TGA and MNT are both Canadian-based grading companies with genuinely different pricing philosophies. TGA runs a simpler tiered system built around a few clear service levels, while MNT structures pricing more granularly around turnaround speed and batch size together.
Here's an honest comparison to help decide which fits a given submission better.
None of this requires prior grading experience with either company.
TGA's $19 Standard rate and MNT's $19 Rush rate land at essentially the same price point, though TGA's Standard turnaround and MNT's 1-month Rush turnaround aren't necessarily identical in speed. Comparing actual current turnaround times for both before deciding is worth doing rather than assuming they match exactly.
For very fast turnaround, TGA's Express and Same-Day options and MNT's First Class tier both exist, but at meaningfully different price points worth checking directly.
MNT currently only accepts standard-sized cards between 35pt and 180pt thickness, while TGA's published options don't carry that same restriction. For anyone grading oversized cards, booklets, or unusually thick memorabilia cards, this size limitation could make MNT simply not an option.
Checking your specific card's dimensions against MNT's stated range before planning a submission avoids a wasted trip.
Both companies return cards in a protective slab that benefits from the same downstream storage solutions. EVORETRO's Graded Card Sleeves work with either brand's slab.
For a growing mixed-grader collection, EVORETRO's Graded Case with Key System keeps everything secure.
MNT's approved dealer locator lets collectors drop off submissions in person at participating local shops, sometimes at a genuinely discounted Pristine Dealer rate. TGA's published process leans more toward direct mail submission, so collectors who prefer an in-person drop-off option may find MNT's dealer network more convenient.
Checking whether a participating MNT dealer exists nearby is worth doing before deciding this factor doesn't matter to you.
For a straightforward standard-sized card submission with a clear turnaround preference, both companies offer competitive pricing worth comparing directly for your specific batch size. For oversized or unusually thick cards, TGA becomes the more likely option given MNT's current size restriction.
There's no rule against using both companies for different parts of a collection based on card size and turnaround needs.
When TGA and MNT land within a few dollars per card of each other for comparable service, factors like which company's online process you find easier to use, or whether a dealer drop-off is genuinely more convenient for your schedule, can reasonably tip the decision. Cost isn't the only factor worth weighing once the numbers are this close.
Trying both companies on a small initial submission before committing a larger collection to either one is a reasonable way to get firsthand experience with each process.
Beyond published reviews, directly asking other collectors in local hobby shops or online communities about their firsthand experience with both TGA and MNT can surface practical details that don't always make it into formal reviews. Personal recommendations from people grading similar cards to yours carry real weight.
Local card shop staff, who often see a wide range of customers' grading experiences across different companies, can also be a genuinely useful source of practical, current comparison information.
A grading company experiencing rapid growth may face temporary strain on turnaround and customer service quality even while its underlying process remains sound, which is worth factoring into a decision between two companies at different growth stages. Neither rapid growth nor established stability is automatically better — each comes with its own trade-offs worth understanding.
Watching how a company communicates about growth-related delays, if they occur, says a lot about how they'll likely handle your submission specifically.
Their standard-speed pricing lands close together; the better deal depends on batch size and speed needed.
No, currently only standard 2.5x3.5 inch cards from 35pt to 180pt.
Yes, through its approved dealer network, sometimes at a discounted rate.
Yes, many collectors choose based on what a specific card or batch needs.
A quick comparison of both companies' current pricing can save real money on your next submission. Browse EVORETRO's toploaders and sleeves collection to keep your cards ready either way.
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