The USPS has announced its postal promotions for 2026, offering discounts to mailers who incorporate specific technologies, formats, or personalization into their direct mail campaigns. While these promotions require some planning and compliance with USPS guidelines, they can help offset postage costs and encourage more effective mail strategies.

We know that navigating postal promotions isn’t always straightforward, but taking the time to understand them can result in real savings.  In this post, we’ll outline the key 2026 promotions, explain what’s new or different from previous years, and share practical guidance on how to qualify. Whether you’re trying to stretch your marketing budget or simply stay compliant, Johnson & Quin is here to help.

Tactile, Sensory & Interactive – 5% Discount
Registration Period: October 15, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Promotional Period: January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026

Incorporate specialty inks, sensory treatments or interactive features to qualify for this promotion. A notable change about this promotion is that it begins in January, compared to 2025 when it didn’t begin until February.

Integrated Technology – 5% Discount
Registration Period: November 15, 2025 – December 31, 2026
Promotional Period: Pick your start date for 6 consecutive months.

Eligible technologies include augmented reality, mixed reality, virtual reality, integration with voice assistant, video in print technology, near field communication, mobile shopping and AI. There will be two new options for AI in 2026 – Mail piece design/formatting and Ai Chatbot.

First-Class Mail Advertising – 5% Discount
Registration Period: July 15, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Promotional Period: September 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

Simply use First-Class Mail to advertise your mail piece.

Continuous Contact – 5% Discount
Registration Period: February 15, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Promotional Period: April 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

Send follow-up mailers with content related to but not duplicating the initial mail piece.

*NEW: Catalog Insights – 10% Discount
Registration Period: August 15, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Promotional Period: January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026

To qualify, you must meet the definition of a catalog: a bound (stapled, stitched, glued or fastened together along one edge) mail piece with at least 12 pages, providing an organized listing of products or services offered for sale. The pre-approval submission must include a minimum of six double-sided, non-blank pages with one of those pages being the cover. Bound Printed Matter not eligible.

Note: There have been changes made to the guidebook since it was initially released, so make sure you’ve downloaded the most recent version.

Add-Ons – 1% Discount Each
Use one or both of the following add-on promotions in combination with a base promotion for additional savings.

Informed Delivery: Give your mail piece a digital element by using this omni-channel feature.
Sustainability: Use environmentally conscious material from a certifiable, responsible source.

For many businesses, the challenge isn’t just knowing what promotions are available – it’s knowing how to make their mail pieces qualify. Our postal experts are here to not only answer your questions, but can provide a free postal analysis with no obligations. Contact sales by email at jqinfo@jquin.com or call 847-588-4800.