What is PSA's current backlog?

PSA's Backlog Tracker lists 11.85 million active units in its August 11, 2026 update, down from 12.4 million on July 28.

Are PSA Value tiers open again?

No. PSA says Value Bulk, Value, Value Plus, and Value Max remain paused for new submissions until the backlog reaches the company's reopening target.

What backlog number does PSA need before Value grading returns?

PSA has tied the Value-tier reopening to reducing the active backlog to 5 million units.

What is the cheapest current PSA card-grading tier?

PSA's live submission page lists Regular service at $79.99 per card as the lowest visible card-grading tier, with an estimated 40 to 50 business-day turnaround. Check PSA directly before submitting because prices and services can change.

PSA backlog drops to 11.85M, but Value grading is still shut

PSA's public Backlog Tracker now lists 11.85 million active units as of August 11, 2026, down from 12.4 million on July 28, but the company's lower-priced Value grading tiers remain closed to new submissions.

The drop is real progress, but it does not reopen cheap grading yet. PSA says Value submissions return only after the backlog falls to 5 million units, and the current direct card-grading menu still starts at Regular service for $79.99 per card.

For collectors deciding whether to grade now, wait, or use another path, the update matters because the cheapest PSA option is still far above the paused Value prices many bulk submitters used before June.

What collectors need to know

The tracker moved in the right direction

PSA's August 11 tracker update says the active backlog fell to 11.85 million units from 12.4 million. The same tracker says July set another company milestone by topping June's record for total monthly graded units.

That is the first clean direction-of-travel update after the July 28 jump, when PSA said the backlog rose to 12.4 million from 11 million on July 14. PSA attributed that increase to higher-tier submission demand, shipments arriving under the 45-day eligibility window after the Value-tier shutdown, and convention-season volume.

The number is still more than double PSA's stated reopening target. A lower backlog is better, but the target is 5 million units, not 10 million, 11 million, or 12 million.

Value tiers remain the missing piece

PSA announced on May 28 that it would temporarily pause new submissions for Value Bulk, Value, Value Plus, and Value Max effective June 2. The company said a 20% submission spike added 1.6 million cards and pushed the active backlog toward 10 million.

Those Value tiers were the lanes many collectors used for lower-cost cards and bigger grading batches. PSA's February pricing page listed Value Bulk at $24.99 per card, Value at $32.99, Value Plus at $49.99, and Value Max at $64.99 before the pause.

The live PSA submission page now shows Regular at $79.99 per card with an estimated 40 to 50 business-day turnaround as the lowest listed card-grading service. Express, Super Express, Walk-Through, and Premium levels remain higher-priced speed options.

The cheapest PSA decision is now a card-by-card call

The Value pause changes the math for cards that might grade well but do not have much room for error. A card that made sense at a $24.99 or $32.99 grading fee may not make sense at $79.99 before shipping, insurance, declared-value limits, and selling fees.

That does not mean collectors should never submit right now. It means the threshold is higher. Cards with strong comps, clean condition, real player demand, or time-sensitive release heat may still fit Regular or faster service. Borderline bulk cards need a harder look.

PSA also says turnaround times are estimates only, not guarantees, and that the service clock starts once an order enters the grading system. That intake detail matters while package volume remains elevated.

What collectors should check before submitting

Start with the official Backlog Tracker, not social screenshots. Then check PSA's live service menu, because the open tiers, prices, and estimated timing can change.

After that, compare the card against recent completed sales in raw condition and in the grades you realistically expect. Do not use a PSA 10 comp if the card looks like an 8 or 9. The Value pause makes that mistake more expensive.

If the card is a new-release chase, also check whether waiting could cost you momentum. If it is a long-term PC card or a common bulk card, waiting for Value to reopen may be the cleaner move.