Key takeaways:
- 2025 postage rates depend on card shape, weight, and embellishments — square cards and wax seals require extra postage beyond the standard $0.78 stamp.
- Rectangular cards and minimal embellishments keep costs down and avoid the $0.49 non-machinable surcharge.
- Weigh assembled cards before buying stamps in bulk to ensure proper postage and avoid returned mail.
You ordered the perfect holiday cards, wrote heartfelt messages, and addressed every envelope. Then you get to the post office and discover your elegant square cards need extra postage — $1.27 instead of the standard $0.78 stamp. Whoops!
This happens more often than you'd think. Holiday card postage rates depend on more than just weight. Card shape, size, and embellishments all play a role. Understanding these postage requirements before you order saves money and prevents returned mail during the busy holiday season.
Minted's holiday card collection offers options for every postage budget, from standard rectangles to statement squares that are worth the extra stamp.
2025 USPS Postage Rates Overview
Save yourself a trip back to the post office by understanding these 2025 postage rates.
The 2025 Forever Stamp price is $0.78 for standard one-ounce letters. As your card gets heavier, postage increases:
- 2 ounces: $1.07
- 3 ounces: $1.36
- 3.5 ounces (maximum letter weight): $1.65
The Non-Machinable Surcharge
Cards that require hand-processing need an additional $0.49 surcharge on top of the base rate. This means even a lightweight square card starts at $1.27 total ($0.78 + $0.49). We’ll dive deeper into non-machinable cards in the next section, but for now, know that the surcharge applies to:
- Square cards
- Rigid embellishments like wax seals
- Cards that are too thick or lumpy for machine sorting
Not sure how much postage you need?
Take a finished card — complete with envelope and any embellishments — to your local post office to get it weighed. Postal workers can tell you the exact postage amount, which takes the guesswork out of the process and prevents cards from being returned for insufficient postage.
You can then find vintage stamps matching these denominations at Minted's postage collection to add style while meeting postal requirements.
What Makes a Card Non-Machinable?
When cards can't go through USPS sorting machines, they become non-machinable mail and require hand-processing by postal workers.
- Square cards can't fit through sorting machines: Any square-shaped card needs special handling because of its shape, regardless of size or weight.
- Wax seals and ribbons need special handling: These gorgeous embellishments, along with thick attachments or anything that makes your card too stiff to bend, mean it can't go through machines.
- Extra-thick or oversized cards are too big for machines: Cards that are unusually thick or larger than standard dimensions need to be processed by hand.
- Buttons, clasps, or loose items make cards non-machinable: Any closure devices or items that create bumpy, uneven thickness mean your card needs hand-processing.
- The extra cost is $0.49 per card: Non-machinable cards cost $1.27 total for 1-ounce mailing ($0.78 stamp + $0.49 surcharge), according to current USPS rates.
If you're choosing cards with wax seals or square shapes, budget for the extra $0.49 per card. Check your postage requirements before ordering stamps in bulk to avoid surprises at the post office.
Postage Requirements by Card Type: Quick Reference
Planning your holiday card budget just got easier with this holiday card postage chart. No more guessing at the post office or dealing with returned mail.
| Card Type | Card Weight | Processing Type | What You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Budget-Friendly Options ✓ | |||
| 5x7 Cards (Signature) | 0.8 oz | Standard | $0.78 |
| Tall Cards (4x8.25, Signature) | 0.8 oz | Standard | $0.78 |
| Booklette Cards (4.25x6) | 0.21 oz | Standard | $0.78 |
| Heavier Paper Options | |||
| Tall Cards (Double Thick) | 1.1 oz | Standard | $1.07 |
| Tall Cards (Triple Thick) | 1.4 oz | Standard | $1.36 |
| A7 Cards (Photo Mount Double Thick) | 1.1 oz | Standard | $1.07 |
| Square Cards (Always Hand-Processed) | |||
| Square 5.25 Cards | 0.8 oz | Hand-processed | $1.27 |
| Square 6 Cards | 0.6 oz | Hand-processed | $1.27 |
| Cards with Special Touches | |||
| A7 Cards with Wax Seal | 1.1 oz | Special handling | $1.56 |
| Square Cards with Ribbon | 0.8 oz | Special handling | $1.27 |
| Postcards ✓ | |||
| 4.25x6 Postcards | 0.15 oz | Standard | $0.61 |
Quick Budget Tips:
- Choose rectangular cards (5x7, Tall, or Booklette) for standard postage rates.
- Square cards automatically add $0.49 extra due to hand-processing requirements.
- Budget an extra $0.49 per card when selecting square designs or special embellishments.
Ready to choose your card style? Here's how design decisions affect what you'll pay at the post office.
How Card Design Affects Your Postage
Understanding how different card styles impact postage helps you make informed choices that balance beauty and budget.
Standard Rectangular Cards
Classic 5x7 cards remain the most popular choice for holiday greetings. They're elegant, budget-friendly, and require just a single Forever Stamp at $0.78. Rectangular designs fit through postal sorting machines, so you'll never pay non-machinable surcharges.
Paper thickness is the only factor that affects your postage costs:
- Signature paper: $0.78 (under 1 oz)
- Double thick: $1.07 (1-2 oz)
- Triple thick: $1.36 (2-3 oz)
Whether you choose standard 5x7 cards, compact Booklette cards, or tall 4x8.25 designs, all rectangular formats avoid the $0.49 surcharge that square cards require.
Square Cards (Always Non-Machinable)
Square cards look stunning, but they come with a postage reality check. USPS treats all square mail as non-machinable, which means even lightweight cards need $1.27 in postage ($0.78 base + $0.49 surcharge).
This applies to all square sizes, whether you choose 5.25" or 6" designs. The shape alone triggers the surcharge, regardless of weight.
Budget accordingly: Factor in an extra $0.49 per card compared to rectangular options when calculating your total mailing costs.
Cards with Special Embellishments
Wax seals and ribbons make your cards non-machinable, adding the $0.49 surcharge. An A7 card with a wax seal requires $1.27 to $1.56, depending on total weight. For square cards with ribbons, you'll pay the standard $1.27. The ribbon doesn't add extra cost since the square shape already requires hand-processing.
Weight vs. Shape Surcharges
Some embellishments affect postage through weight rather than shape. Envelope liners add minimal weight and won't trigger surcharges on their own. Triple-thick cardstock, however, can push rectangular cards into higher weight tiers — from $0.78 to $1.07 or $1.36.
Before ordering embellished cards, weigh the visual impact against the additional postage costs to see if that elegant finishing touch fits your budget.
Money-Saving Tips for Holiday Card Postage
A few smart moves during design and ordering can help you save money on holiday card postage without sacrificing style.
- Consider postcards: Skip envelopes entirely with 4.25" x 6" postcards that require just $0.61 in postage.
- Weigh before you buy in bulk: Assemble a complete card (with envelope and inserts) and take it to the post office to confirm the exact postage needed before ordering stamps.
- Stock up on Forever Stamps: They never expire, even when rates increase. So buying now locks in the current $0.78 price.
- Use Minted’s free recipient addressing: Skip the handwriting and avoid delivery errors. Minted prints addresses directly on your envelopes at no extra cost using the free address collection tool.
- Hand-deliver to a postal clerk: Rather than using drop boxes, have a clerk verify proper postage for any non-standard cards to avoid returns during the busy holiday season.
Holiday Card Postage Rates Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your holiday card mailing can raise questions about postage requirements, especially when you're choosing artistic designs with special features. Here are answers to the most common concerns about getting your cards delivered safely and affordably.
Should I weigh my cards before mailing?
Absolutely. Holiday card postage depends heavily on weight, and completed cards and envelopes can surprise you. Use a kitchen scale or visit the post office to weigh your cards. This prevents returns and ensures you're using the right amount of postage from the start.
How do I know if my card needs extra postage?
Check your card's shape, weight, and embellishments. Square cards, anything over 1 ounce, or cards with wax seals and ribbons need additional postage. When in doubt, weigh your completed card and envelope at home or visit your local post office for confirmation.
What makes a card non-machinable?
Cards become non-machinable when they can't go through USPS sorting machines. This includes square shapes, rigid materials that don't bend, thickness over 1/4 inch, or attachments like clasps and buttons. Non-machinable cards require a $0.49 surcharge plus regular postage.
Can I use Forever Stamps for square cards?
Forever Stamps alone won't cover square cards. You'll need the current Forever Stamp rate of $0.78 plus the $0.49 non-machinable surcharge, for a total of $1.27. You can combine stamps to reach this amount or purchase the exact postage at the post office.
Do wax seals always require additional postage?
Yes, wax seals make cards non-machinable and trigger the $0.49 surcharge. To avoid extra costs, place wax-sealed cards inside a plain outer envelope, or budget $1.27 total if you want the seal visible on the outer envelope.
Can I drop non-machinable cards in a mailbox?
Items over 10 ounces or thicker than 1/2 inch cannot go in collection boxes and must be handed to a postal employee. Most holiday cards with non-machinable features can still use mailboxes, but take thicker or heavier cards directly to the post office counter.
What happens if I don't use enough postage?
Cards with insufficient postage get returned to the sender with a "Return to Sender" stamp. USPS won't notify you about returns. When re-mailing returned cards, use a fresh envelope with correct postage to ensure delivery.
Mail Your Minted Cards with Confidence
Understanding postage requirements means your cards actually reach the people you care about. No returned mail, no post office surprises. Whether you choose rectangles that need just a Forever stamp or squares requiring $1.27, planning your postage budget makes holiday mailing stress-free.
Armed with this information, you can choose cards that fit your budget and style. Check USPS deadlines for your mailing timeline, and send your Minted holiday cards with confidence.
