Does USPS Take Credit Cards In 2022? (Your Full Guide)

It’s fair to say that the United States is becoming a cashless country. Except for really small purchases, most of us reach for a debit or credit card when buying just about anything. Still, there are times when you’re not allowed to use a credit card.

So, you might be wondering if USPS accepts credit cards. I was curious about the same thing, so here’s all the information I discovered about the matter!

Does USPS Take Credit Cards In 2022?

USPS accepts credit cards for most of its products and services, both on the USPS website and in person at Post Offices as of 2022. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. However, you can’t use credit cards to purchase money orders, gift cards, or passport application fees to the U.S. Department of State.

If you’d like more details about USPS’ credit card policy, like what credit cards USPS accepts, then keep reading!

Which Credit Cards Does USPS Take?

USPS accepts the following credit cards online and in Post Offices:

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Carte Blanche
  • Diners Club
  • Japan Credit Bureau (JCB)
  • China Union Pay

Also, these cards will be accepted when a customer has added them to the Samsung Pay app on their smartphone or other devices.

However, USPS doesn’t accept Apple Pay in Post Offices, but you can use Apple Pay when making purchases on the USPS website. 

Finally, Virtual MasterCards (distributed by PayPal) cannot be used on the USPS website because they don’t have a three-digit verification number.

Which Things Does USPS Not Take Credit Cards For?

Although USPS accepts all major credit cards for most products and services, there are a few exceptions in which you cannot use credit cards.

For example, here are some things that USPS does not accept credit card payments for:

  • Money orders (principal amount)
  • Sure Money (principal amount)
  • Commercial mailings/bulk mailings (i.e., USPS Marketing Mail)
  • Gift cards
  • Collect on Delivery (COD)
  • Trust accounts (including pre-canceled stamps, permit imprints, periodicals, Business Reply Mail, United States Postal Service Corporate Accounts)
  • Passport application fees payable to the U.S. Department of State

Additionally, note that credit cards cannot be used for purchases made by phone, except on the Stamps by Phone line.

Does USPS Take Credit Cards For Passports?

There are two fees to pay when getting a passport; one fee can be paid by credit card, but the other cannot.

That said, one of USPS’ services includes submitting first-time passport applications and forwarding passport applications to the U.S. Department of State for processing.

Further, they cost $35, and you can pay the fee using a credit card.

Also, most Post Offices offer a passport picture service for an additional $15. As with the application fee, this sum can be paid by using a credit card.

Those renewing a passport, replacing a lost or stolen passport, or providing a name change must submit their request directly to the U.S. Department of State.

Unfortunately, you cannot pay State Department fees by credit card.  

Instead, you can pay the State Department by check (personal, certified, cashier’s, traveler’s) or money order.

On top of that, renewing or replacing a passport costs $110, while name changes are free (except if requesting expedited service).

Does USPS Take Credit Cards For Stamps?

Does USPS Take Credit Cards For Stamps?

Yes, USPS accepts credit cards for stamp booklets and stamp rolls, both online and at Post Offices.

Does USPS Take Credit Cards For Money Orders?

No, USPS does not accept credit cards for money orders.

Money orders, a safe alternative to sending cash and personal checks, can be paid for using cash, a debit card, or a traveler’s check.

Does USPS Take Credit Cards For Postage Due?

Unfortunately, USPS does not take credit cards for postage due mail.

Postage due mail refers to letters, flats, or packages sent through USPS without adequate postage.

With that, these items get flagged before delivery and are held at the destination Post Office until the recipient pays for the remaining postage.

Further, this postage must be paid for in cash.

What Is The USPS Credit Card Signature Policy?

While USPS’ credit card policy is pretty flexible, it’s rather strict about one aspect of credit cards—the signature.

When using a Visa card, the signature on the back of the card must match the signature on the customer’s receipt.

For American Express, Discover and MasterCard, the card signature must match the receipt, and the signature must be the same name embossed on the front of the card.

Further, USPS does not accept unsigned cards. If your card is not signed, you must present two forms of identification to the clerk, one of which must be a photo ID.

Then, USPS will ask you to sign the back of the credit card.  On top of that, cards bearing the inscription “See ID” or “Check ID” are not acceptable.

With that, USPS participates in the “No Signature Required Program” for Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Japan Credit Bureau (JCB) credit cards.

Essentially, that means you will not have to sign a receipt if your transaction is less than $25.

If you want to know more, you can also see our posts on whether or not USPS requires a signature, USPS flat rate envelope restrictions, and USPS adult signature.

Conclusion

USPS lets customers use their credit cards for purchasing just about every product or service. That said, USPS accepts major credit cards like Visa, Discover, and American Express.

Sure, there are a few exceptions, and the USPS signature policy is a bit strict, but otherwise, paying for your mail services is quick and easy.

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