Grading Riftbound Cards: PSA, TAG and CGC Explained

Riftbound card grading has grown with the game. As collectors chase overnumbered, Signature and Ultimate cards, more of them are sent to professional graders to be authenticated, assessed and sealed. This guide explains what grading is, how the major companies compare, which Riftbound cards are worth grading and how to prepare a submission.

What is card grading?

A third-party grading company examines your card, confirms it's authentic, assigns a condition grade (usually on a 1–10 scale) and seals it in a tamper-evident plastic case called a slab. A graded card is easier to sell because the buyer doesn't have to judge the condition from photos. The slab also protects the card.

PSA vs. TAG vs. CGC for Riftbound

Grader	Known for	Worth knowing
PSA	The most recognized name in the hobby	Broad buyer recognition; turnaround and pricing vary by service level
TAG	Technology-driven grading with detailed condition reports	Strong transparency on how a grade was reached
CGC	Long history in comics, now a major TCG grader	Clear labels, and widely accepted in the TCG market

Each company sets its own list of supported games, service levels and prices, and these change. Check each grader's website for current Riftbound support and costs before you submit. The right choice depends on where you plan to sell and which slab style you prefer.

Which Riftbound cards are worth grading?

Grading costs money and takes time, so it makes sense for cards whose value or personal meaning justifies it:

• Overnumbered and Signature overnumbered cards: the main grading candidates. See our overnumbered and Signature guide.
• Ultimate cards: extremely scarce, and almost always worth protecting.
• Alternate arts of popular champions in excellent condition.
• Cards with personal meaning: your first big pull, or a card from a tournament win.

Common and Uncommon cards are rarely worth grading unless they're unusual, such as a promo or an early print with a story.

What graders look at

Graders assess four areas:

1. Centering: how evenly the borders frame the card front and back.
2. Corners: sharpness, with no whitening or rounding.
3. Edges: no chipping, whitening or nicks.
4. Surface: no scratches, print lines, dents or fingerprints.

Foil and cold-foil cards like overnumbered Riftbound cards are especially prone to surface scratches. Inspect them under a bright light, at an angle, before deciding to submit.

How to prepare Riftbound cards for grading

1. Handle cards as little as possible, with clean, dry hands.
2. Inspect under bright light. Check all four areas above, front and back.
3. Put each card in a perfect-fit or penny sleeve, then a semi-rigid card saver, which most graders prefer over toploaders. Check your grader's current packing instructions.
4. Record everything: card name, set, collector number and declared value.
5. Insure the shipment to the grader for the full value.

Grading from Canada

Canadian collectors can submit directly to graders or through submission services. Factor in shipping both ways, insurance and possible fees at the border when you compare total costs. Turnaround times can be long, so don't send a card you'll want back soon.

Protecting graded cards

Slabs are sturdy, but they scratch and crack. Store them upright in a slab box, and use protective cases for display. We carry GradedGuard cases designed for graded slabs. If you'd rather buy a card already graded, browse our PSA and TAG graded collections.

Should you crack a slab to play the card?

You can, but it's irreversible and the card loses its grade. Most players keep the slab and play a base version of the same card, which is functionally identical. You can pick one up from our Riftbound singles.

Frequently asked questions

Does PSA grade Riftbound cards?

Check PSA's current list of supported games and service levels. Graders update which TCGs they accept and how they price them.

What is the best grading company for Riftbound?

It depends on your goal. PSA has the widest recognition, TAG gives detailed condition reports and CGC is widely accepted. Check where similar cards sell best.

Which Riftbound cards should I grade?

Overnumbered, Signature and Ultimate cards, and alternate arts of popular champions in excellent condition.

How do I avoid damaging a card before grading?

Sleeve it the moment you pull it, store it in a card saver and handle it as little as possible.

Is grading worth it for cards I play with?

Usually not. Play with a base version and keep high-value printings protected.