How much does it cost to mail a postcard in 2026

As of July 12, 2026, the US retail postcard postage rate is $0.65. That rate applies to standard-size postcards mailed domestically through USPS. A first-class letter stamp for one ounce is $0.82.

This page covers the current domestic and international rates, postcard size requirements, a cost comparison table, and how print and mail services fit into the picture for creators mailing larger batches. Rates change periodically; always verify the latest numbers at usps.com before planning a large mailing. For how postage fits into the full cost of running a mail club, see self-fulfillment vs print and mail.

Current USPS domestic rates (July 2026)

USPS raised retail postage rates effective July 12, 2026. Before that date, the postcard rate was $0.61. The key rates for creators mailing postcards and letters:

These are retail rates for mail submitted at a post office or via standard online postage services. Commercial bulk mail rates are lower and require a USPS postage permit, which is worth investigating for very high-volume senders but involves setup and minimum volume requirements.

Postcard size requirements

To qualify for the postcard postage rate, a mailpiece must fall within USPS postcard dimensions:

• Minimum: 3.5" x 5"
• Maximum: 4.25" x 6"
• Thickness: 0.007" to 0.016"

A piece larger than 4.25" x 6" is classified as a letter and requires the letter rate ($0.82 for one ounce minimum). This catches artists off guard when they design at 5" x 7" and expect postcard pricing.

Standard 4" x 6" and 4.25" x 6" postcards both fall within the postcard rate. The 4.25" x 6" format is the most common for print and mail services because it is the largest postcard that still qualifies for the $0.65 rate. Going slightly larger to fit more art costs considerably more per piece in postage.

Cards must also be rectangular and rigid enough to pass through postal equipment. Odd shapes, laminated sheets that are too thick, or pieces with attached items may be classed differently by USPS; check with your post office if you have a non-standard piece.

International postage

International first-class mail rates vary by destination country. As a rough guide, international postage for a letter or postcard through USPS often runs in the $1.65 to $1.70 range, but actual rates differ by country. Check the USPS international price list for the specific destination before quoting international subscription pricing.

International postage costs can meaningfully affect a mail club's margins if a significant share of subscribers are outside the US. Most artists run US-only clubs at launch and add international tiers later once the domestic workflow is established. When adding international subscribers, it is worth adjusting the subscription price to reflect the higher postage cost, rather than absorbing it from the domestic margin.

If rates change, notifying subscribers about a price adjustment is straightforward for clubs that send a monthly email with the mailing.

Print and mail services

For artists mailing more than a handful of postcards each month, a print and mail service changes the picture. Instead of buying stamps individually and visiting the post office, you upload a print-ready file and the service handles printing, addressing, and mailing.

On The Snails Mail, Print & Mail for a standard 4x6 postcard costs $1.49 per piece, which covers both printing and US postage. Full details are on the pricing page.

That $1.49 compares to the cost of USPS postage alone ($0.65) plus the cost of printing the card, plus the time and cost of stamping and mailing each one yourself. At small scale, self-mailing is often cheaper per piece. At higher volume, the time and consistency advantages tend to outweigh the difference.

Cost comparison at different volumes

Print costs for self-mailing depend on paper quality, printer, and whether you use a local print shop or print at home. Add those to the USPS postage column for a genuine comparison. The time column is hardest to put a number on but is often the deciding factor at subscriber counts above 50.

What changes when rates go up

For self-mailers, postage increases directly reduce the margin on each piece unless the subscription price is adjusted. A $0.04 per-piece increase sounds small but adds up to $4 per 100 subscribers per month.

For print and mail through a platform, the per-piece rate may or may not be tied directly to USPS rate changes. Check your platform's current pricing before each new batch if rates have changed since you last priced the club. The Snails Mail publishes any per-piece rate changes on the pricing page.

For a closer look at designing a postcard that stands out when it arrives, read designing a postcard people keep. And for a full breakdown of how a postcard subscription works from the subscriber's side, see postcard subscriptions explained.

FAQ

Does the postcard rate apply to oversized or shaped pieces?

No. USPS applies the letter rate to any piece outside the standard postcard dimensions. Anything wider than 4.25", taller than 6", or thicker than 0.016" is classed as a letter at minimum, even if it is a single-sheet card.

Can I buy stamps online rather than at the post office?

Yes. Online postage services sell USPS postage at the same retail rates without requiring a post office visit. For consistent formats at moderate volume, printing your own postage can simplify the self-fulfillment workflow. Compare the service fee against the convenience.

How do I handle postage increases for an active mail club?

If the increase is small, some creators absorb it temporarily and adjust the subscription price at the next natural renewal point. If the increase is meaningful, a brief message to subscribers explaining the change and adjusting the price is usually received better than a silent change. Transparency about costs tends to build rather than erode subscriber trust.