A Sneak Peak of 2026 USPS Promotions and Incentives

Every year, the USPS rolls out a series of postal promotions and incentives that reward creativity, consistency, and innovation in direct mail. Next year’s lineup is already packed with opportunities, and many current programs are confirmed to continue, with discounts increasing. We’ve highlighted the key updates and changes here, but be sure to check out our resources for the USPS Promotions and Incentives Program, including calendars, details and strategic recommendations.

USPS Promotions Matter More Than Ever

Let’s be real — postage rates aren’t going to decrease anytime soon. That’s where the USPS promotions come in. They’re not just “nice-to-have” — they’re essential tools to help offset rising costs. And the best part? You’re not just saving money; you’re also improving the quality and impact of your mailpiece.

Postage rate increases tend to be directly correlated with the discounts awarded to mailers. It’s like being hit twice by the costs of the increases, so you might take advantage of them! Many popular promotions are returning in 2026 with an increase in the discounts, and along with add-on incentives for additional savings, you can’t afford not to!

NEW Catalog Insights Promotion – Registration starts August 15!

If you’re sending out printed catalogs, this promotion is your chance to get rewarded for it. Eligible mailings will receive a discount of up to 10% on Marketing Mail catalogs that have at least 12 pages, including the cover. Catalogs can be letter or flat size, an envelope or a self-mailer, but content must showcase products or services with a clear method to purchase.

This discount is essential for catalog mailers, as the existing one will be discontinued with the upcoming rate change on July 13. Discussions are ongoing at USPS regarding how nonprofits can benefit from this promotion, with Production Solutions and industry leaders advocating on their behalf.

Registration starts on August 15, 2025, and the promotion runs from October 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, making it the first promotion ever to span calendar years.

Tactile, Sensory & Interactive Promotion Continues in 2026

This promotion is for all the creatives out there. USPS offers a discount for mailpieces that incorporate elements such as textured or embossed paper, zip-strip carriers, scented inks, pop-ups, and other sensory features that engage recipients through touch, smell, or sound. Eligible mail classes include First-Class Mail and Marketing Mail, with the discount increasing to up to 5% in 2026. Registration begins on November 15, 2025, with the promotion running from January 1 to June 30, 2026.

Integrated Technology Promotion Continues with QR Code

This promotion is all about blending the physical and digital worlds. If your mailpiece includes technology like QR codes, voice assistant prompts, or AI generated content, you could qualify for a discount.

This promotion is most well-known as the “mobile shopping” promotion due to the frequent use of QR codes that lead to shopping or donation pages. It has been confirmed that QR codes will continue to be an option for mailers through 2026, and the discount increases to up to 5%. Eligible mail classes include First-Class Mail and Marketing Mail. Registration begins November 15, 2025, with the promotion running during ANY CONSECUTIVE six months in 2026.

Continuous Contact Promotion – New and Here to Stay in 2026

Consistency pays off—literally. This promotion rewards you for sending a series of mailings over time. It’s perfect for loyalty programs, onboarding sequences, or monthly renewal-type mailings. This was a new promotion in 2025, showing great success and will continue into 2026 with its discount increasing by up to 5%.

Things to consider with this promotion are that the initial mailing will not receive a promotion discount, but all follow-up mailings can, provided they follow the same theme and 90% of the mail records match the first mailing. Asking for a donation in every mailing is considered a theme, and this promotion is worth checking out. USPS Marketing Mail is the only eligible mail class. Registration begins on February 15, 2026, with the promotion running from April 1 to December 31, 2026.

How to Get Started

These promotions are managed through the Incentive Programs service on the USPS Business Customer Gateway. The BCG hasn’t been known as the most user-friendly platform; however, we’re by your side here at PS. We’re known as early adopters of the USPS Promotions and Incentives Program. Last year, we saved clients nearly $4 million through these savings opportunities. Don’t forget to download our promo resources, which offer more details.

If you’re thinking about getting started, but aren’t sure where to start, reach out to your PS contact. These promotions aren’t just about saving money—they’re about pushing the envelope (pun totally intended) and making mail more meaningful, creative and strategic.