Updated July 2024
Last postage increase July 14, 2024
The easiest way to send letters from the USA to Canada is with Global Forever Stamps for $1.55 each. You can also use regular, domestic forever stamps as long as they add up to $1.55.
Unlike all other international destinations, Global Stamps to Canada are Buy One Get One on the first 2 ounces. BOGO! For more than 2 ounces you'll want to add the required, extra postage.
Here's the first class postage you'll need to send letters to Canada, which is part of "group 1" in the USPS Price List.
The number of stamps you'll need depends on the size and weight of your letter. See how to send a letter.
Below are the rates for standard envelopes for normal envelopes like a letter or birthday card, no bigger than 11.5” x 6+⅛” (see envelope requirements). The postal service refers to large envelopes as 'flats.' — View rates for flats.
1 ounce ($1.65)
One Global Forever stamp, and one 10¢ stamp ($1.65)
Or you can overpay by $1.45 using two Global Forever stamps ($3.10)
Or you can overpay by $0.54 using three Domestic Forever stamps ($2.19)
2 ounces ($1.65)
One Global Forever stamp, and one 10¢ stamp ($1.65)
Or you can overpay by $1.45 using two Global Forever stamps ($3.10)
Or you can overpay by $0.54 using three Domestic Forever stamps ($2.19)
For a standard letter (under 3.5 ounces), your envelope must be a minimum 5” x 3.5”, maximum 11.5” x 6+⅛”, and no thicker than 1/4". Most smaller thank-you cards meet the minimum and larger greeting cards are under the maximum, as seen below.
All of the envelopes pictured meet the size standards. A standard security envelope is 9.5" x 4.25", the typical smaller thank-you note is 5" x 4" (above the minimum) and a larger greeting card 8.5" x 5.25" (under the maximum).
Make sure your envelope is of uniform thickness, rectangular, and bendable. Otherwise, you may have a "non-machinable" envelope and add $0.40 of extra postage. Check out the full list of non-machinable characteristics.
Square envelopes must be a minimum of 5". Square envelopes are considered non-machinable so add the extra $0.40. If you don't add the $0.40 extra, the USPS may return your envelope back to you.
Round up to the nearest ounce. For example, if your letter weighs 1.21 ounces, you will need postage for 2 ounces. Apply the correct number of stamps per ounce (See stamps per ounce).
If you're sending printed photos, check out our guide on how many stamps are needed to mail 4x6 photos — no scale needed!
3. Address Your Envelope and Add Stamps
A return address typically goes in the upper-left of your envelope and is not required. Your recipient's address should go in the center of the envelope. Stamps go in the upper-right corner of a letter, ideally all in one row. However, the post office will accept your letter even if your stamps go to a second or third line.
Where to Buy Stamps
You can buy stamps at your local USPS post office and online at USPS.com — shipping is just over $1 for a sheet of stamps. Walmart and Amazon also carry stamps, as well as many local banks. Stamps from Amazon aren't a very good deal at $16.18 for a sheet of 20 which you can get for $5.18 less direct from the USPS.
Delivery Speed for Letters to Canada
Unlike domestic letters which are delivered in 1-3 days, delivery time to Canada is 7-21 days.
The cost of a forever stamp increased from $0.58 to $0.60
Postcards increased from $0.40 to $0.44
Flats increased from $1.00 to $1.16
International forever stamps increased from $1.30 from $1.40
All international additional ounce rates for both standard letters and flats have increased
Announced May 2021 and effective August 29, 2021, the latest increase took effect in August.
The cost of a forever stamp increased from $0.55 to $0.58
Postcards increased from $0.36 to $0.40
Flats increased from $1.00 to $1.16
International forever stamps increased from to $1.30 from $1.20
All international additional ounce rates for both standard letters and flats have increased
On January 24, 2021 additional ounces increased from $0.15 to $0.20. Metered mail and postcards increased by 1 cent. There was no change to 1 oz letters and flats. Postcard stamps increased to $0.36.
On January 26, 2020 fates for domestic letters under 3.5 ounces remained the same. Rates for flats (large envelopes) and all global first-class mail increased. Global forever stamps went from $1.15 to $1.20. Rates on additional ounces for flats (large envelopes) went up by $0.05 per additional ounce for domestic flats and changed for international flats as well. Additional ounces for all international first-class mail changed with the base increase from $1.15 to $1.20.
Sending Large Envelopes (Flats)
to Canada
Below are the rates for sending a large envelope ("flat")
to Canada
. The maximum weight for a standard letter is 3.5 ounces, so use a flat if you're sending more than 3.5 ounces. The base rate for is $2.90. Extra ounces cost more and the maximum weight is 15.994 ounces.
The rates below are sourced directly from the USPS.
Flats must be a minimum of 6-1/8" by 11-1/2", maximum 12" by 15". Unlike standard letters, the maximum thickness is 3/4".
You can't use a bubble envelope as bubble envelopes as they are usually more than 1/4" thick. Bubble envelopes are considered a "package / thick envelope" by the USPS. You can purchase a label on PayPal or buy labels in bulk from EasyPost.
Weight
Postage
How Many Stamps Do I Need For a Large Envelope (Flat) to Canada?
1 ounce ($3.15)
Two Global Forever stamps, and one 5¢ stamp ($3.15)
