Ryan Barone (@ballcardgenius, Card Expert) is a lifelong member of the hobby. He has been quoted in PSA Magazine, and his content has regularly been mentioned in “Quick Rips” (the Topps RIPPED Newsletter) and across other hobby publications. hello@ballcardgenius.com; Last Time Ago LLC dba Ballcard Genius.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As I am a part of the eBay Partner Network and other programs, if you follow these links and make a purchase, I’ll receive commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PSA grades thick cards, just as they would regular-sized cards. Some people mention that PSA is “harsh” on thick cards, but it could also be the fact that thick cards are more susceptible to damage. Either way, as a card submitter, you should treat thick cards like you would any other card—both in terms of the process in evaluating what to send in and how you send them in.
How to Submit Thick Cards for Grading to PSA
Submitting thick cards to PSA is similar to submitting standard-sized cards. Choose a suitable card case, fill out the online form, package your card safely, and ship.
The biggest question, though, comes around case selection—is it card saver vs. top loader? What about mags?
So, when submitting thick cards to PSA, top loaders are commonly used due to their ability to accommodate the card’s thickness, it’s advisable to first put the card in a penny sleeve. For cards with exceptional thickness or unique formats, mags or magnetic cases seem to be a go-to choice as well. Additionally, semi-rigid card holders are preferred by PSA and thus of course also accepted, offering a balance between protection and accessibility, though they might not be suitable for the thickest cards.
Here is more info:
Top Loaders
These are plastic holders designed to accommodate cards of varying thickness. When using top loaders, the card should first be placed in a penny sleeve, and the top of the top loader should not be taped shut—instead, it’s recommended to place the top loader inside a team bag to prevent dirt or contaminants from getting inside during shipping.
I’ve actually never submitted a card to PSA in a card saver, thick or normal. You’ll be fine with a top loader.
— aaron fitzner (@AaronFitzner) November 11, 2021
As PSA collector notes, “If you’re submitting a thick-patch card or booklet, it is okay to submit in thicker top-loaders.”
Magnetics
For exceptionally thick cards or even booklet cards, mags (one touches) might be OK according to some. These are cases that can hold the card securely thanks to their magnetic clasp.
one touch or the appropriate size top loader are fine for thick cards. This is due to them having to have a way to get to psa. so they accept think toploader or one touch on thick cards
— MDiggity (@flippity_flops) February 5, 2022
PSA accepts cards submitted in mag loaders according to some people who have tried.
Others, though, advise against it.
No mags. Grading company's want cards in penny sleeve and semi-rigid holders. Top loaders are not used unless thick cards. Good luck! I am sending in my largest PSA sub this month, almost 200 cards
— Chris Jones (@cjones41) May 4, 2020
In terms of the submission process, I’ll be honest, I’ve never submitted a thick card for grading! That said, I know of experts who have, so why not tell you what I’ve learned from them?
Better yet, in addition to the video above from PSA Collector, here are some key points from the minute-long video:
On mags:
“Or you guys can use a mag loader, okay? Especially if you have one of these books you want to submit, you have to submit it in a mag loader. There’s no way this is going to fit the card saver, okay? So, PSA will accept these mag loaders.”
On top loaders:
“Submit it in a thick point top loader, guys. That’s all you got to do, okay? Make sure to put the card in a penny sleeve and don’t tape the top shut. But you definitely want to put it in a team bag, that way no dirt or anything gets inside during shipping, okay, and that’s which could damage the surface. So, put it in a team bag, that way it’s very easily removable when PSA gets it, okay? Don’t tape it or anything shut, put it in a team bag.”
Thin Holder for Thick Cards
As a timely update, just a few months ago PSA announced “a thinner and clearer card holder specifically developed for thicker trading cards found in a number of highly collectible sets.”
The dimensions of this revamped holder are 3.16” in width, 5.32” in height, and .27” in thickness. Standard-sized cards (3.5” by 2.5”) with a thickness exceeding 40 points will continue to be placed in PSA’s original, more robust holders.
Has anyone seen a slab like this Karlaftis Optic I have? Since I got it back from PSA it’s been my favorite but I can’t find anything on it.
— adam (@IowaChiefsCards) July 2, 2023
It has some kinda rubber number around the card, but it’s thinner than thick slabs and thicker than the thin ones@CardPurchaser pic.twitter.com/7B3bp7WdXK
This advancement is a direct response to collector insights. In the past, cards with a thickness exceeding 25-point cardstock were placed in bulkier holders with added padding. However, for collectors who value uniformity in their displays, varying case depths, especially within identical sets, were less than ideal.
Happy Grading!
Collecting and grading thick cards can be just as rewarding as any other cards. While they might require a bit more care in the submission process due to their size, PSA has made provisions to ensure these cards can be graded and encapsulated to protect and showcase their unique features.
Whether you have a thick rookie patch card or a special autographed booklet card, with the right steps, you can have them graded and ready to display in your collection.
