Bull Run TCG

Is my card worth grading?

A card is usually worth grading only when its likely graded value, minus the grading fee and shipping, comes out well above what the raw card is worth today. That depends on two things: the grade it would probably get, and real recent prices for that grade. Bull Run estimates a likely grade from your photos and works out the expected profit or loss after costs, as an estimate, not a guarantee.

The simple math

Think of grading as a bet with a fee. Add up what the card might sell for at each grade it could get, weighted by how likely each grade is. Then take away what the raw card is worth now and what grading costs you (the fee, shipping and insurance). If what is left is small or negative, keeping it raw may make more sense.

Remember that a card can come back lower than you hoped, and the wait can be weeks or months.

What do graders look at?

  • Centering: are the borders even on all sides?
  • Corners: sharp, or soft and white?
  • Edges: smooth, or chipped and worn?
  • Surface: scratches, dents, print lines or marks?

Check each under a bright light, front and back. One weak area can hold the whole grade down.

Signs a card is a good grading candidate

  • The top grades sell for much more than raw copies, with real recent graded prices to compare.
  • The card looks clean on all four areas above.
  • The difference between grades is bigger than the cost of grading.

Cheap cards rarely pay for the fee unless they are likely to get a top grade.

How Bull Run does it

  1. Open a card page and tap Determine Likely Grade, or tap Grade under "Grading ROI" on the Scan tab.
  2. Photos: tap the Front slot to take a photo (the Back is optional), then tap Analyze photos. You can also tap "Skip photos, answer myself".
  3. Check the scores: the photo fills in centering, corners, edges and surface. Change any you disagree with, then tap Get grade.
  4. Result: you see an estimated PSA grade and the chance of each grade. Open "Should you grade it?" for the expected profit or loss after costs, "Pick the grade you expect" to see the profit at one grade, and "Why this grade" for the reasons.

The app only gives grading advice when the card has real graded sale prices; it does not guess from a multiplier. Grading costs start at a $30 fee plus $15 shipping, and you can change both at Profile, Grading Costs. Grades are estimates only; the real grade is decided by the grading company. Bull Run is not affiliated with PSA, BGS, CGC or SGC.

Which plan includes it?

Free: not included. You can still see graded prices for a card, but the grading estimate and ROI are locked.

Pro and Premium: the grading estimate and ROI, including photo grading.

Any free account can try Pro free for 14 days.

Check a card's gradeOpens in the Bull Run TCG app. No app yet? You will be taken to the install page.

More questions

How accurate is a photo grade?

It is an estimate from your photo and the scores you confirm, not an official grade. Good light and a sharp, straight-on photo help, but the grading company has the final say.

Why does it say there is no grading advice for my card?

The app only works out whether grading pays when the card has real graded sale prices to compare. Without them, an estimate could not tell you if sending it in is worth it.

Can I change the grading fee it uses?

Yes. Go to Profile, Grading Costs and set your own grading fee and shipping cost. The profit numbers use them from then on.

Which grading company does the estimate use?

The result is shown as an estimated PSA grade. Bull Run is not affiliated with PSA, BGS, CGC or SGC.

Do I need a photo of the back?

No. The front photo is the one that matters; the back is optional. You can also skip photos and answer the four questions yourself.

Updated October 20, 2026 · All features · How Bull Run works