Everything you need to know about the USPS First-Class Mail Advertising Promotion

Postage rates may be going up – but smart marketers know where to find relief. Starting September 1, 2025, the USPS First-Class Mail Advertising Promotion offers a straightforward way to save: get 3% off eligible First-Class Mail just by adding a qualifying marketing message to the piece.

This isn’t about changing your strategy. It’s about making the most of mail you’re already sending – like invoices, reminders, or confirmations – by layering in a compliant offer or promotion. With support from Lob, it’s easy to participate, stay on track, and plan ahead for your busiest season.

What is the First-Class Mail Advertising Promotion?

Running from September 1 through December 31, 2025, this USPS promotion provides a 3% postage discount on First-Class Mail when you include a qualifying marketing message printed directly on the mailpiece. Letters, cards, and flats are all eligible.

You can qualify in one of two ways:

What kind of message qualifies?

To be eligible, the message must promote a product, service, event, or offer. Common examples include:

• Discount offers: “Save 20% with your personalized code!”
• Limited-time deals: “This offer expires in 7 days – act fast.”
• New product launches: “Be the first to try our latest release.”
• Loyalty incentives: “Earn double points on all purchases this month.”
• Event invitations: “Join us at our VIP preview next week.”
• Personalized promotions: “A thank-you for [First Name] – enjoy 15% off your next order.”

To comply with the terms of the promotion, your message must appear directly on the mailpiece and include a clear marketing element. You’ll be disqualified if your piece promotes digital-only engagement (like “Go paperless”), contains only informational content (such as hours of operation), or places the message only on buck slips, stickers, or inserts.

How to participate through Lob

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Lob makes it easy to take advantage of this promotion through the Promotions Portal, located in the lower-left corner of your Lob dashboard. Here’s how to get started:
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Opt in

Select the First-Class Mail Advertising Promotion and accept the terms.
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Design your mailpiece

Add a qualifying marketing message directly onto your letter, card, or flat.
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Submit for pre-approval

Upload a PDF sample through the portal and wait for written confirmation. Any changes after approval could disqualify your campaign.

Register your campaign

Complete registration at least two hours before your mail date.
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Send your mail

Lob will apply CCR code FA to your postage statement automatically. Keep a hard copy for your records.

Timeline: Plan ahead for fall and holiday campaigns

Here’s a quick planning guide to stay ahead of Q4 deadlines:

• Now through July – Identify eligible mailings and draft your marketing message
• August – Finalize creative and submit for USPS pre-approval
• September to December – Send approved mailings and claim your 3% discount

With peak season around the corner, now’s the time to plan, get approved, and lock in savings.

Looking for more ways to save?

The First-Class Mail Advertising Promotion is just one of several USPS discounts available through Lob. Here's a quick look:

Tactile, Sensory & Interactive Promotion (February 1 to July 31, 2025 – Ends soon!)

Save on mailpieces that use specialty inks, textures, or dimensional treatments. (Ends soon)
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Integrated Technology Promotion (June 1 to Dec 31, 2025 – Starting soon!)

Get 3% off when you add QR codes, AI-generated content, voice prompts, or augmented reality.
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Informed Delivery Add-On (Available year-round)

Pair your campaign with a digital preview and clickable image for an extra 1% discount.
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Sustainability Add-On (Available year-round)

Opt in once to receive an additional 1% discount on promotional mailings produced with eco-friendly materials.

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USPS promotions are a smart way to increase impact and reduce cost – especially when layered into the mail you’re already sending. To get started, head to the Promotions Portal in your Lob dashboard or visit the Help Center for full details.

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