AGS Card Grading Guide: How to Submit Cards to AGS

AGS Card Grading Guide Last Updated: March 2026

AGS card grading is gaining attention among collectors as an AI-driven grading service designed to bring transparency and consistency to the grading process. Whether you collect sports cards, Pokémon cards, or other trading cards, understanding the full AGS submission process can help you avoid mistakes and protect your cards during grading.

This AGS card grading guide walks through the complete submission process including grading standards, service pricing, packaging requirements, and step by step submission instructions.

In this guide we cover:

AGS grading standards and AI grading scale
Service levels, pricing structure, and turnaround expectations
Step by step AGS submission process
Preparing your cards for AGS grading
Packaging and shipping instructions
Intake timeline after delivery
Complete AGS submission checklist
Common submission mistakes to avoid
Frequently asked questions

If you are preparing to submit cards to Automated Grading Systems, this guide is designed to remove uncertainty from the process.

What Is AGS Card Grading?

Automated Grading Systems, commonly known as AGS, is a trading card grading company that uses artificial intelligence and computer vision technology to evaluate cards and produce grading reports.

AGS grading focuses on:

AI assisted grading analysis
Detailed grading reports and transparency
Subgrade style scoring across multiple card attributes
Digitally documented grading explanations

Many collectors are interested in AGS because of its technology focused grading approach and detailed grading breakdowns.

Collectors researching different grading companies often compare AGS alongside PSA, BGS, CGC, TAG, and other grading services.

AGS Card Grading Standards and Scale

AGS evaluates cards using an AI based grading process that analyzes multiple aspects of the card’s condition.

Primary grading factors include:

Centering
Corners
Edges
Surface

These are similar categories used across many grading companies, but AGS provides a detailed grading report that explains how the grade was determined.

Understanding AGS grading standards before submitting helps collectors evaluate potential outcomes and decide whether grading makes sense for a specific card.

AGS grading criteria and explanations can be found here:

https://info.agscard.com/ags-grading-standards

Always reference the official AGS grading standards for the most current definitions.

AGS Card Grading Pricing and Service Structure

AGS pricing is based on submission tier and service level.

Price per Card	Requirement	Turnaround Time	Max Insured Value
$12	30+ Cards	20 business days	$100
$15	Less than 30 Cards	20 business days	$100
$20	N/A	10 business days	$200
$30	N/A	5 business days	$500
$50	N/A	2–3 business days	$2,000
$75	N/A	1 business day	$2,000
$100	N/A	Same-Day	$5,000
$200	N/A	Same-Day	$10,000

Collectors should always verify the latest pricing during submission because grading services occasionally adjust their pricing models.

A full overview of AGS pricing can be found here:

https://info.agscard.com/pricing

Pricing may vary depending on:

Service tier
Submission volume
Processing speed

Turnaround times are typically estimates and may fluctuate depending on grading demand and operational volume.

How to Submit Cards to AGS Step by Step

Submitting cards to AGS follows a structured process.

Following the steps carefully can reduce submission errors and intake delays.

1. Create an AGS Account

Begin by creating an account and starting a new submission through the AGS platform.

2. Enter Card Information

During the submission process you will enter details for each card including:

Year
Set
Player or character
Card number
Declared value

Providing accurate information helps avoid submission delays.

3. Choose Service Options

Select the appropriate grading tier and confirm declared value for each card.

Declared value can influence eligibility and service level options.

4. Complete Checkout and Submission Confirmation

Once payment is completed your submission will be registered in the AGS system.

Always follow the official submission instructions provided during checkout.

AGS explains their submission workflow here:

https://info.agscard.com/how-it-works

Preparing Your Cards for AGS Grading

Proper card preparation is one of the most important steps before shipping a grading submission.

Collectors typically prepare cards by:

Placing cards into penny sleeves
Inserting cards into semi rigid holders
Inspecting cards for dust or loose particles
Arranging cards in submission order

Avoid submitting cards in top loaders unless specifically instructed.

Cards should be clean, secure, and arranged exactly as listed in your submission order.

Many collectors use a structured preparation process to minimize risk before the cards ever leave their hands.

Packaging and Shipping Cards to AGS

Shipping preparation should focus on preventing movement and protecting cards during transit.

Internal Protection

Cards should be:

Stacked in submission order
Lightly secured using team bags or bands
Protected on both sides
Placed inside an inner box

Outer Shipping Box

The inner box should then be placed inside a larger shipping box.

Void space should be filled so the contents do not shift during transit.

Carrier Options

Common shipping carriers used by collectors include:

USPS
UPS
FedEx

Always ship to the address provided in your official submission confirmation.

Add tracking and insurance when appropriate.

AGS Intake Timeline After Delivery

After a submission arrives at the grading facility the intake process generally follows several steps:

Package arrival and intake scanning
Order logging into the AGS system
Grading queue placement
Grading analysis
Encapsulation
Quality control
Return shipment

Dashboard updates may not appear immediately depending on processing volume.

Turnaround estimates may vary depending on demand.

Complete AGS Submission Checklist

Documentation

AGS account created
Submission entered correctly
Declared values verified

Card Preparation

Card inspected
Penny sleeve applied
Semi rigid holder used
No debris inside holders
Cards arranged in correct order

Packaging

Card stack secured
Protective layers applied
Inner box secured
Outer shipping box padded
No internal movement

Shipping

Correct shipping address used
Carrier label attached
Tracking added
Insurance added if necessary

A structured checklist helps reduce avoidable submission mistakes.

Common AGS Submission Mistakes

Some of the most common grading submission mistakes include:

Using top loaders instead of semi rigid holders
Incorrect card order compared to submission form
Loose packaging that allows movement
Debris inside sleeves or holders
Incorrect declared value

Small mistakes can create confusion during intake or increase the risk of card damage during shipment.

Collectors who follow a disciplined preparation process reduce those risks.

Why This Matters to Collectors

Grading outcomes are often influenced long before the card reaches a grader.

The submission stage is when collectors:

Handle cards directly
Insert them into sleeves and holders
Package them for shipping

This is also the moment where preventable mistakes can occur.

Surface scratches, edge wear, and corner damage can happen during preparation or packaging if collectors rush the process.

Collectors who approach grading submissions with a structured system tend to reduce these risks and protect the condition of their cards.

Prep and Submit With Structure

The most vulnerable stage in the grading journey is the moment between selecting a card and sending it to the grading company.

This is where preparation matters most.

Many collectors use a structured prep and submit system designed specifically for grading submissions rather than assembling loose supplies.

The Graders Choice Submission Kit provides collectors with a purpose built preparation workflow that includes sleeves, semi rigid holders, protective materials, and a structured packaging process.

Learn more about the system here:

https://graderschoice.com/product/card-grading-submission-kit/

The goal is simple.

Prep carefully. Protect the card. Submit with confidence.

Conclusion

AGS card grading offers collectors a technology focused grading option with AI assisted evaluation and detailed grading reports.

A successful AGS submission requires:

Accurate card information
Proper holder selection
Careful preparation
Secure packaging
Reliable shipping

Collectors who follow a clear submission process reduce mistakes and protect the cards they are sending for grading.

Preparation matters.

Structure helps.

And a disciplined submission process can make a meaningful difference before the grading process even begins.

More Card Grading Guides for Collectors

If you are researching different grading companies, these guides walk through the full submission process for the most widely used grading services.

Comparing grading companies can help collectors decide where to submit based on grading standards, turnaround expectations, and market demand.