Stamped and metered letters can use the same mail class, but they show payment in different ways and have different current one-ounce prices.
How payment appears
Stamped mail uses adhesive or printed postage stamps. Metered mail uses an authorized postage meter or PC Postage indicium that records the amount and mailing information.
Who commonly uses each
Stamps are convenient for households and low-volume mailers. Metered systems can suit organizations with steady volume, reporting, and equipment or service needs.
Price is not the only cost
A metered rate can be lower per letter, but equipment, software, supplies, contracts, or service fees may apply. Compare total operating cost and volume.
Frequently asked questions
Is metered mail First-Class Mail?
It can be; metering is a payment method, not a separate universal mail class.
Why is the metered price lower?
USPS publishes a separate eligible metered-letter price.
Can households use stamps instead?
Yes; stamps remain a simple option for occasional mail.
Sources and update note
- USPS Notice 123 — current price list
- USPS DMM 101 — physical standards
- USPS DMM 604 — postage payment methods
Rates and mailing standards can change. This page was reviewed in August 2026; verify the completed mailpiece when its weight, dimensions, shape, destination, or services are uncertain.