CGC vs SFG: which grader to choose in 2026?

US challenger slab vs FR accessibility. CGC for international resale, SFG for first-time French submitters. 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

Founded in 2000, CGC Cards division rebranded in 2020. Parent: Certified Collectibles Group. Pristine 10 = no defect under 5× magnification, above Gem Mint 10. January 2026 tariff hike.

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	CGC	SFG
Country / hub	United States · Sarasota, Florida	France · France
Entry tier	Bulk · $15	Standard · from ~€15
Express tier	Walk-Through · $300	Express · from ~€40
Turnaround	1 → 45 business days	Variable, label-focused communication
Scale	1 → 10 with half-grades + Pristine 10	1 → 10 across 4 criteria
Reholder	Yes	On request
Access from France	CGC Munich (EU office) or French resellers	Direct French submission
EU reputation	Recognised in EU/US, Pokémon premium rising	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. CGC uses 1 → 10 with half-grades + Pristine 10 with CGC Pristine 10 on top and sub-grades optional on selected tiers. 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

CGC (US) — Value/Bulk ≈ $15 + FR reseller ~€30 + tracked return shipping + insurance ≈ ~€60-70 all-in for a €50 card.
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 CGC or SFG?

Pick CGC if

you want a US slab recognised outside France with the Pristine 10 option.

EU office in Munich, ATA Carnet procedures supported
Recognised in EU/US, Pokémon premium rising

View the CGC page →

Pick SFG if

you want a low-cost first submission inside France, no international leap.

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

View the SFG page →

Final verdict

CGC for international resale, SFG for first-time French submitters.

For the French-only collector: SFG stays the obvious pick — no middleman, French support, local community.
For the resale investor: CGC 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.