will take even longer to return home.

Paying More for Less Efficiency

The consolidation of TCG and Value Bulk into a single $24.99 "Value Bulk" service hits collectors hard—particularly those who were used to the $18.99 TCG rate. This represents a significant jump for high-volume submitters who now face a flat $5 increase across most popular levels, including Value, Value Plus, and Regular.

Frustration among the hobby is palpable. Many point out that these price hikes come without any gain in efficiency. Instead, PSA has simultaneously extended estimated turnaround times by five business days for Value Plus (to 45 days), Value Max (to 35 days), and Regular (to 25 days).

The "Gold Standard" Trap

Despite these hurdles, the hobby remains largely "captive" to the PSA brand. The core reason is simple economics: PSA continues to command the highest resale premiums. For many, the increased "PSA tax" is viewed as a mandatory cost of business because cards in other slabs often fail to reach the same market value.

This creates a cycle where:

Collectors complain about the "ridiculous" pricing.

PSA raises rates to manage overwhelming volume.

The Market continues to submit record numbers because the ROI (Return on Investment) still favors the PSA slab.

The Reality of the Wait

While PSA advertises 25 to 45 business days for mid-tier services, actual collector experiences often paint a different picture. Submissions frequently sit in "research and ID" for weeks before the official clock even starts, leading to real-world wait times of 4 to 6 months for bulk orders.

Ultimately, these updates suggest that as long as collectors prioritize resale value above all else, PSA has little incentive to lower prices. The hobby seems resigned to the fact that to get that "Gem Mint 10" premium, they must endure the increasing cost and wait.