How Should You Prep Cards for PSA?
Sleeves, cleaning, and packing that keep corners safe.
Quick answer
PSA wants cards in penny sleeve + semi-rigid (Card Saver style), not screwdowns or toploaders only. The card should not rattle or get pinched.
Light cleaning is fine, aggressive rubbing is not. Your job is to remove fingerprints and dust, not polish your way into a scratch.
Step-by-step prep checklist
- Wash hands or wear gloves. Oils matter on foil.
- Inspect under light; note flaws so you are not shocked later (why 9s happen).
- Gently wipe with microfiber if needed.
- Fresh penny sleeve, then semi-rigid. No tape sealing the sleeve mouth.
- Label your order paperwork to match each card.
- Pack in a sturdy box with padding; ship insured both ways if mailing yourself. See how to submit.
Mistakes we see in incoming mail
Cards rattling in oversized toploaders, rubber bands, sticky post-its on surfaces, and vintage stuffed loose in bubble mailers. All of that risks a ding before PSA ever grades.
Common questions
No tape on the card or sleeve opening. Team bags can work inside the shipping box for batches, but follow PSA’s current packing rules on their submission guide.
We stick to microfiber and controlled methods on valuable cards. Random chemicals can haze certain foils. When unsure, leave surface alone.
Yes before submission. Grading intake expects standard sleeves + semi-rigids.
Send ALL and White Glove both include pro prep in the service, surface wipe, new sleeves, semi-rigids, and batching. White Glove adds inspection notes before you commit.
Ready to submit with someone who does this every week?
Nostalgic Avenue is a PSA Authorized Dealer in San Diego. We prep your cards, handle the paperwork, and hand-deliver batches to PSA HQ so you are not guessing on packing or shipping.