What Is First-Class Postage? Your Ultimate Guide

What Is First-Class Postage?

First-Class postage refers to the postage paid on mail sent under the USPS’s First-Class Mail category. First-Class Mail is the primary mail class used for personal correspondence, transactional documents, and other time-sensitive communications that require reliable delivery and forwarding services.

First-Class Mail is a category designed for lightweight items that require relatively fast processing and delivery. Thus, First-Class postage is commonly used for:

• Personal letters.

• Business correspondence.

• Bills and invoices.

• Financial statements.

• Legal notices.

• Any transactional mail or other documents with sensitive customer information.

Delivery typically occurs within 1–5 business days, depending on the origin, destination, and mail preparation method. While delivery speed is not guaranteed, First-Class Mail is prioritized above USPS Marketing Mail in processing and transportation.

First-Class Mail includes forwarding and return services at no additional charge. If a recipient has submitted a change-of-address request, eligible First-Class Mail pieces are forwarded. If a piece is undeliverable, it is returned to the sender with the reason identified.

Mail Types That Qualify for First-Class Postage

The following formats are generally eligible to be sent under First-Class Mail, and, thus, to be sent using First-Class postage:

Letters: Standard-sized envelopes, including the widely used #10 business envelope, fall into this category as long as they meet USPS size and weight requirements.

Flats: Documents that exceed letter-size dimensions but remain within flat-size specifications qualify for First-Class Mail pricing under the “flats” category.

Postcards: These classic communication tools are sent using First-Class postage.

What Does First-Class Postage Cost?

The cost of First-Class postage for high-volume mailings is dependent on many factors. We’ll break down some of the most common ones, so you can see how they might impact your organization:

Automation Compatibility

Discounts for First-Class postage are provided for organizations that meet the USPS’s automation standards.

These price reductions are offered to encourage organizations to prepare mail in ways that allow the USPS to use automated equipment for mail processing. This reduces the time and complexity needed to handle these mailings at the post office.

The standards organizations need to meet to obtain these prices include, among other requirements:

• Mailings of at least 500 mailpieces (for First-Class Mail).
• The use of the Intelligent Mail barcode.
• Use of CASS-certified software to clean the address list within 180 days before the mailing.

Presort Level

Organizations that presort their First-Class Mail obtain lower postage rates.

Presorted mail is mail that has been organized by destination before induction into the USPS network.

This process reduces the amount of handling needed at USPS facilities. Thus, the USPS incentivizes this type of mail preparation by offering lower prices.

There are three levels of presorting that organizations can qualify for:

1. 5-Digit Presort. This category is for mailpieces that are going to the same full zip code, such as “10001.”
2. ADC/AADC. ADC stands for “Area Distribution Center,” while AADC stands for “Automated Area Distribution Center.” These groupings are for mailpieces that, although they don’t go to the same zip code, do go to the same area of the country.
3. Mixed ADC/AADC. A mixed grouping contains mail that goes to multiple ADCs or AADCs (e.g., both New York City and Los Angeles).

Mail Commingling

Many organizations aren’t able to qualify for the USPS’s deepest discounts on their own. Commingling is a way for these groups to save on their First-Class postage. Outsource print and mail providers can also do this on behalf of organizations.

Mail commingling is the process of combining mailpieces from multiple different companies and delivering them to the USPS together, so that the entire mailing qualifies for reduced pricing.

For example, a firm not meeting the minimum volume required for automation mail pricing can combine its mailpieces with another firm. This way, upon induction into the USPS, the entire mailing meets the 500-piece minimum. Alternatively, a firm that doesn’t have enough mailpieces going to the same ADC to qualify for that level of presort pricing can use commingling to obtain these reduced rates.

What Are The Key Features of First-Class Mail?

Letters and flats sent with First-Class postage enjoy the benefits of the USPS’s First-Class Mail program. Here are 3 of the most impactful ones:

1. Speed

One of the primary features of First-Class Mail is processing priority within the USPS network. First-Class Mail is typically delivered within 1–5 business days, depending on distance, entry point, and overall mail volume. While this timeframe is not guaranteed, it remains the standard service expectation for letters and flats.

First-Class Mail moves through USPS processing facilities ahead of Marketing Mail, meaning it receives expedited handling and transportation. For businesses sending time-sensitive communications that must be delivered by a certain deadline, such as statements, invoices, legal notices, tax documents, or compliance-driven documents, this prioritization helps important mailings get to their recipients’ doorstep as quickly as possible.

2. Forwarding And Return Services

A defining feature of First-Class Mail is that it includes forwarding and return services at no additional charge. This is a built-in benefit provided by the USPS and is a key perk of sending mail with First-Class postage.

If a recipient has filed an official Change-of-Address (COA) request with USPS, eligible First-Class Mail pieces are automatically forwarded to the new address for a designated period, usually 12 months. This forwarding service helps reduce lost communications. It helps ensure important documents, such as statements, bills, or regulatory notices, are more likely to reach the intended recipient.

When a mailpiece is undeliverable and no valid forwarding address exists, it is returned to the sender with the reason identified (e.g., moved with no forwarding address, insufficient address, vacant, etc.). This allows organizations to update their mailing lists in response, potentially preventing future mistakes.

In contrast, lower-cost mail classes such as Marketing Mail do not automatically include forwarding or return services unless additional fees are paid. Items sent under Marketing Mail that cannot be delivered are often disposed of. This distinction is significant for organizations sending important and sensitive customer mailings.

From a workflow perspective, built-in forwarding and return services make First-Class Mail particularly well-suited for:

• Financial statements.

• Insurance documents.

• Healthcare communications.

• Legal notifications.

• Government correspondence.

• And any other documents that should not be disposed of if undeliverable, but rather given to their intended recipients as quickly as possible.

3. Personalized & Time-Sensitive Content

First-Class Mail is specifically intended for correspondence that is personal, transactional, or time-sensitive in nature. This type of mail requires prioritized handling and delivery reliability. This is why the use of First-Class postage is mandatory for certain types of mailings, including:

• Handwritten or typewritten mail.

• Bills and statements.

• Invoices.

• Personalized business correspondence of any kind.

What First-Class Postage Types Are There?

First-Class postage can be applied in several different ways. While the delivery standards and service features remain the same no matter which type of First-Class postage is used, the method to pay and display postage affects operational workflow and cost efficiency.

The three primary methods used by businesses are precanceled stamps, meter mail, and permit imprint. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks of each:

What Are Precanceled Stamps?

Precanceled stamps are stamps printed with a cancellation mark before they are sold. They are typically used by organizations that send small volumes of mail and want to avoid hand-canceling each piece.

How Do Precanceled Stamps Work?

Here are some key considerations for this type of First-Class postage:

• The stamp already includes a printed cancellation (city/state and permit number).

• Mail must be presorted if precanceled stamps are used.

• Pieces are entered directly at a USPS facility rather than dropped into collection boxes.

Which Organizations Are Precanceled Stamps Best for?

This type of First-Class postage fits best into the operational workflows of:

• Small to mid-size businesses consistently mailing a small volume of letters.

• Organizations that want to give their mailpieces a personalized appearance.

What Is Meter Mail?

With meter mail, a postage meter is used to directly print postage onto an envelope or label.

How Does Meter Mail Work?

Here are some key considerations for this type of First-Class postage:

• Postage is printed with a meter indicia, which includes the date, amount of postage, and origin information.

• There is no need to use physical stamps or to buy postage at a post office, making meter mail more efficient than precanceled stamps.

Which Organizations Is Metered Mail Best for?

This type of First-Class postage fits best into the operational workflows of:

• Medium-to-high volume ongoing and time-sensitive mailings.

• Organizations that do not need the increased efficiency of permit imprint.

What is Permit Imprint Postage?

Permit imprint, which is sometimes called indicia mail, is a type of postage marked by a printed postage block in the upper-right corner of a mailpiece.

How Does Permit Imprint Work?

Here are some key steps involved with this type of First-Class postage:

• Postage is printed directly onto an envelope or document during the printing workflow. This makes permit imprint a more efficient process than precanceled stamps and meter mail, which both require an additional step of adding postage later in the workflow.

• The sender obtains a USPS permit number, and a $370 permit application fee is required along with an annual mailing fee. Working with an outsource print and mail provider allows organizations to take advantage of the vendor’s existing mailing permit and avoid these fees.

Which Organizations Is Permit Imprint Best for?

This type of First-Class postage fits best into the operational workflows of:

• High-volume transactional mail programs.

• Organizations sending monthly statements, invoices, or compliance notices.

• Automated production print-and-mail workflows.

Which Type of First-Class Postage Should I Use?

Here’s a guide to when each of the types of First-Class postage may be right for your organization:

• Precanceled Stamps are best for lower volumes of mail or for organizations that want to add a personal touch to their mailings.
• Metered Postage can be used for medium or higher volume mail operations, although it is not as streamlined a process as permit imprint.
• Permit Imprint Postage supports large and efficient mail workflows.

First-Class Mail vs. Other USPS Mail Classes

First-Class postage is only used with USPS First-Class Mail. Comparing and contrasting this category with others helps illustrate the purpose and use of First-Class postage. Here’s our breakdown:

First-Class vs. Marketing Mail

When evaluating mail strategy, one of the most common comparisons to make is First-Class Mail versus Marketing Mail. Both are offered by the USPS, but they are designed for fundamentally different purposes and thus function differently. Here are 4 of their biggest points of differentiation:

1. Delivery Speed

First-Class Mail

• Typically delivered within 1–5 business days.

• Receives prioritized processing.

• Intended for time-sensitive communications.

Marketing Mail

• Slower delivery times.

• Lower processing priority.

• Not designed for urgent or deadline-driven content.

For organizations sending time-sensitive and deadline-oriented documents, the delivery window associated with First-Class postage is often operationally necessary. Marketing Mail is more appropriate when timing is flexible.

2. Forwarding and Return Services

First-Class Mail

• Includes automatic forwarding if a recipient has filed a Change-of-Address.

• Returned to sender if undeliverable (with reason indicated).

Marketing Mail

• Does not include forwarding or return services by default.

• Additional fees apply if address correction services are requested.

• Without pre-requested return services, undeliverable pieces are disposed of.

This distinction is significant for compliance-driven mail. Built-in forwarding and return visibility make mail sent with First-Class postage better suited for regulated communications.

3. Cost Structure

First-Class Mail

• Higher per-piece postage.

• If taking advantage of presort pricing, a minimum volume of 500 pieces.

• Designed for essential, individualized correspondence.

Marketing Mail

• Lower per-piece cost.

• A minimum volume of 200 pieces or 50 pounds.

• Optimized for advertising and promotional campaigns.

The cost difference can be substantial at scale. However, lower postage does not equate to functional equivalence. The reduced price of Marketing Mail reflects lower priority handling and limited built-in services.

4. Content Restrictions

First-Class Mail

• Categories of mail that must be sent using First-Class postage include personal and personalized business correspondence, handwritten and typewritten material, bills, statements, and invoices.

• Appropriate for transactional documents and individualized account information.

Marketing Mail

• Designed for mailings that are not required to be sent using First-Class postage or at periodical rates.
• Some mailings sent with this postage category include advertising, newsletters, catalogs, and small parcels.

Organizations mailing personalized financial, healthcare, or legal documents typically use First-Class Mail because it aligns with both content rules and service expectations.

Operational Summary: Should You Use First-Class Mail Or Marketing Mail?

Here’s how organizations should make their decision:

• Use First-Class Mail for essential, personalized, and time-sensitive communications.

• Use Marketing Mail for cost-efficient distribution of promotional materials where delivery speed and forwarding are not key concerns.

First-Class vs. Priority Mail

In most cases, the main determining factor when deciding whether First-Class or Priority Mail is best suited to a high-volume mailing operation boils down to one simple question: are your mailpieces letters, or packages?

Letters and flats of any weight can be sent using either First-Class postage or Priority Mail rates. However, letters above 3.5 ounces and flats above 13 ounces. are not eligible for First-Class or Marketing Mail rates.

When comparing First-Class postage to Priority Mail postage, the difference is large enough that sending high-volume commercial mailings via USPS Priority Mail is very rarely cost-effective.

That being said, here is a thorough breakdown of the differences between the two categories:

1. Delivery Time

First-Class Mail

• Typically delivered within 1–5 business days.

Priority Mail

• Typically delivered within 2–3 business days.

2. Weight Limits

First-Class Mail

• Letters weighing above 3.5 ounces and flats weighing above 13 ounces are not eligible for First-Class postage.

Priority Mail

• Available for packages weighing up to 70 pounds.

Once a shipment exceeds the First-Class parcel limit of 13 ounces, it must move into Priority Mail or another package service category.

3. Included Services

First-Class Mail

• Forwarding and return services included for letters and flats.

• Insurance not included by default.

Priority Mail

• USPS Tracking included.

• $100 of insurance coverage included at no extra charge.

4. Cost Structure

First-Class Mail

• Lower per-piece cost for letters and lightweight items.

• Designed for document-based communications.

Priority Mail

• Higher cost.

• Structured for packages and goods.

For organizations mailing transactional documents, such as statements, notices, or invoices, First-Class Mail is usually the operational default because it balances cost with delivery reliability.

Operational Summary: Should You Use First-Class Mail Or Priority Mail?

For most organizations, the decision of whether to use First-Class postage or priority rates should be based on these criteria:

• Use First-Class Mail for lightweight documents and routine time-sensitive correspondence.

• Use Priority Mail when shipping packages.

First-Class Mail vs. Media Mail

If you’re wondering whether to use First-Class Mail or Media Mail, the question is simple: what materials are you sending?

Media Mail is designed for books, media, and other educational materials. A full list of eligible Media Mail materials can be found here. 

Organizations sending high volumes of letters should use First-Class Mail, as these orders are not eligible for Media Mail.

D4 Solutions: Your Outsource Partner for High-Volume Mailings

Wondering how to best handle your organization’s transactional print and mail? Let our team of experts do the heavy lifting by partnering with D4 Solutions.

Across 45 years of experience, we’ve developed efficient and secure print and mail processes that are customizable to our clients’ needs.

We’re proud to be HIPAA and SOC 2 Type II audited, giving you confidence in our ability to protect sensitive personal information.

Our workflows boast a 99.99% accuracy rate in terms of quality and on-time delivery, getting your documents where they need to be, securely, accurately, and on time.

Reach out now to see how we can help your organization.