How to maximize USPS Mail Growth Incentive credits in 2026.
Mail owners participating in the 2026 Mail Growth Incentive should establish a process for tracking postage and mail volume, regularly monitoring USPS-reported volume, and taking advantage of available claim windows. Doing so can help ensure earned credits are properly captured and claimed.
Key takeaways
- Reconcile your mailing activity monthly.
- Regularly monitor USPS-reported volume within the Mailing Promotions Portal for each Customer Registration ID (CRID) associated with your Service Request Number (SR#).
- Expect some differences between your internal reporting and USPS totals because the Postal Service performs its own reconciliations and audits throughout the year.
- Credits may be claimed beginning in July, again in October, and finally during the January through February reconciliation period.
- Any unclaimed 2026 Mail Growth Incentive credits are forfeited after February 28, 2027.
Why ongoing tracking matters
Accurate tracking and reconciliation are essential to making the most of the 2026 Mail Growth Incentive. Reviewing performance on a regular basis can help identify reporting discrepancies before they become larger issues later in the year.
Best practices for managing your Mail Growth Incentive activity
To help ensure accurate reporting and successful credit claims, consider the following best practices:
Reconcile your mailing activity monthly.
Regularly monitor USPS-reported volume within the Mailing Promotions Portal for each CRID associated with your SR#.
Expect some differences between your internal reporting and USPS totals. USPS performs its own reconciliations and audits throughout the year.
If, by the fourth quarter, discrepancies exceed your acceptable tolerance, submit an inquiry through the Mailing Promotions Portal from within the applicable SR#. Include supporting documentation to help expedite the review.
Establishing a regular review process throughout the year can help minimize surprises and make the final reconciliation process more manageable.
2026 Mail Growth Incentive credit claim schedule
The USPS has established multiple opportunities throughout the year to claim earned credits.
Credits earned through | Claim window opens | Purpose |
June 30, 2026 | July 15, 2026 | First opportunity to claim earned credits |
September 30, 2026 | October 15, 2026 | Claim additional credits earned through Q3 |
December 31, 2026 | January 15, 2027 | Final claim period opens |
What is the final deadline to claim 2026 Mail Growth Incentive credits?
February 28, 2027, is the final deadline to claim 2026 Mail Growth Incentive credits. Any unclaimed credits are forfeited after this date.
What if your mail volume has already exceeded the agreed-upon 2025 baseline?
Mail owners who have already exceeded their agreed-upon 2025 baseline may benefit from a phased approach to claiming credits as they become available.
Step 1: Submit a claim in July
Submit a claim if you’ve accumulated a meaningful credit balance to improve cash flow.
Step 2: Submit a second claim in October
Submit a second claim for additional credits earned during Q3.
Step 3: Complete final reconciliation in January through February
Complete your final reconciliation and claim any remaining credits before the February 28, 2027, deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to wait until January to claim Mail Growth Incentive credits?
No. You don’t need to wait until January to claim credits. Credits may be claimed beginning in July, again in October, and finally during the January through February reconciliation period.
How are Mail Growth Incentive credits claimed?
Claims are submitted by the registered mail owner through the Business Customer Gateway (BCG)/My Products Portal.
What should I do if USPS reporting differs from my internal reporting?
Expect some differences between your internal reporting and USPS totals because the Postal Service performs its own reconciliations and audits throughout the year. If, by the fourth quarter, discrepancies exceed your acceptable tolerance, submit an inquiry through the Mailing Promotions Portal from within the applicable SR#. Be sure to include any supporting documentation to speed up the review process.
How often should mailing activity be reconciled?
Reconcile your mailing activity monthly.
What happens if Mail Growth Incentive credits are not claimed?
Any unclaimed 2026 Mail Growth Incentive credits are forfeited after February 28, 2027.
Final thoughts
The 2026 USPS Mail Growth Incentive provides multiple opportunities for mail owners to review performance and claim earned credits. Organizations that reconcile mailing activity regularly, monitor USPS-reported volume, and submit claims during available claim periods will be better positioned to maximize the value of the program.
About the author:
Dan Clasen is the Director of New Business Development and Postal Optimization Manager at DMS. He has more than thirty years of experience in the direct mail industry, specializing in postal strategy, transportation and logistics, USPS promotions, direct mail production, and mail tracking. Dan collaborates with DMS teams, clients, and industry partners to develop strategic solutions that help organizations reduce costs, optimize postal programs, and improve campaign performance. He is passionate about knowledge sharing, operational excellence, and helping marketers adapt to the always-changing USPS landscape.
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