How Much To Mail A Postcard?

Quick Answer: How Much To Mail A Postcard Today

If you’re wondering how much to mail a postcard, the short version is that postage depends on your postcard size, thickness, and the USPS service you choose. A standard postcard that fits the 4 x 6 format typically qualifies for the basic USPS postcard rate when it meets machinability rules. If your card is larger, heavier, or has features that make it non-machinable, it will price at First Class Mail letter or Marketing Mail (sometimes called “standard”) levels instead.

For small quantities, buying a postcard stamp can be the simplest path. For campaigns, most businesses compare First Class for speed and forwarding features against Marketing Mail for the lowest average cost at scale. Either way, keeping your card rectangular, within thickness limits, and with a clean addressing layout helps you avoid extra fees and keep delivery predictable.

Think of it like this: qualify for the postcard tier when you can, stay within 4 x 6 rules, and choose First Class Mail when you need speed or returns, or Marketing Mail when you need reach and efficiency. That decision, plus production specs, is what drives your real postage number.

Finally, remember that every detail on the addressing side matters. A correct return address and proper placement of the stamp in the upper right corner help the postal service process your piece quickly, reduce errors, and cut down on reprints or reruns.

💡 Related: See our Printed Postcards formats and specs, or check live Pricing when you’re ready to plan volume.

What Affects Postcard Postage Cost

Several variables determine postage for postcards. The most important are postcard size, thickness, shape, and which USPS services you select. A small, rectangular 4 x 6 card that meets machinability rules usually qualifies for the postcard price tier. If your card is larger, thicker, oddly shaped, or too rigid, it can be priced as a First Class letter, a large envelope (flats), or even a package in edge-case scenarios. Volume also matters. Businesses that mail thousands of cards generally lean on Marketing Mail for efficiency, while smaller test drops often choose First Class Mail for speed and returns.

Production choices impact cost too. Paper thickness, coatings, and finishing affect machinability and whether you will pay extra for a nonmachinable surcharge. Address quality drives delivery. The clearer your address and barcode area, the fewer reprints, returns, and delays. When in doubt, the postal service at your local post office can verify pieces before you commit to a full run.

💡 Related: Compare formats in Printed Postcards or model ROI with Cost Of A Direct Mail Campaign.

Standard Postcards: What Qualifies And What It Costs

Standard postcards meet the USPS size and machinability rules, typically the 4 x 6 format. To qualify, keep your card rectangular, between minimum and maximum thickness, and avoid attachments that can catch sorting equipment. When your card qualifies, you can use a postcard stamp or apply an indicia and prepare trays for bulk. If the piece is too tall, too thick, or has die-cuts, it may be priced as a first class letter or large envelope instead.

For small drops, a single stamp is simple. For campaigns, presort preparation, clean lists, and automation are what keep cost predictable. Clean addressing, a clear return address, and a properly reserved barcode area help your cards flow through USPS automation and get delivered on time.

💡 Related: See LettrLabs Printed Postcards and get live Pricing for your volume.

Postcard Size Guide: From 4 X 6 To Larger Postcards

Your postcard size directly affects postage. A classic 4 x 6 is the baseline. As you move to larger postcards like 6 x 9 and 6 x 11, visibility increases, but so does the likelihood you price into First Class Mail letter or Marketing Mail tiers. Keep in mind that height is just as important as width. Cards at or over 6 inches tall may no longer be eligible for the standard postcards price, depending on the full spec.

Design with machinability in mind. Keep the address block, barcode clear zone, and stamp place clean. Avoid thick textures at the bottom edge and maintain required margins. These details help you save money by preventing reclassification into flats or triggering a nonmachinable surcharge.

💡 Related: Learn format trade-offs in Mailer Format Guide or explore our Direct Mail Design tips.

4 X 6 Vs 6 X 9: Size, Weight, And Cost Differences

Both 4 x 6 and 6 x 9 can be strong performers. A 4 x 6 often hits the most cost effective price tier if it qualify as a postcard. A 6 x 9 draws more attention in the mailbox, supports a bigger image and message, and often improves response for certain target audience segments, but it may price as a letter or Marketing Mail piece.

If you choose 6 x 9, plan your postage strategy. Consider presort, list hygiene, and production standards to avoid pay extra scenarios. Keep the piece rectangular and respect thickness so you do not drift into large envelope (flats) territory.

💡 Related: Evaluate creative space and specs in Printed Postcards. For high-impact formats, compare Trifold Brochures.

Oversized Postcards: When You Pay Extra

Cards that exceed the postcard size rules are oversized postcards. Square cards, heavy laminates, attachments, or rounded corners that protrude can trigger a nonmachinable surcharge. Tall designs that exceed 6 inches or unconventional shapes might be priced as a large envelope or flats. If that happens, expect different postage and handling rules.

Before you print, confirm machinability. A quick test batch from your local post office can save you time and money. If your creative team needs more space for offers, consider alternative formats that still run efficiently through USPS automation.

💡 Related: Explore high-visibility formats in Printed Letters or view multi-panel Trifolds.

Jumbo Postcards: Impact On Visibility And Postage

Jumbo postcards like 6 x 11 are standout pieces for marketing campaigns. They offer room for a big headline, strong CTA, and large product image. The tradeoff is postage. Jumbo sizes usually do not price at the basic postcard level. They often mail as First Class Mail letter or Marketing Mail, depending on presort and preparation.

If you go jumbo, design for machinability. Keep a clean address area, place stamps or indicia in the upper right corner, and avoid heavy coatings at the bottom edge. Done well, jumbo cards can be an extremely affordable way to reach a target audience because of their response leverage, even if postage is higher.

💡 Related: See creative examples in our Postcard Marketing article or browse Printed Postcards options.

First Class Mail For Postcards: Speed And Perks

First Class Mail prioritizes speed and includes forwarding and returns for undeliverable pieces when you include a return address. For smaller drops or time-sensitive marketing, First Class can outperform Marketing Mail because you get faster delivery, cleaner address hygiene, and better visibility into what was delivered or returned. If a card fails the postcard spec, it may mail as a first class letter or first class mail items category. That changes rates, but you keep speed and service features.

Consider delivery confirmation or campaign-level tracking options. While individual USPS tracking on postcards is limited, enhanced workflows and matchback analytics can answer the performance question without overpaying for add-ons.

💡 Related: Compare automation options in Direct Mail Automation and review campaign analytics in Tracking & Analytics Tools.

First Class Vs Marketing Mail: Which To Choose For Direct Mail

Choose First Class when you need speed, returns, or you are mailing to smaller, high-value segments. Choose Marketing Mail when you mail at volume and want discounted rates with strong cost control. Both are powerful in direct mail. The right choice depends on timing, audience, and lifetime value. Many businesses test First Class Mail on hot leads and Marketing Mail on broader prospecting.

Either way, list quality wins. Good address data improves delivery, reduces returns, and helps you save money. Clean data also helps you save time at the counter and in presort prep.

💡 Related: See our Direct Mail Campaigns guide or explore Direct Mail Marketing for strategy ideas.

First Class Mail Items: Letter Vs Postcard

If your “postcard” exceeds the size or thickness rules, it stops being a postcard for pricing. It becomes a first class letter or large envelope (flats). Letters allow envelopes, inserts, and more paper options, but you will pay differently. Flats provide even more space, yet they come with separate machinability and postage rules. Always confirm specs before you design, so you do not re-engineer on press day.

For clarity, decide early. If you need extra panels, consider a bifold or trifold letter format instead of pushing a card beyond machinable thresholds.

💡 Related: Compare letter formats in Printed Letters or review Mailer Format Guide.

Mail Postcards Step-By-Step

1. Create your design with a clean addressing block, return address, and a reserved barcode area.
2. Choose the correct postcard size. A 4 x 6 that qualify as a standard postcard is the simplest.
3. Print on machinable paper stock and avoid attachments that could trigger a nonmachinable surcharge.
4. Apply stamps or indicia in the upper right corner.
5. Prepare trays or bundles per USPS instructions.
6. Drop at a local post office counter, a USPS acceptance unit, or a designated mailbox if using stamps.
7. Keep receipts and documentation for tracking and reconciliation.

A correct setup helps you send postcards at scale without delays and helps ensure your recipient receives a crisp, scannable card.

💡 Related: Need specs and templates? Visit Printed Postcards or explore automation in Integrations.

Return Address: Do You Need It And Where It Goes

A return address is strongly recommended for First Class Mail and for any campaign where you want undeliverables returned. It typically lives in the top left of the addressing side. A proper address here helps the postal service process forwarding, returns, and change-of-address logic. It also helps your ops team refine data quality for the next send.

For Marketing Mail, you can omit a return if you accept nondelivery handling. Most marketers still include one to improve list hygiene and save money over time.

💡 Related: Improve addresses with our Direct Mailing Lists explainer or plan scaled workflows with Direct Mail Automation.

Forever Stamp Or Postcard Stamp: What To Use

A postcard stamp is designed for standard cards that qualify at the postcard rate. A forever stamp covers the one-ounce First Class letter rate and is common if your card prices as a letter. Do not stack two stamps unless you know you need them. For the right spec, one single stamp is enough. If you are unsure, have your post office check a physical sample.

For bulk, indicia and presort preparation reduce manual work, save time, and keep postage under control.

💡 Related: See “Where Do You Buy Stamps” or compare classes in “What Is First Class Mail Postage.”

Hand Canceled Vs Machine Processed

Requesting hand canceled processing can be helpful for delicate finishes or specialty coatings. It may require a counter visit and can slow handling, so plan accordingly. Most postcards are designed for machine processing to control cost and consistency. If you need pristine corners for a premium brand, test both approaches and compare actual delivery outcomes.

💡 Related: If finish quality matters most, consider Handwritten Mailers or review analytics options in Tracking & Analytics Tools.

Send Postcards At Scale: Workflows To Save Time And Save Money

To send postcards at scale, automate data syncs from ecommerce, CRM, or POS systems. Trigger direct mail when a cart is abandoned, a customer lapses, or a product is back in stock. Programmatic workflows save time, save money, and lift response by targeting the right recipient at the right moment. Use merge fields for names and offers so the message feels personal and relevant.

Strong ops rely on verified address data, suppression rules for duplicates, and tracking that ties delivery windows to sales activity. Your ops team will thank you, and your finance team will see the ROI.

💡 Related: Launch always-on journeys with Direct Mail Automation or connect your stack via Integrations.

Tracking And Delivery Confirmation For Postcards

Individual USPS delivery confirmation on postcards is limited. However, you can still get reliable visibility. Use Intelligent Mail barcodes, scan events, and post-delivery matchback to measure when a cohort was delivered and how it performed. Many marketers do not need per-piece tracking if campaign-level tracking answers the performance question. If you require signature or point-in-time sign services, move to letters, flats, or packages where those options exist.

Pair delivery windows with offer expirations or timed email/SMS nudges. That coordination increases conversions without increasing postage.

💡 Related: View reporting in Tracking & Analytics Tools or explore our Direct Mail Stats 2025 roundup.

Avoid Extra Fees: Nonmachinable Surcharge, Shapes, And Thickness

Avoid paying a nonmachinable surcharge by keeping cards rectangular, within thickness limits, and free of attachments. Watch the bottom edge. Heavy UV at the barcode area can cause misreads that lead to reruns. Do not confuse postcard rules with envelopes, flats, or package rules. If your creative must be unusual, test a small batch at a local post office first.

These checks save budget and save time in production. A short preflight is cheaper than reprinting thousands of pieces.

💡 Related: Use our Direct Mail Design checklist or preview alternate formats in Mailer Format Guide.

Design And Print Specs That Qualify For The Best Rates

A machinable card uses the right paper weight, clean address placement, and adequate white space for barcodes. Keep high-contrast image zones away from the addressing area. Respect minimum and maximum size rules, including the 6 inches height threshold. Place stamps or indicia in the upper right corner. Keep return and destination address elements aligned, scannable, and easy to read.

Before you go to press, soft-proof with production to confirm coating, grain direction, and trim alignment. That extra step protects postage eligibility and improves delivery.

💡 Related: Find specs on Printed Postcards or request a Free Sample Pack to evaluate stocks and finishes.

Where To Get Help: USPS Services And Your Local Post Office

If you have an edge case, bring a physical sample to your local post office. USPS clerks can confirm sizing, thickness, and machinability. The postal service also publishes tools and guides that clarify how to mail postcards, apply stamps, and prepare presort trays. This five-minute check can prevent you from needing two stamps when one will do or misclassifying a card as a large envelope.

For ongoing marketing, build a checklist. Include size, address layout, return address, coatings, and drop plans. Your team will save time at acceptance and keep cost under control.

💡 Related: See “What Time Does USPS Stop Delivering” or “How Long Does USPS First Class Take.”

FAQs About Cost And Postage For Postcards

Do postcards ever need envelopes? Rarely. If inserts or privacy are required, move to letters with envelopes.
What if my card is 6 inches tall? Recheck specs. 6 inches can push you out of the postcard tier.
Can I use two stamps just to be safe? Avoid guessing. Have the post office test your sample. Over-stamping can raise cost without benefit.
Is there delivery to PO Boxes? Yes. USPS delivers First Class Mail and Marketing Mail to PO Boxes.
Where do I drop mail after hours? Use USPS lobby slots and blue mailbox locations, or hand off at a retail counter during business hours.
Can I get tracking on postcards? Use campaign-level tracking and matchback. For per-piece options, consider letters, flats, or packages.

💡 Related: Improve results with Follow Up With Direct Mail or plan your Direct Mailing Lists.

Use Postcards In Marketing Campaigns That Convert

Smart marketing campaigns combine audience targeting with clear offers. Postcards are an extremely affordable channel to communicate a limited-time offer, announce a sale, or re-engage lapsed customers. Trigger mail after a browse or cart event. Personalize the message. Keep CTAs simple and measurable. When the recipient knows exactly what to do, response rises.

Tie delivery windows to digital nudges. An email the day after in-home often lifts conversion. Use discounted rates with presort to scale and keep cost predictable.

💡 Related: See Postcard Marketing or explore Direct Mail For Ecommerce for playbooks.

LettrLabs Makes Postcard Direct Mail Cost Effective

LettrLabs helps you choose the right postcard size, keep specs machinable, and qualify for the best postage tiers. Our automation syncs your data, so you mail postcards to the right target audience at the right time. We handle design proofing, print, addressing, and drops. You get campaign-level tracking, matchback, and clear answers on performance. That is how you save money, control cost, and scale direct mail without adding headcount.

Whether you prefer First Class Mail speed or Marketing Mail scale, we will help you pick the right class, avoid pay extra pitfalls, and stay within budget.

💡 Related: Start fast with Direct Mail Automation or talk to our team via Get A Demo.