White Whale Grading

Beckett alternative

Beckett (BGS) Alternative: Subgrades Included from $12

Beckett made subgrades famous. White Whale includes four subgrades on every card at $12–$15, adds a digital report with the scans behind each one, and returns cards 14 days from arrival.

Updated October 22, 2026

Beckett's entry tiers in 2026

  • Beckett Base is $14.95 without subgrades, or $17.95 with them (checked October 22, 2026).
  • Subgrades are included from the $34.95 Standard tier.
  • Beckett posts turnaround estimates of 75+ business days for Base, and Base intake has paused and reopened during 2026.

What White Whale does instead

  • Four subgrades on every card at $12–$15, never an add-on.
  • A digital report showing the measurements behind each subgrade, including a surface heatmap.
  • A 14-day turnaround from arrival.
  • Pay after grading.

Side by side

Compare White Whale with Beckett, PSA, CGC, SGC and TAG on price, turnaround and subgrades in our card grading cost comparison.

Common questions

Does White Whale give subgrades like Beckett?

Yes. Every White Whale card gets centering, corners, edges and surface subgrades at no extra charge, plus the scans and measurements behind them in a digital report.

Is White Whale cheaper than BGS with subgrades?

Yes. White Whale is $12–$15 a card with subgrades included. Beckett Base with subgrades is $17.95, and Standard is $34.95 (checked October 22, 2026).

How fast is White Whale compared with Beckett?

White Whale's turnaround is 14 days from arrival. Beckett posts 75+ business days for Base.

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