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USPS Critical Mail

An affordable, secure way to send mailpieces.

Important Note: The U.S. Postal Service has discontinued the Critical Mail service as of January 17, 2016.

What is Critical Mail®?

Critical Mail lets you mail important documents affordably and securely. Key features of this USPS mail class include free USPS Tracking and cost-effective flat rates regardless of distance. With low prices and the ability to track packages, Critical Mail is a great way to mail gift cards, event tickets or highly-customized direct mail. Use Stamps.com to send Critical Mail and start saving today!

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Try us out for 4 weeks!

Get $5 in free postage to use during your trial.
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Features and Benefits:

  • Free USPS custom envelopes with an eye-catching design
  • Multiple Package Pickup™ options available
  • Offers secure mailbox delivery on first attempt
  • No surcharges ever – including fuel, residential and Saturday delivery
  • Reaches every U.S. address, plus PO Box™ addresses, and most APO/FPO/DPO destinations
  • Free USPS Tracking

Critical Mail Pricing

Mailpiece Type

Maximum Thickness

Maximum Weight

All Zones

Mailpiece Type:

Critical Mail Letters

Maximum Thickness : 

¼”

Maximum Weight : 

3 oz.

All Zones : 

$3.50

Mailpiece Type:

Critical Mail Flats

Maximum Thickness : 

¾”

Maximum Weight : 

13 oz.

All Zones : 

$4.50

Who is eligible for Critical Mail?

Critical Mail is available to customers who qualify for Commercial Plus™ pricing. Customers are required to meet an annual volume threshold of 5,000 Critical Mail letters or flats during a calendar year and have a USPS commitment agreement.

Using Critical Mail with Stamps.com

Easily Print Critical Mail Postage: Stamps.com customers can easily print shipping labels for their Critical Mail envelopes. Once the U.S. Postal Service has confirmed your annual volume requirements, your Stamps.com account will be automatically set-up to include Critical Mail rates on the Commercial Plus pricing program. And since tracking is included for free with Critical Mail, each label you print will include USPS Tracking and the required Intelligent Mail barcode.

Free* 5 lb. Digital Scale with Sign-up

Every new customer account starts with:

  •  Free* 5 lb. Digital Scale with sign-up
  • 4-week trial
  • $5 in USPS postage to use in trial period
  • USPS rate discounts you can’t get at the Post Office
  • No long-term contracts, cancel anytime
  • Only $17.99 per month plus applicable taxes, if any, including the first month if you stay past the 4-week trial

*pay only S&H fee

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