Here’s when you shouldn’t mail gift cards, USPS warns (2024)

FAQs

Here’s when you shouldn’t mail gift cards, USPS warns? ›

To help protect your gift cards, USPS advises people to never leave them in mailboxes overnight and to send using retail services or inside wall drop slots. Do not leave drop them in blue collection boxes or your mailbox if they will sit overnight or through the weekend.

We find that gift cards can easily break through the side of an envelope as it falls into a postbox, so make sure the envelope is strong, and secure the cards so they don't move, but please don't put sellotape over them as the residue is very hard to remove.

Consider using a padded envelope. Select an envelope that is strong enough to hold the card or attach the gift card to a thin piece of cardboard. Place an extra label or notice on the gift card with the delivery or return address; this ensures the safe return should the outside label become damaged or fall off.

Standard Size Card: If the card is a standard size, typically measuring no bigger than 5 inches by 7 inches, you may be able to send it with just one $0.55 First Class stamp or a forever stamp [2].

You may wonder where all that money in gift cards go if they are unclaimed or undelivered, the U.S. Postal Service just destroys them. If your gift cards get lost in the mail or might be stolen, and you want to see if it has been found you can call 1-800-ASK-USPS. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved.

Protect the bound cards with packing material such as bubble wrap, Styrofoam pellets or other shipping/packing material. Pack in a sturdy cardboard box, ensuring the bound cards are not packed too tightly. This may cause damage if mishandled.

Gift cards can be insured for their full value only when sent by Registered Mail service. Gift cards sent by Express Mail (which includes Express Mail insurance) or another class of mail with merchandise insurance are protected only up to the maximum indemnity for cash and negotiable items — $15.

If you are mailing a card inside a standard-size envelope and it weighs less than one ounce, you only need one Forever Stamp or current postage.

It is appropriate but not safe. Anyone can open that mail and take the money. Also it might get lost in transit, unless it is a check made out to the person in question, but not cash.

Go to the post office. They will weigh the card and tell you if additional postage is needed. Either get it weighed first or use 2 stamps to be safe. If it's over one ounce; you will need more than one stamp.

Can I give my mailman a Target gift card? ›

On the United States Postal Service website, it says that employees cannot accept your tip, no cash or anything like cash, say a check or a gift card they can exchange for cash.

The USPS-produced Flat Rate Envelope provides convenience and ease of shipping for one low, predetermined price for items weighing up to 70 lbs and going to any state. Please note that the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds.

Mailing and Shipping Services

The Priority Mail Gift Card Flat Rate Envelope (Dimensions: 10” L x 7” W) was designed with a special pocket to hold a greeting card and a gift card in a Priority Mail Flat Rate envelope as a customer convenience.

UPS's liability for a shipment containing a phone card, ticket (such as event or airline ticket), gift certificate, gift card, coupon, or other similar printed matter with an exchange value is limited to the cost (which shall not include any amount of the value attached to the card, certificate, or coupon, or similar ...

If your letter is one ounce or below, you will need one Global Forever stamp or three Forever Stamps.

When sending money by mail, use money orders as a safe alternative to cash and personal checks. U.S. Postal Service^® money orders are affordable, widely accepted, and never expire. Your money order receipt will help you track your payment and show proof of value in case the money order gets lost, stolen, or damaged.

Some common items that you might not think of include flammable aerosol products (spray disinfectants, spray paints, and hairspray), lithium batteries, safety matches, perfume, and cosmetic products such as nail polish and nail polish remover.

Pack It Up Properly

Two inches is ideal, and more if the item is fragile. Always wrap and protect each item separately. If you're shipping a hollow item like a vase, fill it with packing material before wrapping the item in bubble wrap. For extremely fragile gifts, consider using two boxes—and double the padding.