USPS runs annual promotion programs that discount postage by 5-12.5% for mailers who incorporate specific technologies or formats. These aren't coupons — they're structured discount programs with registration windows, technical requirements, and specific promotion periods.
For businesses sending thousands of pieces per month, these discounts add up fast. A 5% discount on a 10,000-piece Marketing Mail campaign at $0.372/piece saves $186 per mailing.
Maximum stackable discount for 2026: 12.5% (base promotion + Informed Delivery add-on + Sustainability add-on).
2026 Promotion Programs at a Glance#
2026 USPS Promotion Calendar
| Program | Discount | Registration Window | Promotion Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalog Insights (NEW) | Up to 10% | Aug 15, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026 | Oct 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026 |
| Tactile, Sensory & Interactive | 5% | Nov 15, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026 | Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2026 |
| Integrated Technology | 5% | Nov 15, 2025 – Dec 31, 2026 | Any 6 consecutive months in 2026 |
| Continuous Contact | 5% | Feb 15, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 | Apr 1 – Dec 31, 2026 |
| First-Class Mail Advertising | 5% | Jul 15, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 | Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2026 |
Add-On Discounts (Stack with Any Main Program)#
Stackable Add-On Discounts
| Add-On | Additional Discount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Informed Delivery | +1.5% (1% base + 0.5% eDoc) | Include ride-along image + URL in Informed Delivery campaign |
| Sustainability | +1% | Use SFI or FSC-certified sustainably harvested paper |
Program Details#
Catalog Insights (NEW — Highest Discount)#
This is USPS's newest promotion and offers the highest base discount of any standard program — up to 10%.
- First cross-calendar-year promotion in USPS history (Oct 2025 – Jun 2026).
- Catalog must have at least 12 pages (including covers).
- Must showcase products or services with a clear purchase method.
- Marketing Mail only.
- Registration deadline: June 30, 2026.
- Best for: retailers, e-commerce brands with print catalogs.
Tactile, Sensory & Interactive#
Discount increased from 3-4% in 2025 to 5% in 2026. Requires incorporating physical engagement elements:
- Textured or embossed paper/substrates
- Specialty inks (thermochromic, photochromic, glow-in-dark)
- Scented inks or scratch-and-sniff coatings
- Pop-up or dimensional elements (within flat constraints)
- Zip-strip carriers or pull-tab mechanisms
- Interactive fold-out designs
Eligible for both First-Class Mail and Marketing Mail.
Integrated Technology#
5% discount for mailpieces that incorporate digital engagement technology:
- QR codes linking to relevant content (not just a homepage)
- Augmented reality (AR) experiences
- NFC (near-field communication) tags
- Video-in-print or connected TV integration
QR codes are the easiest path to the Integrated Technology discount. Add a QR code that links to a personalized landing page, and you qualify for 5% off postage. Stack with Informed Delivery for 6.5% total.
Eligible for both First-Class Mail and Marketing Mail. You choose any 6 consecutive months in 2026 as your promotion period.
Continuous Contact#
5% discount for mailers who commit to regular sending cadences:
- Marketing Mail only.
- Must demonstrate a consistent mailing program (multiple mailings over the promotion period).
- Returning for its second year in 2026.
- Promotion period: April 1 – December 31, 2026.
First-Class Mail Advertising#
5% discount specifically for First-Class Mail pieces that include advertising content:
- First-Class letters, cards, and flats only.
- Late-year promotion: September 1 – December 31, 2026.
- Registration opens July 15, 2026.
Mail Growth Incentive (MGI)#
The Mail Growth Incentive is a separate program from the standard promotions — and potentially more valuable for growing mailers.
- Earn up to 30% postage credit on volume above your 2025 baseline (or the 1-million-piece threshold).
- Eligible mail: USPS Marketing Mail (letters and flats).
- Registration window: March – May 2026.
- Credits are applied to future mailings, not retroactively.
The Mail Growth Incentive rewards volume growth, not technology adoption. If you're planning to significantly increase your mailing volume in 2026, this program can deliver much larger savings than the standard 5% promotions.
Marriage Mail Incentive#
USPS offers incentives for shared mail (marriage mail) — mailpieces that combine multiple advertisers in a single piece:
- Applies to saturation/high-density Marketing Mail and EDDM.
- Discount varies — contact USPS for current terms.
- Confirmed active for 2026.
- Best for: advertising cooperatives, coupon mailers, multi-advertiser flyers.
How to Register#
- Create a USPS Business Customer Gateway account at gateway.usps.com.
- Navigate to PostalOne! and select the promotion you want to register for.
- Submit registration before the deadline for each program.
- When submitting your mailing, indicate the promotion in your Mail.dat or electronic documentation.
- USPS applies the discount automatically at the time of postage payment.
Most mail service providers and direct mail platforms can handle the promotion registration and documentation on your behalf.
Easiest Promotions to Qualify For#
If you're new to USPS promotions, start with the lowest-effort options:
- Informed Delivery add-on (+1.5%): Just add a ride-along image and URL to your Informed Delivery campaign. Minimal effort, works with any main promotion.
- Integrated Technology (5%): Add a QR code to your mailpiece. Combined with Informed Delivery: 6.5% off.
- Sustainability (+1%): Switch to FSC or SFI-certified paper stock. Many print shops already use certified paper.
Stacking QR code (Integrated Technology) + Informed Delivery + Sustainability = 7.5% discount with minimal changes to your existing mail program.
For current base postage rates, see our 2026 bulk mail postage rates guide. For a comparison of mail vs email channels, see direct mail vs email marketing.
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