# Paying for postage: permits, meters, PC Postage and EPS

Businesses pay USPS for postage with stamps, a postage meter or PC Postage, or a permit imprint, and the mark on each mailpiece shows which method paid.[^1] Permit imprint postage comes out of an advance deposit account held with USPS, which a business can fund through the [Enterprise Payment System](https://postalref.com/products/enterprise-payment-system.md).[^2][^3]

Updated November 6, 2026. 77 sources.

## Questions

### What does "Presorted First-Class Mail, US Postage Paid" mean on an envelope?

The words `U. S. POSTAGE PAID` beside a mail class and a permit number form a permit imprint: the sender paid postage from a USPS account instead of stamps.[^4][^2] `PRESORTED`, also printed `PRSRT`, is a marking that shows the mail is eligible for a [presorted price](https://postalref.com/guides/presort.md).[^5] Presorted First-Class Mail is a price category for First-Class Mail mailings of at least 500 addressed pieces, sorted and prepared to USPS standards.[^5]

### How do I get a USPS bulk mail permit?

A business opens a permit online in the [Business Customer Gateway](https://postalref.com/products/business-customer-gateway.md), or brings the permit application, PS Form 3615, to a Business Mail Entry Unit.[^6] That unit is the USPS office that receives, verifies and accepts bulk mail.[^7] The business picks the Post Office where it will present its mail, and shows two forms of ID there before its first mailing.[^8]

### How do I pay USPS postage due?

The addressee pays the postage due marked on the piece, and USPS then delivers it.[^9] Postage due is the additional postage a piece owes after it enters the mailstream short of postage, often because it was [forwarded](https://postalref.com/guides/undeliverable-mail.md).[^10] For a mailing of 10 or more such pieces, USPS notifies the mailer instead, so the postage can be adjusted before dispatch.[^9]

### How do I get an indicia for USPS mail?

A permit imprint indicia comes with a mailing permit: the mailer files PS Form 3615 and any fee that applies at the Post Office where it mails.[^2] Each piece must then bear the indicia: the mail class, `U. S. POSTAGE PAID` and the permit's city, state and number.[^2][^4] Postage meters and PC Postage print their own indicia, and a meter permit for business mailings has no application fee.[^3][^6] To use one, a mailer rents or leases a meter from an authorized provider, or registers with one for PC Postage, and agrees with USPS to the rules for its use.[^11] A meter or PC Postage system can't be bought: it is rented or leased.[^11]

### What happens to mail with no postage?

USPS endorses a piece that arrives without postage `Returned for Postage` and returns it to the sender without trying to deliver it.[^11] A piece with no return address, or one addressed to its own sender, becomes [dead mail](https://postalref.com/guides/undeliverable-mail.md), which USPS can neither deliver nor return.[^11][^12] Mail with some postage but not enough is shortpaid instead: USPS returns it to the mailer or collects the postage due from the addressee.[^13]

### Is there a fee for a USPS bulk mail permit?

Yes: as of July 12, 2026, a permit imprint application costs $390.00 once, and First-Class Mail presort and USPS Marketing Mail [mailing fees](https://postalref.com/guides/mail-classes.md) cost $390.00 a year each.[^14][^6]

> An application fee is required only when a permit imprint is used as the payment method for First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail (including Heavy Printed Matter), Bound Printed Matter Flats and international mail, and the mailer does not use USPS Ship.[^11]

**Must.** A mailer must pay the permit imprint application fee only when the permit imprint pays for one of these mail classes and the mailer does not use [USPS Ship](https://postalref.com/products/usps-ship.md).

Takes effect November 2, 2026.

Meter and precanceled stamp permits have no application fee.[^6] The annual fee can be waived for a permit whose mail is at least 75% Full-Service eligible, with at least 90% of that mailed as [Full-Service](https://postalref.com/guides/full-service.md).[^6]

### What is the USPS Enterprise Payment System?

The [Enterprise Payment System](https://postalref.com/products/enterprise-payment-system.md), or EPS, lets business customers pay for USPS products and services through one account, the Enterprise Payment Account.[^15] Customers fund it by ACH Debit from their bank or by prefunding a Trust Account.[^16] EPS is open to all customers.[^17]

### Can a small business get a postage meter?

Yes: a business leases a postage meter from a USPS-authorized provider, or prints PC Postage with a computer, a printer and Internet access.[^1][^18] Customers of [Postage Evidencing Systems](https://postalref.com/products/pes.md), USPS's name for meters and PC Postage, range from small home businesses to large eCommerce shippers.[^19][^20] A meter used for business mailings needs a meter permit, which has no application fee.[^3][^6]

## How it fits together

The mark on a mailpiece shows how its postage was paid, and not every payment method is allowed for every mail class.[^1] Stamps, including precanceled stamps, are affixed to each piece, and business mailers can buy them from [Stamp Fulfillment Services](https://postalref.com/products/sfs.md), a USPS unit in Kansas City.[^1][^3][^21][^22] Postage meters and PC Postage are [Postage Evidencing Systems](https://postalref.com/products/pes.md), which print indicia, the marks that show postage was prepaid, on each piece or label.[^19][^23][^3] A permit imprint is printed on the piece, and the postage comes out of an account when the business presents the mailing.[^2]

Business mail at commercial prices needs a mailing permit, an authorization to use one payment method for business mailings.[^8][^6] Each permit is established under one Post Office's finance number, a six-digit number that identifies a Post Office or facility.[^24] [Mail Anywhere](https://postalref.com/products/mail-anywhere.md) lets a mailer use one permit at any location.[^25] [USPS Picture Permit Indicia](https://postalref.com/products/usps-picture-permit-indicia-ppi.md) adds a color logo to the permit imprint on automation letters and postcards, for a fee per piece.[^26]

Every business mailing comes with a [postage statement](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md), which reports the mail presented and the prices claimed.[^6][^1] Permit imprint postage is paid from an advance deposit account, funds the mailer keeps with USPS.[^27][^28] The [Enterprise Payment System](https://postalref.com/products/enterprise-payment-system.md) puts a business's permits on one account, in place of separate permit accounts at each Post Office.[^29] A Priority Mail Express shipper can pay from a USPS Corporate Account without affixing postage, and funds it through the National Customer Management System.[^30][^31]

When a piece enters the mail short of postage, the difference is postage due, which USPS collects from the addressee or the mailer.[^10][^13]

## Stamps, meters and PC Postage

A postage stamp is a paper stamp affixed to mail as payment for postal services.[^1] A precanceled stamp is canceled before USPS sells it to mailers for bulk mailings, so the pieces skip the canceling machine.[^32] Each piece carries a lower amount, and the mailer pays the difference when it presents the mailing, by check, meter strip or advance deposit account.[^3]

Precanceled postage can pay for mailings at presorted and automation First-Class Mail prices and at all USPS Marketing Mail prices.[^11] USPS Marketing Mail was called Standard Mail until January 22, 2017.[^33]

Business mailers can buy stamps, including precanceled stamps, directly from USPS [Stamp Fulfillment Services](https://postalref.com/products/sfs.md).[^21] Precanceled stamps can't be paid for by credit card.[^21] Mailers order through a StampsNow account with Stamp Fulfillment Services, and StampsNow purchases can be paid from an Enterprise Payment Account.[^21][^34] A mailer that buys precanceled stamps at a Post Office with cash advances keeps doing so there, outside EPS.[^34]

Postage meters and PC Postage are [Postage Evidencing Systems](https://postalref.com/products/pes.md): they print indicia, the markings on mail that show postage was paid.[^19][^23] Mailers print the indicia on the piece or on a label, in its upper-right corner.[^3] Metered postage can pay for any mail class except Periodicals and Bound Printed Matter.[^35] Business mailings need a meter permit and special rate markings, which the meter can print.[^3]

In December 2020, two USPS standards were in use for these systems: Information-Based Indicia, begun in 1999, and Intelligent Mail Indicia, introduced in 2013.[^20] USPS was replacing every system built on the first with one built on the second.[^20]

Customers reset a meter at their place of business through the Computerized Meter Resetting System.[^36] A PC Postage account can request its funds from an Enterprise Payment Account.[^37]

- **postage stamp**, also called stamp, stamp, postage: “A gummed or self-adhesive paper stamp affixed to mail as payment for postal services. Types of stamps include definitive stamp (regular-issue stamp), special-issue stamp, and commemorative stamp.”[^1]
- **metered mail**: “Any mail class or product (except Periodicals and Bound Printed Matter) with postage printed with a USPS-approved postage meter or PC Postage product/system. This mail is entitled to all privileges and subject to all conditions that apply to the various mail classes and products.”[^35]
- **indicia**, also called indicium: “Imprinted designation and markings on mail that denote postage payment (e.g., permit imprint, metered postage, and PC Postage products). Broadly, the term can include postage stamps. In many instances, the amount of postage paid is not displayed on the mailpiece. Although the term is technically the plural of indicium, indicia may be used like the term data to indicate singular or plural.”[^23]
- **Postage Evidencing System**, also called PES: “Postage meters and PC Postage products, collectivity identified as the Postage Evidencing Systems (PES) are secure postage metering systems that generate indicia imprinted on or affixed to a shipping/mailing piece to evidence prepayment of postage.”[^19]
- **postage meter**, also called meter: “A device approved by the Postal Service for manufacturer and distribution and lease to the public that can print postage in the form of an authorized postage indicia. Postage meters are available for lease only from authorized providers.”[^1]
- **PC Postage**: “A hardware/software-based postage evidencing system offered by USPS-authorized providers (commercial vendors) for purchasing and printing Information-Based Indicia (IBI) postage from a personal computer, a printer, and Internet access. PC Postage product/service offerings are also available online through USPS.”[^18]
- **Information-Based Indicia**, also called IBI, IBIP, Information Based Indicia Program: “a secure postage evidencing standard used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to indicate electronic postage payment.”[^38]
- **Intelligent Mail Indicia**, also called IMI, Intelligent Mail Indicia - Performance Criteria, IMI-PC: “The Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) is the current USPS Postage Evidencing System (PES) Performance Criteria (PC)”[^20]

## Permits and permit imprints

A mailing permit lets a business pay for its business mailings by one payment method.[^6] Business mail goes to a Business Mail Entry Unit, the USPS office that receives, verifies and accepts bulk mail, with a [postage statement](https://postalref.com/guides/edoc.md).[^6][^7] To get business prices, a First-Class Mail mailing needs at least 500 pieces, and a USPS Marketing Mail mailing 200 pieces or 50 pounds.[^6]

The three outgoing permit types are permit imprint, metered and precanceled, and creating any one of them online creates all three.[^39] A business that opens a permit without linking it to an Enterprise Payment Account must pay the permit fees at its Business Mail Entry Unit.[^39]

A mail service provider is a business that mails for mail owners, the businesses that decide what a mailpiece says and pay its postage.[^40] A provider can still take a completed PS Form 3615 and a check to its Business Mail Entry Unit to open a mail owner's permit.[^41] To pay through EPS, that permit needs the mail owner's own [Enterprise Payment Account](https://postalref.com/products/enterprise-payment-system.md#msp).[^42] The provider can instead open the permit under its own account and its own [Customer Registration ID](https://postalref.com/products/crid.md), the number that identifies a business location.[^42][^43]

A permit's finance number, the six-digit number of the Post Office it is established under, appears on a finalized postage statement.[^24] Its first two digits are a state or project code.[^44] USPS gives each combination of permit number, permit type and finance number its own account number of 6 or 7 digits.[^45] Once a permit is linked to an Enterprise Payment Account, that account's 10-digit number replaces this account number.[^45] The Business Customer Gateway shows the 10-digit number, and [eDoc](https://postalref.com/products/edoc.md), the electronic postage statement, should carry it.[^42][^45][^46]

A business finds its permits' accounts and finance numbers in the Business Customer Gateway, under Manage Permits in Mailing Services.[^24] A registered mail service provider looks up a permit's owner with Permit Lookup, in the Business Customer Gateway's Customer Validation Tool.[^47] It returns the name and address of the business location that owns the permit.[^47]

A permit imprint is a postage payment mark that authorized mailers use instead of a postage stamp or meter stamp.[^48] It shows the mail class, `U. S. POSTAGE PAID` and the permit's city, state and number.[^4] A company permit imprint may show the company name in place of the city, state and permit number.[^49]

[Seamless Acceptance](https://postalref.com/products/seamless-acceptance.md) is a USPS program that automates the entry and verification of commercial mailings.[^50][^11] [USPS Ship](https://postalref.com/products/usps-ship.md) is the USPS platform for commercial package payment and verification.[^51] Pieces from their mailers are the two exceptions to the weight rule for permit imprint mailings.[^11]

> All pieces in a permit-imprint mailing must be of identical weight, except for pieces from mailers participating in the Seamless Acceptance Program for letters and flats and USPS SHIP for parcels.[^11]

**Must.** Every piece in a permit imprint mailing must weigh the same. Letters and flats from Seamless Acceptance mailers, and parcels from USPS Ship mailers, are the exceptions.

Takes effect November 2, 2026.

Before this rule took effect, USPS Product Acceptance could authorize other exceptions.[^3]

With [Mail Anywhere](https://postalref.com/products/mail-anywhere.md), a mailer can shift mail from one site to another without opening a permit at the new site or changing the imprint.[^25]

> Regardless of the postage payment method, both First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail mailing permits require an annual mailing fee to be paid.[^6]

**Must.** A First-Class Mail or USPS Marketing Mail permit must have its annual mailing fee paid, whichever payment method it uses.

The annual fee covers the permit for 12 months and is due by the first mailing.[^6] First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail pay separate annual fees.[^21] Mailers with an Enterprise Payment Account can pay the permit imprint application fee and annual fees online in the Business Customer Gateway.[^52]

- **finance number**: “An assigned six-digit number that identifies an installation or project for processing its financial data. The first two digits are a state or project code; the next four are uniquely assigned from 0001 through 9999 to each installation in alphabetic order. The finance number is used to measure and allocate cost and revenue to various cost centers.”[^44]
- **permit**, also called mailing permit, bulk mail permit, bulk mailing permit: “Any authorization required for specific types of preparation or postage payment. Specifically, an authorization to mail by using indicia or an imprint in place of stamps or meter impressions. Payment is made against an advance deposit account that is established with USPS for postage and services. Other types of mail, such as Business Reply Mail, service require the use of imprints.”[^27]
- **Permit Imprint**, also called PI, Permit Indicia, permit imprint indicia: “a postage payment mark that authorized mailers may use instead of a postage or meter stamp”[^48]
- **Business Mail Entry Unit**, also called BMEU, BME, PAU, Business Mail Entry, platform acceptance unit: “The area of a postal facility where mailers present bulk, presorted, and permit mail for acceptance.”[^53]

## Postage accounts: EPS and CAPS

An advance deposit account holds a mailer's funds with USPS to pay for permit imprint mailings, [Business Reply Mail](https://postalref.com/guides/reply-mail.md) and postage due mail.[^28] A permit's deposits are made at its own Post Office, unless its postage is paid from an Enterprise Payment Account.[^54]

The Enterprise Payment System, or EPS, pays for a business's USPS products and services from one Enterprise Payment Account.[^15] A permit pays through EPS once it is [linked to the account](https://postalref.com/products/enterprise-payment-system.md#permits), and EPS keeps the balance for the account, not for each permit.[^17][^55] EPS also pays for [PO Boxes](https://postalref.com/guides/business-accounts.md), address quality products and PC Postage.[^56][^37]

Six kinds of permit can pay through EPS:[^16]

- permit imprint
- metered
- precanceled stamps
- [Periodicals](https://postalref.com/products/periodicals.md), including the pending Periodicals permit that lets an applicant mail while it awaits a decision[^57]
- Postage Due
- Business Reply Mail

The account is funded by ACH Debit or by a Trust Account.[^16] With ACH Debit, EPS adds up each day's transactions and withdraws the total from the customer's bank.[^58] A Trust Account is an advance deposit account inside EPS: the customer deposits funds, and each transaction comes out of the balance.[^59][^58] ACH Debit is the method customers use most.[^60] USPS pays no interest on Trust balances.[^42]

EPS reports show only EPS transactions.[^61] Deposits into a Trust Account appear in the Transaction History Report, the high-level view of all product and service transactions.[^62][^61] At 100% scale, part of an EPS report falls outside the print window, so the scale must be reduced to fit it on one page.[^55] In the print window, the user picks Custom Scale and lowers the percentage until the whole report shows on one page.[^55]

The Centralized Account Processing System, or CAPS, is a postage payment system that funds permit imprint, Business Reply Mail and postage due accounts.[^63] It is an electronic alternative to paying with checks and cash at many Post Offices.[^63] It offers an account funded before mailing, or a debit account at the customer's bank.[^63] In October 2020, USPS planned to retire CAPS in the summer of 2021.[^31]

A business funds a USPS Corporate Account through the National Customer Management System, and pays for Priority Mail Express shipments from it without affixing postage.[^31][^30] That system lets Stamp Fulfillment Services work with other USPS organizations on national programs.[^64] In it, a customer pays by credit card or by ACH debit or credit.[^31] Customers who funded the account through CAPS had to [move it to that system](https://postalref.com/products/sfs.md#caps-to-ncms).[^31]

Centralized Postage Payment lets publishers of Periodicals entered at three or more Post Offices pay postage at one USPS office instead of at each entry Post Office.[^65] Through EPS, such a publisher is charged when a payment is scheduled, or else 28 days after the mailing date.[^66]

- **advance deposit account**, also called trust fund account, customer trust fund account, advanced deposit account: “A liability account into which a mailer deposits funds that are maintained by USPS to pay for future services used by the mailer such as permit imprint mailings, Business Reply Mail pieces, postage due mail, or Periodicals. Also called trust fund account.”[^28]
- **Centralized Postage Payment**, also called CPP, Centralized Periodicals Payment (CPP) program, Centralized Periodicals Payment: “A postage payment system that allows publishers of authorized Periodicals publications entered at three or more Post Offices to pay postage at the Pricing and Classification Service Center rather than through individual accounts maintained at each entry Post Office if they meet certain requirements concerning multiple plants and/or multiple publications at multiple sites.”[^65]
- **Enterprise Payment reports**, also called EPS reports: “Enterprise Payment reports will display only Enterprise Payment transactions, while PostalOne! reports will display both PostalOne! and Enterprise Payment transactions.”[^61]
- **Transaction History Report**, also called EPS Transaction History Report: “Provides an overview of all EPS Transactions, including transactions originating from USPS Ship. The report shows basic details for purchases, refunds, and adjustments as well as ACH Debit and Credit Card aggregates and withdrawals. USPS Ship purchases are rolled up into one record by Date, Mail Class, EPA, and Unique Shipper Business Location.”[^67]
- **Enterprise Payment System**, also called EPS, Electronic Payment System, EPS system, Enterprise System: “allows customers to pay for Postal products and services through a single account, called the Enterprise Payment Account (EPA).”[^15]
- **Enterprise Payment Account**, also called EPA, Electronic Payment Account: “The Enterprise Payment System (EPS) allows customers to pay for Postal products and services through a single account, called the Enterprise Payment Account (EPA).”[^15]
- **Trust Account**, also called Trust: “Funds are deposited with USPS and transactions are deducted from the available balance.”[^58]
- **ACH Debit**: “Daily transactions are aggregated and withdrawn at 6 pm EST directly from the customer’s linked bank account.”[^58]
- **USPS Corporate Account**, also called EMCA, Corporate Account, Express Mail Corporate Account: “A funded or credit card–backed account with a corresponding account number that permits a mailer to pay postage for Priority Mail Express shipments without affixing postage. The mailer receives a monthly itemized statement showing pieces mailed for the month and financial transactions.”[^30]

## Postage due and shortpaid mail

Postage due is the additional postage a piece owes after it enters the mailstream without enough postage.[^10] Mail that owes it is shortpaid mail, also called postage due mail.[^10] Mail that arrives with no postage at all is omitted postage.[^68]

USPS marks a shortpaid piece with the postage and fees it lacks.[^9] Fewer than 10 such pieces are delivered once the addressee pays the charges marked on them.[^9] For a mailing of 10 or more, USPS notifies the mailer so the postage can be adjusted before dispatch.[^9] A piece caught at the mailing office goes back to the mailer for more postage.[^13] Revenue assurance is the USPS policy of finding uncanceled stamps and misclassified mail, and collecting postage and fees for unpaid or shortpaid mail.[^69]

A business can pay for postage due mail from an advance deposit account, and Postage Due accounts can move into EPS.[^28][^16] A meter or precanceled stamp mailing that owes additional postage can pay it with a combination of permits or payment types.[^34] USPS encourages linking every permit to an Enterprise Payment Account so that all postage statements finalize properly.[^34]

Refunds go directly to the Enterprise Payment Account, and a reversal is processed to the original EPS payment method.[^62] Value added refunds, the postage USPS returns to a mailer who sorts customers' metered mail to a finer level, are deposited there too.[^70][^62]

- **Postage Due**, also called PD: “Insufficient postage. Additional postage owed USPS after the mailpiece is entered into the mailstream.”[^10]
- **shortpaid mail**, also called postage due mail: “Mail with insufficient postage that is either returned to the mailer for additional postage if identified at the mailing office or delivered to the addressee after the collection of the additional postage due.”[^13]
- **revenue assurance**: “An ongoing policy to prevent the loss of revenue by identifying uncanceled postage stamps, and misclassified mail and collecting postage and fees for unpaid or shortpaid mail”[^69]
- **insufficient postage**: “Mail of any class, including mail indicating Special Services (except Priority Mail Express service, Registered Mail service, and nonmachinable First-Class Mail service), that is received at either the office of mailing or office of address without enough postage. Such mail is marked to show the total (rounded off) deficiency of postage and fees. Individual such pieces (or quantities fewer than 10) are delivered to the addressee on payment of the charges marked on the mail. For mailings of 10 or more pieces, the mailer is notified so that the postage charges may be adjusted before dispatch.”[^9]
- **omitted postage**: “Matter of any class, including that for which Special Services are indicated, received at either the office of mailing or office of address without postage.”[^68]

## What goes wrong

A mailing that an [Enterprise Payment System](https://postalref.com/products/enterprise-payment-system.md) Trust Account cannot cover is held until funds are added.[^71] USPS encourages an ACH Debit backup, which then pays the whole transaction from the bank.[^71] A Trust Account can go negative if an acceptance employee at the Business Mail Entry Unit performs an override.[^42]

Business mailings cannot be entered at commercial prices until the permit's annual mailing fee is paid.[^21] A permit is canceled when a 2-year period passes with no mailings and no annual fee payments.[^21] Permits linked to an Enterprise Payment Account can be enrolled in Auto-Fee Renewal, which pays their fees automatically.[^52] If EPS declines one of those payments, every enrolled permit is unenrolled.[^72]

A permit with a negative balance cannot be linked to an Enterprise Payment Account, and an inactive permit does not migrate to one.[^41][^59] USPS can suspend an Enterprise Payment Account while it researches unauthorized activity.[^73]

A [Mail Anywhere](https://postalref.com/products/mail-anywhere.md) mailing must identify the account number of the paying permit.[^74] If the number does not match the paying permit, the mailing triggers an error and USPS does not process it.[^74]

A meter's postal security device, the part that keeps the accounting of postal funds, stops printing postage if someone tampers with it.[^75] USPS regulates [Postage Evidencing Systems](https://postalref.com/products/pes.md) and their use to protect postal revenue.[^19]

Mail quality results in the Mailer Scorecard, a monthly view of a mailer's letter and flat mailings, decide when USPS assesses additional postage.[^76][^25] USPS assesses nothing while errors stay below its threshold.[^76]

eInduction checks the payment and preparation of commercial mail containers with eDoc, container barcodes and handheld scanners.[^50] Seamless Acceptance compares a mailer's electronic postage statement with mailpiece data USPS gathers during processing.[^77] USPS also assesses nothing while the additional postage due stays under $500 in total across [Full-Service](https://postalref.com/guides/full-service.md), eInduction and Seamless verifications.[^76] For [Move Update](https://postalref.com/guides/move-update.md) verifications, the limit is $50.[^76]

## Index: 61 entries

### Services (2)

- [Address Quality Services](https://postalref.com/?q=Address%20Quality%20Services)
- [USPS Picture Permit Indicia](https://postalref.com/products/usps-picture-permit-indicia-ppi.md)

### Programs (2)

- [Centralized Postage Payment](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#accounts)
- [Mail Anywhere](https://postalref.com/products/mail-anywhere.md)

### Systems (11)

- [Address Quality Account Management screen](https://postalref.com/?q=Address%20Quality%20Account%20Management%20screen)
- [Centralized Account Processing System](https://postalref.com/products/sfs.md#terms)
- [Computerized Meter Resetting System](https://postalref.com/products/pes.md#terms)
- [Counterfeit Postage Reporting System](https://postalref.com/?q=Counterfeit%20Postage%20Reporting%20System)
- [Enterprise Payment System](https://postalref.com/products/enterprise-payment-system.md)
- [Manage Mailing Activity](https://postalref.com/products/enterprise-payment-system.md#terms)
- [National Meter Accounting and Tracking System](https://postalref.com/products/pes.md#terms)
- [PC Postage](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#stamps-and-meters)
- [Postage Evidencing System](https://postalref.com/products/pes.md)
- [postage meter](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#stamps-and-meters)
- [postal security device](https://postalref.com/products/pes.md#terms)

### Files (21)

- [ACH Debit Returns Drilldown Report](https://postalref.com/?q=ACH%20Debit%20Returns%20Drilldown%20Report)
- [ACH Debit Returns Report](https://postalref.com/?q=ACH%20Debit%20Returns%20Report)
- [Address Quality Spending Summary Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Address%20Quality%20Spending%20Summary%20Report)
- [Commercial Mailing Activity Mail Class Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Commercial%20Mailing%20Activity%20Mail%20Class%20Report)
- [Commercial Postal Store Details](https://postalref.com/?q=Commercial%20Postal%20Store%20Details)
- [Details - Network Returns](https://postalref.com/?q=Details%20-%20Network%20Returns)
- [Details – Commercial Postal Store](https://postalref.com/?q=Details%20%E2%80%93%20Commercial%20Postal%20Store)
- [Details – Domestic Outbound](https://postalref.com/?q=Details%20%E2%80%93%20Domestic%20Outbound)
- [Details – PO Boxes](https://postalref.com/?q=Details%20%E2%80%93%20PO%20Boxes)
- [Enterprise Payment reports](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#accounts)
- [Mailing and Shipping Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Mailing%20and%20Shipping%20Report)
- [Mailing Spending Summary](https://postalref.com/?q=Mailing%20Spending%20Summary)
- [Postage Statement Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Postage%20Statement%20Report)
- [Spending History Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Spending%20History%20Report)
- [Total Caller Service Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Total%20Caller%20Service%20Report)
- [Total ePOBOL Products Spending Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Total%20ePOBOL%20Products%20Spending%20Report)
- [Total Misc. Fees Spending Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Total%20Misc.%20Fees%20Spending%20Report)
- [Total PO Boxes Spending Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Total%20PO%20Boxes%20Spending%20Report)
- [Total Reserves Spending Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Total%20Reserves%20Spending%20Report)
- [Transaction History Report](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#accounts)
- [User Activity Log](https://postalref.com/?q=User%20Activity%20Log)

### Identifiers (3)

- [finance number](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#permits)
- [Information-Based Indicia](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#stamps-and-meters)
- [Intelligent Mail Indicia](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#stamps-and-meters)

### Document (1)

- [PS Form 3615](https://postalref.com/?q=PS%20Form%203615)

### Roles (2)

- [reseller](https://postalref.com/?q=reseller)
- [Stamp Fulfillment Services](https://postalref.com/products/sfs.md)

### Terms (19)

- [ACH Credit](https://postalref.com/products/enterprise-payment-system.md#terms)
- [ACH Debit](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#accounts)
- [advance deposit account](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#accounts)
- [Automated Clearing House](https://postalref.com/?q=Automated%20Clearing%20House)
- [counterfeit postage](https://postalref.com/?q=counterfeit%20postage)
- [Enterprise Payment Account](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#accounts)
- [indicia](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#stamps-and-meters)
- [Low Balance Threshold](https://postalref.com/products/enterprise-payment-system.md#terms)
- [meter tape](https://postalref.com/products/pes.md#terms)
- [PC Postage provider](https://postalref.com/?q=PC%20Postage%20provider)
- [permit](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#permits)
- [Permit Imprint](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#permits)
- [postage discrepancy](https://postalref.com/?q=postage%20discrepancy)
- [Postage Due](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#postage-due)
- [postage due account](https://postalref.com/?q=postage%20due%20account)
- [revenue assurance](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#postage-due)
- [Revenue Investigations Program](https://postalref.com/?q=Revenue%20Investigations%20Program)
- [shortpaid mail](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#postage-due)
- [Trust Account](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md#accounts)

## Sources

[^1]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=170), PDF page 170: “The way in which a mailer pays postage as shown by the form of postage or indication of postage on the outside of the mailpiece such as adhesive stamp, permit imprint, precanceled stamp, metered postage, and Information-Based Indicia from PC Postage product/ services. … Postage meters are available for lease only from authorized providers. … Not all postage payment methods are permitted for some mail classes or products. … A gummed or self-adhesive paper stamp affixed to mail as payment for postal services. … Documentation provided by a mailer to USPS that reports the type and volume of mail being presented, type of postage method used, processing category of the mail, total weight of the mailing, and other required information and certifies that the mail meets the applicable eligibility standards for the prices and fees claimed. … A gummed or self-adhesive paper stamp affixed to mail as payment for postal services. Types of stamps include definitive stamp (regular-issue stamp), special-issue stamp, and commemorative stamp. … A device approved by the Postal Service for manufacturer and distribution and lease to the public that can print postage in the form of an authorized postage indicia. Postage meters are available for lease only from authorized providers.”

[^2]: [USPS Picture Permit® (PPI) Product Requirements](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2020-08/Product%20Requirements%20Aug%202020.pdf#page=5), page 5: “A mailer may be authorized to mail material without affixing postage when payment is made at the time of mailing from a permit imprint advance deposit account established with USPS. … A mailer may obtain a permit to use a permit imprint indicia and pay postage by submitting the Mailing Permit Application and Customer Profile, PS Form 3615, http://about.usps.com/forms/ps3615.pdf,and the applicable fee to the Post Office where mailings are made. … Each mailpiece sent under this payment method must bear a permit imprint indicia showing that postage is paid.”

[^3]: [Election Mail Permit Based Solutions](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2022-07/2022.07.22_Election%20Mail%20Permit%20Based%20Solutions_v1.pdf#page=2), PDF page 2: “Mailers are encouraged to utilize the USPS Enterprise Payment System (EPS) to fund their permit accounts. … Postage evidencing systems print indicia, such as information-based indicia (IBI) or intelligent mail indicia, to indicate postage payment. … Although these payment methods can be used for all classes of mail, a permit must be granted to use the meter for business mailings. … With precanceled stamps, a lower rate of postage is affixed to each piece and the difference is paid when the mailing is presented. … Mailers print indicia directly on a mailpiece or on a label that is affixed to a mailpiece. … The postage difference can be paid with a check, a meter strip, or through an advanced deposit (permit) account. … Mailers must place indicia in the upper-right corner of the mailpiece or label. … Special rate markings are required for business mailings that can be applied with a meter stamp. … All pieces in a permit imprint mailing must be of identical weight unless otherwise authorized by USPS Product Acceptance.”

[^4]: [USPS Picture Permit® Indicia (PPI) Technical Requirements Version 8.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2020-08/Technical%20Requirements%20Aug%202020.pdf#page=2), PDF page 2: “MAIL CLASS (in ALL CAPS) U. S. POSTAGE PAID CITY, STATE (ZIP CODE optional) PERMIT NO.”

[^5]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=182), PDF page 182: “A price-specific marking that is combined with the required basic class or product marking and, in some cases, with another price-specific marking to indicate eligibility for a presorted category. … The marking can also be abbreviated PRSRT. … A nonautomation price category for a First-Class Mail mailing that consists of at least 500 addressed mailpieces and is sorted and prepared according to mailing standards.”

[^6]: [Election Mail Permit Based Solutions](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2022-07/2022.07.22_Election%20Mail%20Permit%20Based%20Solutions_v1.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “Mailers may create their mailing permit online using the USPS Business Customer Gateway (BCG) website. … If online services are not an option go to https://about.usps.com/forms/ps3615.pdf, download and print the permit application (Form PS 3615), complete Part A, indicate the permit desired in Part B, and bring it to your local BMEU to have your mailing permit created. … There is no application fee required to establish a Meter permit or a Precanceled Stamp permit. … There is a one-time application fee to establish a Permit Imprint permit. … Permit Holders presenting Full-Service mailings are eligible for the waiver of annual presort mailing when 75% or more of each permit’s overall volume is Full-Service Eligible, AND 90% or more of each permit’s Full-Service Eligible mail is submitted as Full-Service. … A mailing permit grants permission to use a certain postage payment method for commercial (business) mailings. … Postage statements must be submitted for all business mailings as specified by the standards for the class of mail and the prices claimed. … All business mail must be brought to a Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU). … To qualify for business mail postage discounts, a minimum number of pieces is required per mailing: … 500 pieces for First-Class Mail … 200 pieces (or 50 pounds of mail) for USPS Marketing Mail … Regardless of the postage payment method, both First-Class Mail and USPS Marketing Mail mailing permits require an annual mailing fee to be paid. … The annual mailing fee is class based and covers the permit for 12 months. … The annual mailing fee is due at the time, or before, the first mailing is presented.”

[^7]: [A Guide to Full Service](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2018-03/AGuidetoFullService.pdf#page=107), page 101: “Business Mail Entry Unit (A specialized USPS organization responsible for receiving, verifying, and accepting business (bulk) mail)”

[^8]: [Online Permit Creation Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-05/Online%20Permit%20Creation%20May%202023%20v1.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “Select USPS location where you will be presenting mail for the permit … Note: Two forms of ID are required to be shown at Post Office before submitting first mailing. … To mail at a discounted rate you are required to open a mailing permit.”

[^9]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=108), page 104: “Such mail is marked to show the total (rounded off) deficiency of postage and fees. … Individual such pieces (or quantities fewer than 10) are delivered to the addressee on payment of the charges marked on the mail. … For mailings of 10 or more pieces, the mailer is notified so that the postage charges may be adjusted before dispatch. … Mail of any class, including mail indicating Special Services (except Priority Mail Express service, Registered Mail service, and nonmachinable First-Class Mail service), that is received at either the office of mailing or office of address without enough postage. Such mail is marked to show the total (rounded off) deficiency of postage and fees. Individual such pieces (or quantities fewer than 10) are delivered to the addressee on payment of the charges marked on the mail. For mailings of 10 or more pieces, the mailer is notified so that the postage charges may be adjusted before dispatch.”

[^10]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=169), page 165: “Additional postage owed USPS after the mailpiece is entered into the mailstream. … Mail on which additional postage is collectable on final delivery, generally because of forwarding or additional services provided. … Also called shortpaid mail. … Insufficient postage. Additional postage owed USPS after the mailpiece is entered into the mailstream.”

[^11]: [DMM 604: Postage Payment Methods and Refunds](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/604.htm): “A meter lease or rental agreement with an authorized provider is required for postage meter use. Registration with an authorized provider is required for PC Postage system use. … Customers must enter into an agreement with the USPS for authorization to use postage evidencing systems. … Postage evidencing systems are rented or leased. They may not be purchased, sold, or resold. … Except under 8.4, matter of any class, including that for which extra services are indicated, received at the office of mailing or office of address without postage, is endorsed “Returned for Postage” and is returned to the sender without an attempt at delivery. … If no return address is shown, or the delivery and return addresses are identical, or the delivery and return addresses are different but for the same person or organization, the piece is treated as dead mail. … An application fee is required only when a permit imprint is used as the payment method for First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail (including Heavy Printed Matter), Bound Printed Matter Flats and international mail, and the mailer does not use USPS Ship. … precanceled postage is an optional postage payment method for mailings at Presorted and automation First-Class Mail prices and at all USPS Marketing Mail prices. … All pieces in a permit-imprint mailing must be of identical weight, except for pieces from mailers participating in the Seamless Acceptance Program for letters and flats and USPS SHIP for parcels.”

[^12]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=61), page 57: “Mail that is undeliverable as addressed or undeliverable at a forwarding address and cannot be returned to the sender (usually because there is no return address on the piece or the classification of the mail does not entitle it to return service).”

[^13]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=209), page 205: “Mail with insufficient postage that is either returned to the mailer for additional postage if identified at the mailing office or delivered to the addressee after the collection of the additional postage due.”

[^14]: [PRC: Mail Classification Schedule through July 12, 2026 (docx, converted to HTML with mammoth)](https://www.prc.gov/sites/default/files/mcs/MCS%20Through%2007122026.docx): “Revisions Through July 12, 2026 … Application to Use Permit Imprint (one-time only) | 390.00 … First-Class Mail Presort Mailing Fee (per year) | 390.00 … USPS Marketing Mail Mailing Fee (per year) | 390.00”

[^15]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) Account Creation Fact Sheet - August 2024](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-08/EPS%20Fact%20Sheet%20August%202024.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “allows customers to pay for Postal products and services through a single account, called the Enterprise Payment Account (EPA). … The Enterprise Payment System (EPS) allows customers to pay for Postal products and services through a single account, called the Enterprise Payment Account (EPA).”

[^16]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/EPS%20FAQs%20March%202026.pdf#page=2), page 2: “funded as an Automated Clearing House (ACH) Debit, which allows automatic withdrawal from your bank account, or Trust Account, which allows you to prefund your account. … EPS supports the following permit types: Permit Imprint (PI), Metered (MT), Precanceled Stamps (PC), Periodicals (PE and PP), Postage Due and Business Reply Mail. … Postage Due can be migrated to EPS.”

[^17]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/EPS%20FAQs%20March%202026.pdf#page=6), page 6: “It is open to all customers. … Permits linked to EPS will use the EPS account for payment.”

[^18]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=164), page 160: “A hardware/software-based postage evidencing system offered by USPS-authorized providers (commercial vendors) for purchasing and printing Information-Based Indicia (IBI) postage from a personal computer, a printer, and Internet access. … A hardware/software-based postage evidencing system offered by USPS-authorized providers (commercial vendors) for purchasing and printing Information-Based Indicia (IBI) postage from a personal computer, a printer, and Internet access. PC Postage product/service offerings are also available online through USPS.”

[^19]: [PostalPro: Postage Evidencing Systems (PES)](https://postalpro.usps.com/pes): “Postage meters and PC Postage products, collectivity identified as the Postage Evidencing Systems (PES) are secure postage metering systems that generate indicia imprinted on or affixed to a shipping/mailing piece to evidence prepayment of postage. … The USPS regulates PES and their use to protect postal revenue in accordance to US Code of Federation Regulations, 39 CFR Part 501.”

[^20]: [Importance of IMI-PC for USPS](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2020-12/Importance_of_IMI-PC_For_USPS%20(1).pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “PES customers range from small home businesses that send a handful of mail each week, to large eCommerce enterprises that ship thousands of packages daily. … Currently there are two types of PC in use for PES: 1) Information Based Indicia Program (IBIP) and 2) Intelligent Mail Indicia - Performance Criteria (IMI-PC). … Mail Entry and Payment Technology December 2020 … The IBIP was established in 1999 and ushered in the transition from mechanical PES to digital PES. … The IMI-PC was introduced in 2013 and meets current USPS business needs. … As a result, the USPS is working closely with PES providers to replace all IBIP based PES with IMI-PC based PES. … The Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) is the current USPS Postage Evidencing System (PES) Performance Criteria (PC)”

[^21]: [Election Mail Permit Based Solutions](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2022-07/2022.07.22_Election%20Mail%20Permit%20Based%20Solutions_v1.pdf#page=3), PDF page 3: “Business mailers can purchase stamps directly from USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services (SFS) and choose how their orders will be delivered. … Special Precanceled Stamp Order Processing for Business Mailers … However, Precanceled stamps cannot be purchased with a credit card. … STEP 1 - establish a Stamps Now® account with SFS, no set-up fee … First-Class Mail and Marketing Mail require separate annual mailing fees. … Business mailings cannot be entered at commercial prices until the annual mailing fee is paid. … Note: If no mailings are entered and no annual fee payments are made during a 2-year period, the permit is canceled.”

[^22]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=215), page 211: “A postal unit in Kansas City, MO, that supplies philatelic product orders (stamps and other items).”

[^23]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=106), page 102: “Imprinted designation and markings on mail that denote postage payment (e.g., permit imprint, metered postage, and PC Postage products). … Imprinted designation and markings on mail that denote postage payment (e.g., permit imprint, metered postage, and PC Postage products). Broadly, the term can include postage stamps. In many instances, the amount of postage paid is not displayed on the mailpiece. Although the term is technically the plural of indicium, indicia may be used like the term data to indicate singular or plural.”

[^24]: [Mail Growth Incentives FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-06/MGI%20FAQ%20Guide%20June%202026.pdf#page=17), page 17: “A Permit is established under a specific Post Office's Finance Number. … A USPS finance number is a six-digit number that identifies a United States Postal Service (USPS) Post Office or facility. … This 6-digit number can be located on a finalized postage statement/receipt … or it can also be located in your Business Customer Gateway account under "Manage Permits" which is located under "Mailing Services". … You will need to click on your business name hyperlink and scroll down toward the bottom to see your list of accounts.”

[^25]: [PostalPro: Mail Anywhere](https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing-and-shipping-services/mail-anywhere): “Mailer can use a single permit at any location via the Mail Anywhere program. … Mailers will have greater flexibility in managing their production since they can shift mail from one site to another without having to open another permit at a new site or change the imprint on the mail. … The Mailer Scorecard provides a dashboard view of the results of the letter and flat mailing activity with the Postal Service over a calendar month.”

[^26]: [PostalPro: USPS Picture Permit® Indicia (PPI)](https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/usps-picture-permit-indicia-ppi): “Picture Permit Imprint Indicia standards allow organizations to include business-related color images, such as their organization logos, organization brand or trademarks in the permit indicia area on automation First-Class Mail® letters and postcards, and USPS Marketing Mail® letters, for a per-piece fee in addition to postage.”

[^27]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=165), page 161: “Payment is made against an advance deposit account that is established with USPS for postage and services. … Any authorization required for specific types of preparation or postage payment. Specifically, an authorization to mail by using indicia or an imprint in place of stamps or meter impressions. Payment is made against an advance deposit account that is established with USPS for postage and services. Other types of mail, such as Business Reply Mail, service require the use of imprints.”

[^28]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=15), page 11: “A liability account into which a mailer deposits funds that are maintained by USPS to pay for future services used by the mailer such as permit imprint mailings, Business Reply Mail pieces, postage due mail, or Periodicals. … A liability account into which a mailer deposits funds that are maintained by USPS to pay for future services used by the mailer such as permit imprint mailings, Business Reply Mail pieces, postage due mail, or Periodicals. Also called trust fund account.”

[^29]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) User Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/Enterprise%20Payment%20System%20User%20Guide%20March%202026.pdf#page=5), page 5: “Commercial Mailings can now be managed with one centralized payment account eliminating multiple permit accounts at different Post Office locations.”

[^30]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=233), page 229: “A funded or credit card–backed account with a corresponding account number that permits a mailer to pay postage for Priority Mail Express shipments without affixing postage. … A funded or credit card–backed account with a corresponding account number that permits a mailer to pay postage for Priority Mail Express shipments without affixing postage. The mailer receives a monthly itemized statement showing pieces mailed for the month and financial transactions.”

[^31]: [Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) Migration to National Customer Management System (NCMS)](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2021-03/Guide%20for%20Funding%20Your%20EMCA%20using%20NCMS%203221.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “This document provides the steps EMCA customers need to complete in-order to use the NCMS to fund their EMCA and to delink the their EMCA from CAPS. … Mail Entry and Payment Technology October 2020 … The CAPS system will retire in the summer of 2021. … Customers can use Credit Card or Automated Clearing House (ACH)-debit/credit for establishing payment method in NCMS. … Current Priority Mail Express (PME) customers who are using CAPS to fund their EMCA need to start using the USPS National Customer Management System (NCMS) to fund their EMCA.”

[^32]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=180), PDF page 180: “A postage stamp canceled by marking across the face before it is sold to mailers for use with bulk mailings. … Mailpieces with these stamps do not go through a canceling machine at the time of mail processing.”

[^33]: [Intelligent Mail® Package Barcode (IMpb) ACS™ Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-02/IMpb_ACS_Technical_Guide.pdf#page=3), page 3: “On January 22, 2017, Standard Mail® underwent a name change and was rebranded as USPS Marketing Mail™”

[^34]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/EPS%20FAQs%20March%202026.pdf#page=5), page 5: “The StampsNow system has been integrated with EPS to enable payment for purchases using your EPA. … Cash advances for precanceled stamps – if doing this at the Post Office today, continue to do so – it would be outside of EPS. … No, you can use a combination of permits/payment types when entering a statement with additional postage due. … However, EPS users are encouraged to link all permits to an EPA to ensure that all postage statements finalize properly.”

[^35]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=137), page 133: “Any mail class or product (except Periodicals and Bound Printed Matter) with postage printed with a USPS-approved postage meter or PC Postage product/system. … Any mail class or product (except Periodicals and Bound Printed Matter) with postage printed with a USPS-approved postage meter or PC Postage product/system. This mail is entitled to all privileges and subject to all conditions that apply to the various mail classes and products.”

[^36]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=50), page 46: “An electronic system that permits users of approved postage evidencing systems to reset such devices at their places of business.”

[^37]: [EPS - PC Postage Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2025-07/EPS_PC_Postage_Fact_Sheet_July%202025.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “EPS allows customers to pay for Postal mailing and shipping products and fund their PC Postage Account through a single account, called the Enterprise Payment Account (EPA). … Log into your PC Postage Account and request funding from your EPA”

[^38]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=349), page 350: “a secure postage evidencing standard used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to indicate electronic postage payment.”

[^39]: [Online Permit Creation Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-05/Online%20Permit%20Creation%20May%202023%20v1.pdf#page=2), PDF page 2: “Outgoing Permits: PI—Permit Imprint, MT—Metered, PC – Precanceled … Selecting any one of the permit types would result in creation of all three permit types for future mailings. … Permit Only— if you do not want to link to an EPS Account … Note: With this option, you must pay the fees at your BMEU.”

[^40]: [Quick Step Guide to Mailer Identifier (MID) and/or CRID Acquisition](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2018-03/QuickStepGuidetoMailerIdentifier(MID)CRIDAcquisition.pdf#page=1), page 1: “a business entity, organization, or individual acting on behalf of one or more Mail Owners by providing mailing services for which the Mail Owners compensate the Mail Service Provider. … the business entity, organization, or individual who makes business decisions regarding the mailpiece content, directly benefits from the mailing, and ultimately pays for the postage on the mailpiece directly or by way of a Mail Service Provider”

[^41]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/EPS%20FAQs%20March%202026.pdf#page=7), page 7: “Yes, MSPs can still take a completed PS Form 3615 and a check to their local BMEU to open a permit on behalf of the MO. … Note that users cannot link a permit with a negative balance.”

[^42]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/EPS%20FAQs%20March%202026.pdf#page=13), page 13: “The mail owner would need to set up their EPA or the MSP could open the permit under their CRID and EPA. … Yes, this will be updated to include the 10 Digit EPA. … No interest will be paid on balances. … It can if an override is performed by the BMEU acceptance employee.”

[^43]: [CRID Management](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2021-11/CRID%20Management%20Fact%20Sheet.v1_0.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “A CRID is a unique ID number issued to identify a customer’s physical business location”

[^44]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=87), page 83: “The first two digits are a state or project code; the next four are uniquely assigned from 0001 through 9999 to each installation in alphabetic order. … An assigned six-digit number that identifies an installation or project for processing its financial data. The first two digits are a state or project code; the next four are uniquely assigned from 0001 through 9999 to each installation in alphabetic order. The finance number is used to measure and allocate cost and revenue to various cost centers.”

[^45]: [Mail.dat Technical Specifications R65.0.0.0](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/USPS_Mail_dat_Tech_Spec.pdf#page=176), page 176: “The Account number is sometimes referred to as the national Account Number as it is a unique 6-7 digit number assigned to each permit number, permit type, and finance number combination. … If the permit number has been linked to a EPS account, then the EPS account number replaces the display of the national Account number and should be used in the .mpa Payment Account Number instead. … The EPS account number is a 10-digit number.”

[^46]: [Electronic Documentation (eDoc) Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-12/eDoc%20Fact%20Sheet%2020231229%20(1).pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “an electronic postage statement that may also contain specific information about a mailing such as barcode information and qualification reports”

[^47]: [Customer Registration Identification (CRID) and Mailer Identifier (MID) Acquisition Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2020-09/CRID%20and%20MID%20Acquisition%20Fact%20Sheet.9.11.2020.pdf#page=2), PDF page 2: “Registered Mail Service Providers have the ability to conduct queries of customer identifiers to validate the data of their Mail Owners. … To use this service, log-in to the Business Customer Gateway at https://www.gateway.usps.com/ (Note: the MSP indicator in the account profile must be checked to enable this service) … Enter the identifying permit information to retrieve the CRID, Company Name, & Address of the business location that owns the permit”

[^48]: [How to Create an EDDM Bulk Mailing](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2019-05/How%20to%20Create%20an%20EDDM%20Bulk%20Mailing_052819.pdf#page=2), PDF page 2: “A permit imprint indicia is a postage payment mark that authorized mailers may use instead of a postage or meter stamp. … a postage payment mark that authorized mailers may use instead of a postage or meter stamp”

[^49]: [USPS Picture Permit® Indicia (PPI) FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2020-08/FAQ's%20Aug%202020_0.pdf#page=2), PDF page 2: “All existing permit indicia markings are still required, including the mail class, U.S. Postage Paid, City, State, and Permit Number or the company name in lieu of city, state, and permit number when using a company permit imprint as per Sect. 604.5.3.9 of the DMM.”

[^50]: [PostalPro: Seamless Acceptance](https://postalpro.usps.com/mailing/seamless-acceptance): “Seamless Acceptance automates the entry and verification of commercial mailings by leveraging electronic documentation, Intelligent Mail barcodes (IMbs), and information collected from handheld sampling devices and mail processing equipment scans. … The electronic Induction (eInduction) process simplifies the induction of drop shipments and expedited plant load mailings by leveraging existing eDoc, Intelligent Mail Container barcode (IMcb), and handheld scanner technologies to verify payment and preparation of commercial mail containers.”

[^51]: [PostalPro: USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/shipping/ppc): “USPS Ship is a modernized platform enabling commercial package payment, verification, and end-to-end visibility for a wide array of domestic and international products.”

[^52]: [Pay Permit Fees and Auto-Fee Renewal Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-04/Pay%20Fees%20and%20Auto%20Fee%20Renewal%20March%202026_0.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “Mailers with an EPA can pay their permit imprint application fee and annual permit fees online through the Business Customer Gateway (BCG). … Mailers also have an option to make a one-time fee payment or enroll / unenroll single or multiple permits linked to an EPA using Auto-Fee Renewal feature.”

[^53]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=34), PDF page 34: “The area of a postal facility where mailers present bulk, presorted, and permit mail for acceptance.”

[^54]: [Mail Anywhere Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2025-04/mail-anywhere-fact-sheet_v5%20April%202025.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “Deposits must continue to be made at the Post Office of permit unless payment is taken from an Enterprise Payment System (EPS) account.”

[^55]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/EPS%20FAQs%20March%202026.pdf#page=17), page 17: “EPS maintains balance at the EPA level rather than at the individual permit. … Below, at 100% scale, part of the report is not in the print window. The scale must be reduced for the report to fit on one page. … In the Print Window, select Custom Scale and decrease the percentage until the page is scaled to display the report fully on one page.”

[^56]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=31), page 32: “EPS supports commercial, domestic and international products and services which includes First-Class Mail®, USPS Marketing Mail™, Periodicals, PO Boxes, Caller Services and Reserve Services (EPOBOL) and Address Quality Products, (ACS, AEC, AECII).”

[^57]: [Periodicals: Application Process - Frequently Asked Questions](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-08/Periodicals_Application_Process_FAQ.v1.pdf#page=2), PDF page 2: “Upon submission of the PS Form 3500 Application for Periodicals Mailing Privileges and payment of the application fee, a Pending Periodicals (PP) permit will be issued which allows the applicant to mail while awaiting a decision.”

[^58]: [Enterprise Payment System-ACS/AEC Factsheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-09/Enterprise%20Payment%20Fact%20Sheet%20ACS%20AEC%20September%202023.pdf#page=2), PDF page 2: “Daily transactions are aggregated and withdrawn at 6 pm EST directly from the customer’s linked bank account. … Funds are deposited with USPS and transactions are deducted from the available balance.”

[^59]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) User Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/Enterprise%20Payment%20System%20User%20Guide%20March%202026.pdf#page=58), page 59: “Determine the Payment Method: ACH Debit (direct daily debit from a corporate bank account) or Trust (advanced deposit account) to fund purchases paid through EPS … Permits will not migrate to Enterprise Payment Account if they are inactive or have a negative balance”

[^60]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/EPS%20FAQs%20March%202026.pdf#page=12), page 12: “ACH Debit is the most frequently used method.”

[^61]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) User Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/Enterprise%20Payment%20System%20User%20Guide%20March%202026.pdf#page=37), page 38: “Enterprise Payment reports will display only Enterprise Payment transactions, while PostalOne! reports will display both PostalOne! and Enterprise Payment transactions. … The Transaction History Report is a high-level view of all product and service transactions that can be filtered using the Search field and sorted by clicking on the Column Headers and exported as an Excel, CSV or PDF file.”

[^62]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/EPS%20FAQs%20March%202026.pdf#page=15), page 15: “Funds deposited into the EPS Trust will be reflected in the EPS Transaction History Report. … Refunds will be made directly to your EPA. … The reversal will be processed to the original EPS payment method. … VARs will now be deposited into your EPA, eliminating the need to cut a paper check.”

[^63]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=39), page 35: “A postage payment system that business mailers can use to fund permit imprint, Business Reply Mail service, Merchandise Return Service, postage due, USPS Corporate Accounts, and Address Element Correction. … CAPS is an electronic alternative to presenting checks and cash for postage and fees at multiple Post Offices. … CAPS offers two account types: a centralized trust fund account using electronic funds transfer to the CAPS bank prior to mailing and a centralized debit account in which a customer designates a debit-enabled bank account for postage charges.”

[^64]: [PostalPro: Stamp Fulfillment Services](https://postalpro.usps.com/sfs): “The National Customer Management System (NCMS) enables SFS to partner with internal Postal Service organizations to implement national programs in support of corporate initiatives.”

[^65]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=40), page 36: “A postage payment system that allows publishers of authorized Periodicals publications entered at three or more Post Offices to pay postage at the Pricing and Classification Service Center rather than through individual accounts maintained at each entry Post Office if they meet certain requirements concerning multiple plants and/or multiple publications at multiple sites.”

[^66]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/EPS%20FAQs%20March%202026.pdf#page=4), page 4: “The funds will be withdrawn when the mailer/BMEU schedules a payment/if a payment is not scheduled then the mailer will be charged 28 days from the mailing date on the postage statement”

[^67]: [eVS to USPS Ship Migration Tech Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2025-05/eVS%20to%20USPS%20Ship%20Migration_Tech%20Sheet_05.06.25.pdf#page=8), page 8: “Provides an overview of all EPS Transactions, including transactions originating from USPS Ship. The report shows basic details for purchases, refunds, and adjustments as well as ACH Debit and Credit Card aggregates and withdrawals. USPS Ship purchases are rolled up into one record by Date, Mail Class, EPA, and Unique Shipper Business Location.”

[^68]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=155), page 151: “Matter of any class, including that for which Special Services are indicated, received at either the office of mailing or office of address without postage.”

[^69]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=197), page 193: “An ongoing policy to prevent the loss of revenue by identifying uncanceled postage stamps, and misclassified mail and collecting postage and fees for unpaid or shortpaid mail”

[^70]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=234), PDF page 234: “The postage returned by USPS to an authorized mailer or service provider who prepares metered First-Class Mail or Standard Mail pieces received from customers and adds value to the mail by sorting it to a finer level or moving it to an automation category.”

[^71]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/EPS%20FAQs%20March%202026.pdf#page=8), page 8: “Yes, the process will remain the same as it is today. … We encourage mailers to use ACH Debit as a Backup payment method. … With an ACH Debit Backup assigned, if the EPS Trust has insufficient to cover a transaction, the entire transaction will be pulled from the ACH Debit Backup Payment Method.”

[^72]: [Pay Permit Fees and Auto-Fee Renewal Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-04/Pay%20Fees%20and%20Auto%20Fee%20Renewal%20March%202026_0.pdf#page=3), PDF page 3: “If the Auto Fee Renewal Payment request from EPS is declined (i.e. ACH Debit Return, Suspended/ Inactive EPS, Insufficient Funds) all enrolled permits will be auto unenrolled from Auto Fee Renewal”

[^73]: [Enterprise Payment System (EPS) FAQs](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/EPS%20FAQs%20March%202026.pdf#page=16), page 16: “If any unauthorized activity occurs USPS can suspend the account while researching the suspicious transaction.”

[^74]: [Mail Anywhere Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2025-04/mail-anywhere-fact-sheet_v5%20April%202025.pdf#page=2), PDF page 2: “The account number of the permit holder’s permit (paying permit) must be identified. … Customer populates the Account Number field in the .mpa record with an Account Number that does not match the paying permit in the .mpa record. … An error message would be triggered, and the Mail Anywhere job would not be processed.”

[^75]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=175), page 171: “A USPS-approved highly secure component in a postage meter (postage evidencing system) or PC Postage product/service that manages the accounting of postal funds. … The PSD has a self-disabling feature that prohibits the printing of postage when specific programmed requirements are not met or if attempted tampering occurs.”

[^76]: [Request a Review of a Postage Assessment](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-08/Request%20a%20Review%20of%20a%20Postage%20Assessment.v3_0.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “Mail quality results displayed in the Mailer Scorecard are used to determine when additional postage should be assessed. … If the percentage of errors is below the established threshold or if the additional postage due is less than $500 cumulative across Full-Service, eInduction, and Seamless/Automated Verifications, and less than $50 for Move Update, then no additional postage is assessed.”

[^77]: [Seamless Acceptance: Mailer Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-10/Seamless%20Acceptance_%20Mailer%20Fact%20Sheet%20_%20PostalPro%20v4.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “Seamless Acceptance allows the USPS and mailers to answer 3 key questions by comparing information submitted in the electronic postage statement to mailpiece characteristic data obtained during mail processing.”

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