PSA vs ACE Grading: What's Better for UK Collectors?
If you're a UK collector looking to get your Pokémon cards graded, you've probably found yourself asking the same question we did: should I go with PSA or ACE Grading?
It's a question that comes up constantly in the community, and for good reason. Both grading companies have their strengths, but the "best" choice really depends on what you're looking to get out of grading your cards. Are you collecting for the love of it? Looking to sell down the line? Want your slabs back quickly? The answers to these questions will steer you in the right direction.
As a UK-based platform that sells both ACE Graded Pokémon Cards and PSA Graded Pokémon Cards, we've handled plenty of slabs from both companies and seen first hand what each brings to the table. So let's break it all down.
What is PSA?
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) has been grading cards since 1991 and is widely regarded as the gold standard in the hobby. A PSA 10 is recognised globally and typically commands the highest resale value compared to other grading companies. For high value vintage cards or investment pieces, PSA is often the go-to choice.
The downside? PSA is based in the USA which means UK collectors typically would use a middleman service to submit cards. This adds extra cost, longer turnaround times and the risk of shipping internationally. Turnaround times through UK middlemen can range anywhere from 3 to 6 months depending on the service level, and that's not including the shipping back and forth.
What is ACE Grading?
ACE Grading is a UK-based grading company founded by Randolph, a well known figure in the Pokémon community. Since launching, ACE has grown rapidly and become one of the most popular alternatives to PSA for UK collectors.
What sets ACE apart is their transparency and speed. They offer free subgrades on every card (corners, edges, surface, centering), custom "Ace Labels" that extend the artwork onto the label, and significantly faster turnaround times compared to PSA. With service tiers ranging from 2 business days (Luxury) to 60-80 business days (Basic), you can choose a speed that fits your budget.
Being UK-based also means no customs fees, no international shipping stress and your cards stay closer to home throughout the process.
PSA vs ACE: The Key Differences
Turnaround Time
This is where ACE really shines for UK collectors. With their fastest service (Luxury at £50 per card), you can have your cards graded and back within 2 business days. Even their Standard tier (£15 per card) offers around 20-30 business day turnarounds.
PSA on the other hand can take several months when submitting from the UK. Factor in the time to ship to a middleman, the middleman shipping to PSA in the US, grading time, and the return journey back to you. It's a long wait.
Cost
ACE Grading pricing starts from around £12 per card for their Basic tier, going up to £50 for Luxury. There are no hidden fees, no value upcharges other than an additional optional £3 per card if you want one of their custom Ace Labels and no customs to worry about.
PSA submissions from the UK typically start around £20-30 per card through middleman services, but this can increase significantly if your card is valued higher than the tier you submitted at (known as an upcharge). You'll also need to factor in shipping costs both ways.
Resale Value
Here's where PSA has the edge. PSA-graded cards, particularly PSA 10s, generally command higher prices on the secondary market. The brand recognition is unmatched, especially for international buyers. If you're grading cards purely as an investment and plan to sell to a global market, PSA is often the safer bet.
That said, ACE is gaining ground. Within the UK market, ACE slabs sell well and the gap is closing as more collectors become familiar with the company. For personal collections or selling within the UK, ACE offers excellent value.
Slab Design & Aesthetics
This one comes down to personal preference but ACE slabs are genuinely impressive. The custom Ace Labels that incorporate the card's artwork into the label design are a standout feature that many collectors love. It makes for a beautiful display piece.
PSA slabs are more traditional and minimalist. They're clean and recognisable, but they don't have the visual flair that ACE offers.
Grading Standards
Both companies grade on a 1-10 scale. ACE is often considered to have stricter grading standards, particularly at the top end. Getting an ACE 10 can be challenging, which some collectors view as a positive thing as it adds credibility to high grades.
PSA has faced some criticism in recent years for inconsistency, with collectors noting that their 10s can vary in quality. However, their population reports and decades of data make them the most established name in the hobby.
So Which Should You Choose?
Choose PSA if:
- You're grading high value vintage or chase cards
- You plan to sell internationally
- Maximising resale value is your priority
- You don't mind the longer wait times and higher costs
Choose ACE if:
- You want your cards back quickly
- You're keeping cards for your personal collection
- You prefer the look of custom labels
- You're selling primarily within the UK market
- Budget and convenience are important factors
Our Thoughts
Honestly, there's room for both in any collection. We stock both PSA and ACE graded cards because we believe both have merit depending on what you're after.
For that special grail card you've been chasing or a valuable vintage piece, PSA might be worth the wait. But for modern pulls, mid-range cards or building out your collection without breaking the bank, ACE is a fantastic option that's right here in the UK.
At the end of the day, the best grading company is the one that fits your goals as a collector. Whether you're team PSA, team ACE, or a bit of both, the most important thing is that you're enjoying the hobby.
Have questions about graded cards or not sure which is right for you? Feel free to get in touch and we'd be happy to help!
