The U.S. Postal Service (USPS®) 2027 Promotions & Incentives Program offers valuable opportunities for both direct mail and transactional mailers. Registration begins soon, with updates designed to encourage more engaging, innovative, and cost-effective mail.
Two new promotions were added this year in addition to carry-over promotions from 2026, and with ongoing add-on incentives, 2027 could be one of the most valuable years yet to leverage the power of mail.
What’s New in 2027
Compared with 2026, the USPS has made several significant updates, while a few things remain the same:
- Update in Tactile, Sensory & Interactive Promotion: The major change to this promotion for 2027 is a two-tier discount structure. Qualified mailpieces will receive a 3% Basic Discount for using specialty inks, coatings, etc., and a 5% Advanced Discount for mailpieces that meet advanced-engagement requirements.
- New “Direct Mail Discovery” Promotion: Incentivizes new mailers to try direct mail as a marketing channel. New mailers will receive a 40% discount on up to 5,000 pieces per mailing, up to 100,000 total pieces per approved business during the promotion period. In addition, a 5% credit to the eDoc Postage Statement Submitter. More information on the credit to be released by USPS.
- New “Impact Messaging” Promotion: Created to demonstrate the impact that mail can have by highlighting its value to customers using one of three options: Encouraging Mail Creation, Promoting Mail Services, Highlighting the Value of Mail, earning a 5% discount to approved First-Class Mail® and USPS Marketing Mail mailpieces.
- Add-Ons Remain Simplified: The Informed Delivery® Add-On (1% discount + 0.5% eDoc credit) and Sustainability Add-On (1% for responsibly sourced paper) are now standard options. Combine them with one of the five promotions.
- Program Changes: The 2026 Catalog Insights Promotion has been retired, along with Continuous Contact Promotion.
2027 USPS Promotions at a Glance
| Promotion | Discount | Registration Period | Period | Type of Mail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated Technology Promotion Bring mail to life. Use one of eight digital enhancements, including Augmented or Mixed Reality, Voice Assistants, NFC, Video in Print, or AI. | 5% | Nov. 15, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2027 | Six consecutive months of your choice thru Dec. 31, 2027 | First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail |
| Tactile, Sensory & Interactive Promotion Elevate engagement through specialty inks, coatings, interactive folds, and textures—like Tension’s TENGroove envelopes. | 3% Basic Discount 5% Advanced Discount | Oct. 15, 2026 – Jun. 30, 2027 | Jan. 1, 2027 – Jun. 30, 2027 | First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail |
| NEW: Direct Mail Discovery Promotion Incentivizes new mailers to try direct mail as a marketing channel. | 40% Discount + 5% Credit to eDoc Submitter | Feb. 15, 2027 – Sept. 30, 2027 | Apr. 1, 2027 – Sept. 30, 2027 | USPS Marketing Mail |
| NEW: Impact Messaging Promotion Demonstrate the impact mail can have. | 5% | Mar. 15, 2027 – Sept. 30, 2027 | May 1, 2027 – Sept. 30, 2027 | First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail |
| First-Class Mail® Advertising Promotion Combine the precision of First Class Mail with the impact of advertising. | 5% | Feb. 15, 2027 – Dec. 31, 2027 | Apr. 1, 2027 – Dec. 31, 2027 | First-Class Mail |
| Add-Ons Increase your promotion discount by pairing your qualified mailpiece with the Informed Delivery or Sustainability Add-On. | 1-2% | Oct. 15, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2027 | Jan. 1, 2027 – Dec. 31, 2027 | First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail |
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a brand new promotion that is noted on the USPS® website. Read more about how to qualify your mailpieces directly off the Postal Pro site, or use our table above to get an “at-a-glance” understanding!
No. Both of these promotions were retired in 2026 and replaced with the two new promotions mentioned above.
Work with Tension
This is the year of high-impact direct mail. From design and print to information about USPS compliance and campaign strategy, Tension can help you create envelopes and printed mailpieces to qualify for and maximize the new USPS® 2027 promotions.
Visit tension.com to learn more and plan your 2027 mail promotions today.
The information you find here is informational, and not meant to represent mailpieces approved by the USPS®. Exact specifications may be found here. You must contact the USPS® for approval and exact program specifications.
