Us Postage for Postcards: Rates, Sizes, and Options

The cost of sending a postcard in the US is relatively low. The standard rate for a postcard is 36 cents.

If you're planning to send a lot of postcards, you might want to consider purchasing a postage stamp in bulk. This can be a cost-effective option.

Postcards come in various sizes, but the standard size for a US postcard is 3.5 x 5.5 inches. This size is ideal for a standard stamp.

Before you start preparing your postcard, make sure it's the right size. Postcards must be 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches in size to qualify for standard us postage.

You'll also want to use a sturdy card that can withstand the rigors of mailing. A standard postcard is 0.016 inches thick, so choose a card that's at least as thick to ensure it arrives at its destination intact.

When addressing your postcard, use the correct format to avoid delays or extra postage. The sender's name and address should be in the top left corner, followed by the recipient's name and address in the center of the card.

When you're getting ready to send a postcard, make sure to insert the address in the right spot. The designated area is meant for writing the delivery address, so don't write it elsewhere or you might end up with a mail return.

The USPS delivers nearly 128.9 billion items annually, so they don't have time to search for the address. You should follow the postal addressing guidelines to avoid extra costs.

Use the correct US address format to ensure your postcard reaches its destination. Standardizing the address correctly will also help you save money on postage.

Choose fonts and colors that make the address visible, so the postal service can easily read it.

Cards are a big part of postcard preparation. Standard-sized, rectangular postcard stamps start at $0.56.

If you're sending an oversized postcard, you'll need a letter stamp, which starts at $0.73.

To make sure you're using the right stamp, take a look at the size of your postcard. If it's standard-sized, you're good to go with the $0.56 stamp.

Presorted postage can save you money on postcard mailings. You can save up to 20% on presorted First-Class postcard rates compared to individual piece rates.

To qualify for presorted rates, you need to meet the minimum mailing requirements, which vary depending on the class of mail. For Marketing Mail, you need at least 200 pieces, while for First-Class Mail, you need at least 500 pieces.

Presorting gets a little complicated, but it's worth the effort if you want to cut costs. You can presort by ZIP Code, using 5-Digit, 3-Digit, or Mixed AADC rates.

The USPS offers three separate rates for presorted postcard mailings: 5-Digit, AADC, and Mixed AADC. The 5-Digit tray preparation offers the best rates, with a current per-piece rate of 40.8 cents.

You can use direct mail postcard presort services to handle the presorting process for you. These services commingle your postcards with other clients' postcards to meet the volume requirements for presorted rates.

Presort service providers also handle the USPS presorting requirements and processes for you, making it easier to qualify for presorted postcard rates.

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The standard postcard size is 4” X 6”, which is the most popular size for any type of campaign. This size works well for any industry and can be economically printed while providing room for an offer or message.

You can also mail larger postcards, up to 6” X 9”, at First Class rates, saving you money on your campaign. Starting in 2021, these larger postcards became eligible for First Class postage.

To qualify as a postcard, a mail piece must be rectangular and meet these dimensions: at least 3-1/2” high X 5” long X 0.007” thick, and no more than 6” high X 9” long X 0.016” thick.

Here are the standard postcard sizes that qualify for the default cost of a postcard stamp of $0.44:

If you mail a postcard that doesn't meet these dimensions, you'll have to mail it at letter rates, which can be more expensive.

The USPS offers various services and rates for mailing postcards. The minimum volume to send Standard Mail is 200 pieces, but nonprofits can bag a special Nonprofit Standard postcard postage rate, offering considerable discounts and concessions.

Bulk mailing helps you reduce the per-piece cost to mail a postcard, making Standard Mail much more affordable than First-Class Mail. However, delivery times are longer, and you may need to wait up to 21 working days for your postcards to reach your intended recipients.

The USPS rate for a single postcard is $0.53, but to get cheaper commercial rates, your campaign needs at least 500 pieces.

Here are the standard sizes that qualify for the default cost of a postcard stamp of $0.44:

The price of a "Forever" stamp will increase by a nickel to 73 cents, starting July 14, 2024, while mailing a postcard domestically will cost 56 cents, a 3-cent increase.

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USPS Marketing Mail is a cost-effective way to reach your target audience. You can refer to it as Standard Mail, and businesses often use it for mailing postcards in bulk.

To become eligible for sending Standard Mail, you must acquire a permit and prepare your postcards according to the prescribed weight and dimensions. This includes a minimum volume of 200 pieces, although nonprofits can qualify for a special Nonprofit Standard postcard postage rate.

Bulk mailing helps reduce the per-piece cost to mail a postcard, making Standard Mail much more affordable than First-Class Mail. However, delivery times are longer, taking up to 21 working days.

You can stick with a 4.25" x 6" postcard size because it's popular and effective for communicating your message to your audience.

Here's a quick rundown of the benefits of using Standard Mail:

Keep in mind that the USPS considers postcards exceeding the standard size as letters or parcels. To qualify for Standard Mail, make sure to follow the prescribed weight and dimensions, and meet the minimum volume requirements.

The price of a Forever stamp is increasing by a nickel to 73 cents, marking the second time this year the United States Postal Service has raised the cost of postage.

This price hike is part of a larger effort to shed debt and boost revenue, with USPS aiming to become self-sufficient.

The price of a Forever stamp has steadily climbed since its introduction in 2007, when it cost 41 cents.

The new postage rate takes effect on July 14, along with other rate increases.

Domestic postcard mailing will now cost 56 cents, a 3-cent increase, while international postcard and letter rates are rising by a dime to $1.65.

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First-Class Mail is your default option for sending postcards, and it's ideal for on-demand and bulk mailing. Most envelopes and cards you receive in your mailbox are First-Class Mail items.

First-Class Mail prioritizes delivery, so you can expect your items to reach their destinations within one to five business days. This makes it a great choice for sending postcards quickly.

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First-Class Mail is a bit expensive, with a cost to mail a postcard ranging from $0.44 to $1.16. However, you get features like eligibility for Certified Mail and insurance coverage.

You can mail as few as one postcard with First-Class Mail, making it a convenient option. But to get the lowest postcard postage rate, you need to mail at least 500 postcards and take advantage of presort pricing.

USPS Marketing Mail, also known as Standard Mail, is a more affordable option for bulk postcard mailing. You can reduce the per-piece cost by mailing in bulk, but delivery times are longer, taking up to 21 working days.

To send Standard Mail, you must acquire a permit and prepare your postcards according to the prescribed weight and dimensions. The minimum volume to send Standard Mail is 200 pieces, but nonprofits can get a special Nonprofit Standard postcard postage rate with discounts and concessions.

Bulk postcard mailing is a straightforward way to reach many clients quickly, and presorting your postcards can offer more postage discounts. However, the class of mail you choose impacts the cost, so consider your options carefully.

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