2021 USPS Postage Rates & Promotions
Increased Postage Rates
Where can I see the new rates?
We have compiled a complete list of the updated USPS 2021 postage rates here.
When do the new rates take place?
The increased postage rates will be effective starting on January 24, 2021.
USPS Promotions
These new promos, similar to last year’s promos, offer marketers the chance to sign up for postage savings by category. A total of 6 promotions are offered for 2021 and we’re giving you the complete list below. See which ones apply to you and your business so you can take advantage of these discounts!
This calendar highlights the registration and promotion periods for this year. (Click on the calendar to download it as a PDF)
*Important Note – only one promo can be applied to a mail piece or mailing at a time. The USPS does not allow stacking promos to increase postage discounts.
First Class Mail Promos
1. Earned Value Promotion
Registration Period: February 15, 2021 – March 31, 2021
Promotion Period: April 1, 2021 – June 30, 2021
USPS is encouraging mailers Business Reply and Courtesy Reply mail pieces. Mailers who register their Mailer ID, Permit(s), and use eligible Intelligent Mail barcodes on their BRM and CRM pieces may receive a $0.02 postage credit for each mail piece that is placed in the mail stream by the recipient and scanned during the promotion period.
Eligible Mail:
Business Reply Letter Mail
Courtesy Reply Letter Mail
2. Personalized Color Transpromo Promotion
Registration Period: May 15 – December 31, 2021
Promotion Period: July 1 – December 31, 2021
This promo is intended to incorporate marketing messages highlighted utilizing color, dynamic variable print and personalization. Color messaging within bills and statements enhances the value of First-Class Mail by fostering a better connection and response from consumers. This promotion will provide an upfront postage discount to participants that meet the program requirements.
Eligible Mail:
First Class Mail – presort and automation letters
First Class Mail & Marketing Mail Promos
3. Emerging and Advanced Technology Promotion
Registration Period: January 15, 2021 – August 31, 2021
Promotion Period: March 1, 2021 – August 31, 2021
To participate in this promotion, mail pieces must incorporate any of the following technologies: NFC technology, Video in Print (ViP), an “Enhanced’ Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, Integration with VoiceAssistants, and Digital to Direct Mail. These technologies will allow the recipient to engage in an interactive experience using the mail piece and mobile devices, tablets, etc.
Eligible Mail:
First Class Mail – letters, cards, and flats
Marketing Mail – letters and flats
NonProfit Marketing Mail – letters and flats
4. Informed Delivery Promotion
Registration Period: July 15, 2021 – November 30, 2021
Promotion Period: September 1, 2021 – November 30, 2021
Informed Delivery is a consumer-facing feature that provides users the opportunity to digitally preview their household mail and manage packages arriving soon. Business mailers can conduct an “interactive campaign” which integrates colorful and interactive campaign elements to enhance and extend the mail moment for consumers, thus reaching their target audiences on a digital channel.
Eligible Mail:
First Class Mail – automation letters, postcards, and flats
Marketing Mail – automation letters and flats
NonProfit Marketing Mail – automation letters and flats
Marketing Mail Promos
5. Tactile, Sensory & Interactive Promotion
Registration Period: December 15, 2020 – July 31, 2021
Promotion Period: February 1, 2021 – July 31, 2021
The TSI promotion encourages marketers to incorporate innovative techniques and treatments on their mailpieces in order to drive their customer engagement and response rates. There are three featured categories in this promo – Specialty inks, Specialty paper, and Interactive elements.
Eligible Mail:
Marketing Mail – letters and flats
NonProfit Marketing Mail – letters and flats
6. Mobile Shopping Promotion
Registration Period: June 15, 2021 – December 31, 2021
Promotion Period: August 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021
This promotion encourages mailers to integrate mobile technology with direct mail, thus creating a convenient method for consumers to do their online shopping. The mailpiece must include mobile technology that can be read, scanned, or activated by a mobile device and leads the recipient to a mobile-optimized shopping website with the ability to complete a financial transaction.
Eligible Mail:
Marketing Mail – letters and flats
NonProfit Marketing Mail – letters and flats
How to register?
To see step-by-step instructions on how to register for all these promotions (except Earned Value), follow the USPS “How to Enroll” link here. To register for the Earned Value Promotion, use this registration guide.
For questions about these discounts and rates, we are happy to help! Contact your Account Manager or contact us here.