Skip to content
USPS Direct Mail Guide

Independent guide. Not affiliated with or endorsed by USPS.

First-Class Mail presort

Presorted First-Class Mail gives you First-Class speed and handling at commercial prices, in return for sorting the mail yourself and mailing at least 500 pieces at a time.

Checked 2026-11-07

Why choose it over Marketing Mail

  • It can carry anything. Bills, statements, personalized offers, account details. Marketing Mail can't carry personal correspondence.
  • It's faster. Marketing Mail has no delivery guarantee and can be deferred.
  • It's still cheaper than stamps. $0.621 for an automation 5-digit letter against $0.82 for a stamped letter.

Prices

Piece and sort level5-digit3-digit/SCFMixed
Automation letter$0.621$0.672$0.707
Nonautomation machinable letter–$0.674$0.721
Nonautomation nonmachinable letter$0.844$0.979$1.128
Automation postcard$0.453$0.478$0.495

Presorted First-Class Mail, up to 3.5 oz, 500-piece minimum. Machinable presorted postcards are $0.501.

Each sort level has one price up to 3.5 ounces. Automation prices need barcoded, machinable pieces.

Requirements

  • At least 500 pieces per mailing.
  • A presort mailing fee of $390, paid once every 12 months at each office where you mail.
  • A postage payment method: usually a permit imprint, or a meter.
  • Address quality and sorting that meet the price you claim.

Postcards

Presorted postcards are among the cheapest First-Class pieces: $0.453 at automation 5-digit. To get the card price, the card must be within USPS postcard size: 3.5 x 5 to 4.25 x 6 inches, 0.007 to 0.016 inches thick.

What is the minimum for First-Class presort?

500 pieces per mailing.

How much does First-Class presort save?

An automation 5-digit letter is $0.621 against $0.82 for a stamped letter, before fees.

Is there an annual fee?

Yes, a $390 presort mailing fee every 12 months at each office of mailing.