PCA vs SFG: which grader to choose in 2026?

FR leader vs accessible FR alternative. PCA for the historical Collector 10+, SFG for a beginner-friendly first submission. 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

SAS founded 2015 (SIREN 810 151 290), president François-Xavier Colombani. French TCG grading pioneer. Collector 10+ is unique worldwide (above PSA 10). Sub-grades on all tiers except Classic.

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	PCA	SFG
Country / hub	France · Paris 16ᵉ	France · France
Entry tier	Classic · €10.90	Standard · from ~€15
Express tier	Excelsior · €249	Express · from ~€40
Turnaround	30 → 90 business days	Variable, label-focused communication
Scale	1 → 10 + Collector 10+ (unique)	1 → 10 across 4 criteria
Reholder	Yes	On request
Access from France	Direct French submission (online account)	Direct French submission
EU reputation	French leader, -20 to -50 % discount vs PSA on eBay US	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. PCA uses 1 → 10 + Collector 10+ (unique) with Collector 10+ on top and sub-grades yes on standard / premium / excelsior. 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

PCA (FR) — entry tier €10.90 + 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 PCA or SFG?

Pick PCA if

you want the Collector 10+ and the most recognised FR signature.

No middleman required, simple checkout + Colissimo shipping
French leader, -20 to -50 % discount vs PSA on eBay US

View the PCA page →

Pick SFG if

you are starting out, you want accessible tariffs and a pedagogical workflow.

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

View the SFG page →

Final verdict

PCA for the historical Collector 10+, SFG for a beginner-friendly first submission.

For the French-only collector: PCA 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.