CCC vs SFG: which grader to choose in 2026?

Value-based pricing vs beginner-friendly offer. CCC for sub-grades and flat crossover, SFG for first-time submitters and accessible tariffs. We compare verified 2026 tariffs, grading scales, access from France and resale reputation. Pick the one that matches your use case, not the hype.

Grader A Grader B

Pick two different graders to compare.

Verdict at a glance

French service with public pricing scaled to declared value. Self-positioned as "most transparent". Lowest-grade rule: final grade = the lowest of 4 sub-grades (not an average). Centering scored from 8 to 10.

Emerging French grader, accessible tariffs, marketing centred on slab labelling. 4-criteria scale, half-grades to verify on the official page. Beginner-oriented pedagogical approach.

Comparison table

Criterion	CCC	SFG
Country / hub	France · Arcueil (Paris region)	France · France
Entry tier	Value-based · €17	Standard · from ~€15
Express tier	High-value bracket · €28	Express · from ~€40
Turnaround	Volume-dependent	Variable, label-focused communication
Scale	1 → 10 with half-grades + sub-grades	1 → 10 across 4 criteria
Reholder	On request	On request
Access from France	Direct online submission or Arcueil drop-off	Direct French submission
EU reputation	Transparent FR service, positive Pokébip / Pokéargus sentiment	Emerging FR, growing community

Verified 2026 tariffs from official pages. Turnarounds are indicative and vary with volume.

Grading scale

The two scales are not equivalent. CCC uses 1 → 10 with half-grades + sub-grades with 10 on top and sub-grades yes (4 criteria, lowest-grade rule). SFG uses 1 → 10 across 4 criteria with 10 and sub-grades yes (centering, corners, edges, surface).

In practice, a PSA 10 is not the same threshold as a CGC Pristine 10 (stricter under 5× magnification) or a PCA Collector 10+ (one notch above PSA 10). International resale strongly favours PSA 10; French graders are essential for Pokébip / Cardmarket FR but discounted on eBay US.

2026 total cost — example €50 card

CCC (FR) — entry tier €17 + tracked round-trip ≈ ~€25-35 all-in for a €50 card. No middleman required.
SFG (FR) — entry tier from ~€15 + tracked round-trip ≈ ~€25-35 all-in for a €50 card. No middleman required.

These are indicative 2026 brackets. Adjust for tier (express tiers cost more), declared value (CCC and PCA scale with value) and the insurance you choose. For cards above €500, step up a tier and use insured shipping.

Who should pick CCC or SFG?

Pick CCC if

you want detailed sub-grades and pricing scaled to declared value.

Flat €17 crossover, Arcueil drop-off for declarations ≥ €501
Transparent FR service, positive Pokébip / Pokéargus sentiment

View the CCC page →

Pick SFG if

you are starting out, you want accessible tariffs and beginner-friendly communication.

Accessible tariffs, beginner-friendly positioning
Emerging FR, growing community

View the SFG page →

Final verdict

CCC for sub-grades and flat crossover, SFG for first-time submitters and accessible tariffs.

For the French-only collector: CCC stays the obvious pick — no middleman, French support, local community.
For the resale investor: PSA dominates international resale, especially on eBay US and Cardmarket EN.
For a first submission: stick with a direct French grader, you skip customs paperwork and learn the workflow before targeting PSA.