How Much Is Extra Postage on a Greeting Card?
Don't guess on greeting card postage. Understand why some cards require extra stamps and how to correctly determine and apply the right amount for seamless mailing.
Sending a greeting card is a common way to connect with others, but postage can sometimes be more than anticipated. While a standard stamp covers most typical cards, certain features can classify a greeting card as non-standard mail. Understanding these characteristics helps ensure your card reaches its destination without delays or additional fees.
Understanding Non-Standard Mail Characteristics
A greeting card may require extra postage if it does not conform to United States Postal Service (USPS) standards for First-Class Mail letters. The card’s physical attributes, such as weight, dimensions, and flexibility, determine if it is considered non-standard. These deviations often necessitate manual processing, leading to additional charges.
First-Class Mail letters have specific size and weight limits. A standard letter must weigh no more than 3.5 ounces. If a greeting card exceeds this weight, it will require additional postage for each extra ounce.
Dimensions also play a significant role in postage classification. For a card to qualify as a standard letter, it must be rectangular, at least 3.5 inches high by 5 inches long by 0.007 inches thick, and no more than 6.125 inches high by 11.5 inches long by 0.25 inches thick. Cards that are square, unusually shaped, or fall outside these dimensions may incur extra charges.
Beyond size and weight, a card’s rigidity or uneven contents can make it non-machinable. Items that are lumpy, rigid, or contain embellishments like clasps, buttons, or wax seals cannot be processed by automated machinery. Even a card with an address parallel to its shorter side or one that does not bend easily can be classified as non-machinable.
Calculating Postage for Non-Standard Greeting Cards
Once a greeting card is identified as non-standard, determining the exact postage amount involves considering the base rate, additional weight, and any applicable surcharges. The standard First-Class Mail letter rate serves as the starting point. As of July 13, 2025, the price for a 1-ounce First-Class Mail letter is $0.78.
For greeting cards exceeding one ounce, an additional ounce rate applies. Each extra ounce beyond the initial one costs $0.29, effective July 13, 2025. For example, a 2-ounce letter would cost $0.78 (first ounce) + $0.29 (second ounce) = $1.07.
A non-machinable surcharge is added for cards that cannot be processed by automated equipment due to their shape, rigidity, or unevenness. This surcharge is $0.46 as of August 2024. Therefore, a 1-ounce square card, for instance, would cost $0.78 (base rate) + $0.46 (non-machinable surcharge) = $1.24.
To accurately determine the total postage, weighing the card on a kitchen scale or a postal scale is helpful. The USPS also provides an online postage price calculator, which can assist in estimating costs. Visiting a local post office allows staff to weigh and measure the card precisely, providing the exact postage required.
Applying the Correct Postage
After calculating the total postage needed for a non-standard greeting card, affix the correct combination of stamps to the envelope. The total postage value must equal or exceed the calculated amount.
The USPS offers specific stamps for additional postage needs. “Additional ounce” stamps, currently valued at $0.29, can cover weight increments beyond the first ounce. Some specialized “non-machinable” stamps are available that incorporate the non-machinable surcharge directly, simplifying the process for irregular mail.
Alternatively, a combination of standard Forever stamps and smaller denomination stamps can be used to meet the exact postage value. Forever stamps are always equivalent to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce rate, regardless of when purchased. Proper placement of stamps is also important; they should be affixed neatly in the upper right-hand corner of the envelope.
For individuals unsure about the precise amount or placement, seeking assistance at a post office is recommended. A postal clerk can weigh the card, advise on the exact postage, and even apply the correct postage directly or sell the appropriate stamps.