How Many Stamps Do I Need for a Letter to Canada In 2024?
Canada is the United States‘ largest trading partner and closest ally. Over $700 billion in goods and services crossed the US-Canada border in 2021 alone. With this immense volume of trade and cultural exchange, mailing letters, cards, and packages to Canada is commonplace for US residents. According to the US Postal Service, over 130 million pieces of mail are sent from the US to Canada every year.
But how much postage do you need to ship mail to your northern neighbors? This comprehensive guide will outline everything you need to know about current USPS postage rates and stamps required for standard and large envelopes to Canada.
Postage Rates for Standard Letters by Weight
For standard letter-size envelopes (up to 6 1/8" x 11 1/2"), here are the USPS First Class Mail international postage rates to Canada effective January 2023:
| Weight | Postage Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 oz | $1.40 |
| 1.1 – 2 oz | $1.83 |
| 2.1 – 3.5 oz | $2.36 |
A standard 1 oz letter, like a simple greeting card or postcard, costs just $1.40 to send to Canada. This represents a 10% increase from 2022‘s rate of $1.30 for the first ounce. However, it remains an affordable shipping option for staying in touch with Canadian recipients.
Heavier letters with additional content cost more, but are still reasonable. A 1.5 oz letter is $1.83, while the maximum weight of 3.5 oz is $2.36.
Comparatively, domestic First Class Mail rates start at $0.60 for 1 oz letters. So there is a significant premium for international delivery. But that‘s the price for getting mail over the border and across thousands of miles!
Number of Stamps for Standard Letters
You can pay postage for standard letters to Canada using Global Forever Stamps, regular US Forever Stamps, or a combination. Here are the stamp combinations accepted by USPS:
- 1 Global Forever Stamp ($1.40)
- 2 US Forever Stamps ($1.16 x 2 = $2.32)
- 1 Global Forever + 5¢ stamp
- 3 US Forever Stamps + 2¢ stamp
The simplest option is a single $1.40 Global Forever stamp which covers 1 oz letters perfectly. Regular $0.60 US Forever Stamps work too, but you‘ll need to use two to make up the $1.40 postage. This will have you overpaying by $0.92 cents. Additional low-value stamps can help meet exact rates as well.
Many people opt for the convenience of Global Forever Stamps when mailing abroad rather than doing the math for the right combination of regular stamps.
Postcards and Specialty Items
Postcards and specialty items like greeting cards under 1 oz can also be sent to Canada with a single Global Forever Stamp. This provides up to $1.40 in value, meeting the postcard rate.
For thicker postcards from 0.007" up to 0.016" inches, you may need additional postage like a 5¢ stamp along with the Global Forever. An easy rule of thumb is two Global Forever Stamps if it is rigid and decorative.
Rates for Large Envelopes (Flats)
For larger envelopes classified as "flats" by USPS guidelines, postage rates are higher than for standard letters:
| Weight | Postage Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 oz | $2.80 |
| 1.1 – 2 oz | $3.24 |
| 2.1 – 3 oz | $3.68 |
| 3.1 – 4 oz | $4.12 |
A 1 oz flat starts at $2.80. Each additional ounce costs $0.44 up to the max weight of 15 oz.
Common combinations of stamps for 1 oz flats are:
- 2 Global Forever Stamps
- 5 Regular Forever Stamps (overpays by $3)
- 2 Global Forever + 1 oz stamp
- 1 Global Forever + additional ounce stamps
Carefully weigh your flats and large envelopes to determine the required postage. Oversized mail over 1/4" thickness is considered a package and charged parcel rates.
Shipping Safely with Tracking and Insurance
Valuable documents or irreplaceable items should be sent via USPS Priority Mail Express which includes $100 insurance and tracking. Registered Mail is another option that provides enhanced security, tracking, and insurance up to $25,000 for high-value contents.
Tracked services give you peace of mind and proof of delivery. Costs are higher but provide security and reliability.
Mailing with Confidence
With over $2 billion worth of goods shipped daily between the US and Canada, both postal services have streamlined the international mail process for simplicity and affordability. Following the latest USPS postage rates and Global Forever Stamp guidance ensures your letters and flats reach their Canadian destinations smoothly. Just remember to allow 3-6 business days for delivery and any mail over $100 in value should be insured.
