CLEVELAND — Sometimes finding that special gift is difficult and a gift card fits the bill. For those settling on mailing gift cards, the U.S. Postal Service has added a special Priority Mail Flat Rate Gift Envelope to its lineup of flat-rate mailing products. If you’re mailing gift cards, and don’t select the Priority Mail option, here are some packing tips: The Postal Service recommends the following mail-by dates to ensure your gift arrives on time: Measuring 10" x 7", the Priority Mail Flat Rate Gift Mailing Envelope is available at most Post Office retail counters nationwide or can be ordered for free at usps.com. Each envelope is decorated with a holiday-themed bow, and includes a convenient slot inside for securing gift cards. Available for expedited delivery service to domestic addresses at $4.95, the flat-rate Gift Mailing Envelope also makes a great way to send oversized greeting cards to friends and family members during the busiest gift-giving time of year. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. # # # Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/welcome.htm. A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no direct support from taxpayers. With 36,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, the Postal Service relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses. Named the Most Trusted Government Agency five consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $68 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 28th in the 2009 Fortune 500.
Dec. 15 — Parcel Post
Dec. 20 — First-Class Mail
Dec. 21 — Priority Mail
Dec. 22 — Express Mail
Visit the Postal Service’s holiday press room at usps.com/holidaynewsroom.
FAQs
Is it safe to mail gift cards through the mail? ›
Consider using a padded envelope. Select an envelope that is strong enough to hold the card or attach the gift card to a thin piece of cardboard. Place an extra label or notice on the gift card with the delivery or return address; this ensures the safe return should the outside label become damaged or fall off.
How much postage do I need to mail a gift card? ›Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how many stamps you may need: Standard Size Card: If the card is a standard size, typically measuring no bigger than 5 inches by 7 inches, you may be able to send it with just one $0.55 First Class stamp or a forever stamp [2].
How much does the Post Office charge for gift cards? ›The following fees apply to your Card: Card purchase price (one-off) $5.95 (inclusive of GST) Balance and transaction history - Online FREE Balance and transaction history - Phone FREE via the automated voice service.
Is it safe to send gift cards in the post? ›We find that gift cards can easily break through the side of an envelope as it falls into a postbox, so make sure the envelope is strong, and secure the cards so they don't move, but please don't put sellotape over them as the residue is very hard to remove.
What is the safest way to mail a card? ›Registered Mail is the most secure method the Postal Service offers. Registered Mail is designed to provide added protection for Valuable Mail. Only matter prepaid with First-Class Mail rates may be Registered.
Will the post office insure gift cards? ›Gift cards can be insured for their full value only when sent by Registered Mail service. Gift cards sent by Express Mail (which includes Express Mail insurance) or another class of mail with merchandise insurance are protected only up to the maximum indemnity for cash and negotiable items — $15.
What is the cheapest way to mail gift cards? ›USPS First-Class Mail: This affordable and reliable option is suitable for lightweight gift cards. It offers tracking and delivers within 1-3 business days. UPS Ground: For larger quantities of gift cards or when time is of the essence, UPS Ground provides fast and secure delivery with detailed tracking.
How do I mail a card at the post office? ›- Step 1: Choose Envelope or Postcard. Envelopes are for sending flat, flexible things, like letters, cards, checks, forms, and other paper goods. ...
- Step 2: Address Your Mail. ...
- Step 3: Calculate Postage (& Add Insurance or Extra Services) ...
- Step 4: Send Your Mail.
Ensure Correct Amount of Postage for Greeting Cards
For example, a card that weighs 1.5 oz would get two stamps. Additional charges may apply if the card is non-machinable, rigid, or oversized. If unsure, we recommend using ShippingEasy or your local post office provider to avoid delays or adjustments.
If you are mailing a card inside a standard-size envelope and it weighs less than one ounce, you only need one Forever Stamp or current postage.
What happens if a letter weighs over 1 oz? ›
Customers must affix additional postage when mailing letters weighing in excess of 1 ounce and/or letters subject to the nonmachinable surcharge or mailpieces subject to another rate of postage (e.g., large envelopes or packages).
What is the safest way to send gift cards in the mail? ›Consider using a padded envelope. Select an envelope that is strong enough to hold the card or attach the gift card to a thin piece of cardboard.
How much should I send for a gift card? ›There are no rules when it comes to how much you should be spending. It's a very personal decision based on your financial situation and what you've spent previously. Here are some guidelines to give you an idea of what to spend. For co-workers, casual friends and your children's teachers, stay in the $10 to $20 range.
How much does it cost to send a gift card in the mail? ›| Rate | |
|---|---|
| USPS Standard Mail (5-9 business days)* | 1.99 (per card) |
| USPS Trackable Mail (5-9 business days)* | 8.75 (per 20 cards) |
| *Excludes holidays. | |
Do not leave drop them in blue collection boxes or your mailbox if they will sit overnight or through the weekend. Theft isn't the only reason gift cards can go missing. High-speed automated machinery used to process envelopes puts them through a tight and twisting maze of belts and rollers that can damage them.
Can gift cards be insured when mailed? ›Gift cards can be insured for their full value only when sent by Registered Mail service. Gift cards sent by Express Mail (which includes Express Mail insurance) or another class of mail with merchandise insurance are protected only up to the maximum indemnity for cash and negotiable items — $15.
How to mail cards safely? ›Protect the bound cards with packing material such as bubble wrap, Styrofoam pellets or other shipping/packing material. Pack in a sturdy cardboard box, ensuring the bound cards are not packed too tightly. This may cause damage if mishandled.
What is not acceptable for mailing? ›Some common items that you might not think of include flammable aerosol products (spray disinfectants, spray paints, and hairspray), lithium batteries, safety matches, perfume, and cosmetic products such as nail polish and nail polish remover.