How Much Does a PO Box Cost in USA? USPS, UPS & Virtual Box Prices 2026

Rows of PO Boxes inside a USPS facility, each available for rent. PO Boxes provide individuals and businesses with a secure, private mailing address separate from their home or office.

What Is a PO Box (Post Office Box)?

A PO Box (short for Post Office Box) is an addressable, lockable mailbox located inside a post office and rented from the United States Postal Service (USPS). Instead of having mail delivered to your home or business street address, you can have it sent to your PO Box address for you to pick up. People often use PO Boxes for privacy, security, or convenience – for example, home-based business owners may not want to publicize their residential address, so they use a PO Box for business mail. Traditionally, PO Boxes were also used in areas where USPS didn’t offer direct home delivery, ensuring residents could still receive mail.

A typical USPS PO Box address includes the box number in place of a street address. How do you write a PO Box address? It’s simple: you write “PO Box” followed by the box number, then the city, state, and ZIP code of the post office. For example, an address might look like:

Jane Doe
PO Box 247001
Omaha, NE 68124-7001

In this example, 247001 is the PO Box number, and the city, state, and ZIP correspond to the post office’s location. (To be clear, you do actually write the words “PO Box” on the envelope, followed by the number.) Many organizations and businesses use such addresses. For instance, PO Box 247001 in Omaha, NE is a well-known mail processing address used by multiple credit card companies (like Capital One and others). Likewise, PO Box 1120, Charlotte, NC is used by a debt collection service (Jefferson Capital Systems) for receiving return mail, and PO Box 400, Norwood, MA is the mailing address for Credit Collection Services (a collections agency). These examples show how a PO Box address is formatted and how companies utilize them.

(Note: PO Boxes aren’t unique to the USA – many countries use them. For example, the Dusit Doha Hotel in Qatar lists its mailing address as “Diplomatic Area, West Bay, P.O. Box 23373, Doha, State of Qatar”. However, in this article we’ll focus on United States PO Boxes.)

Why Get a PO Box?

There are several benefits to renting a PO Box:

Privacy: Your personal or business street address stays confidential. All mail goes to the PO Box, keeping your home address off public correspondence.
Security: Mail is held securely inside the post office. PO Boxes are locked and only you (and anyone you authorize with a key) can access your box. This reduces the risk of mail theft compared to an unsecured home mailbox.
Address Stability: If you move frequently or travel (digital nomads, military, etc.), a PO Box gives you a permanent mailing address. You won’t have to change your mailing address every time you relocate.
Separation of Mail: Businesses can keep business mail separate from personal mail. For example, a small business owner can use a PO Box for all business correspondence to appear more professional and stay organized.
Availability and Convenience: There are thousands of post offices across the U.S., so you can likely find a PO Box “near me” in your town or the nearest city. You can choose a post office location that’s convenient – maybe near your workplace or on your daily commute. Many post offices offer 24/7 lobby access to PO Boxes, so you can pick up mail on your schedule (some smaller locations have limited hours, however).
Large Volume Mail Handling: If you receive a lot of mail or packages, a larger PO Box (or multiple boxes) can handle the volume. In fact, big organizations often have multiple boxes or high-numbered boxes for different departments. (For example, in Sioux Falls, SD, state agencies have used addresses like PO Box 7250 or PO Box 7251 for distributing benefit cards, and in Westerville, OH, a address like PO Box 6184 is used by Chase Bank for credit card mailings.)

Despite these benefits, remember that a USPS PO Box only accepts USPS mail by default – not deliveries from UPS, FedEx, or other couriers. If you need to receive non-USPS packages frequently, you might consider alternatives (discussed later) or use additional USPS services (more on this below).

How to Get a PO Box (Steps to Open One)

Renting (opening) a PO Box is a straightforward process. Here’s how to set one up:

Choose a Location and Box Size:

Decide where you want your PO Box. It can be at any USPS post office – it doesn’t have to be in your hometown, just a location convenient for you. You’ll also need to choose a box size. USPS offers multiple sizes, typically: Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. The right size depends on how much mail you expect (for mostly letters, a small box is fine; for lots of packages, you’ll need a larger box). You can use the USPS website or visit the post office to see which sizes are available at your chosen location. If you’re looking for a “PO Box near me”, the USPS Find & Reserve a PO Box tool online lets you search by ZIP code for available boxes and prices.

Submit a PO Box Application:

You can apply online through the USPS website or in person at the post office. Online: Create a USPS account, find an available box, and complete the application/payment online. In person: Go to the post office’s customer service desk and request PS Form 1093 (Application for PO Box Service). Fill out the form with your details and the box size/location you want. Whether you applied online or not, you must present two forms of ID in person before receiving your keys. Bring a photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport) and a non-photo ID (like a lease, utility bill, or insurance policy) that shows your current address. The post office uses these to verify your identity and residence.

Pay the Rental Fee:

PO Boxes are rented on a term basis (more on cost in the next section). Pay the fee for your chosen rental period (3 months, 6 months, or 12 months are common options). If you applied online, you would have paid by credit/debit card; if in person, you can pay at the counter. In some cases, a key deposit may be required for the two keys provided (this deposit is refundable when you return the keys). You can usually get up to two keys for free; if you need more or lose a key, there will be an additional fee for extra keys or lock replacement.

Pickup Your Keys and Start Using the Box:

Once everything is in order, the postal clerk will give you your new PO Box number, the keys (or combination), and you can locate your box in the post office’s PO Box lobby. It’s a good idea to test the key or combination right away to ensure it works. Tip: Write down your box number and keep your keys safe – if you lose both keys and they have to change the lock, there’s a fee for that service. Now you can start using your new PO Box address! Be sure to notify senders of your new address or file a change of address if you’re transitioning from a street address.

Check Your Box Regularly:

Make it a habit to check your PO Box frequently. If the box becomes too full, USPS might hold your overflow mail at the counter (you’ll get a notice in your box to pick up items that didn’t fit). If you expect very large packages, note that those won’t fit in your box – the post office will hold them for pickup (they usually leave a yellow slip or put a key in your box to a larger storage locker when you have an oversized item). Certified Mail and other signature-required mail can absolutely be sent to your PO Box (yes, you can send Certified Mail to a PO Box – the postal staff will place a notice for you to sign for the item at the counter).

Can you get a PO Box for free?

In most cases, no – you have to pay the rental fee. However, USPS does offer free PO Box service to certain customers who do not have any form of home mail delivery. For example, if you live in a rural area or a town where USPS doesn’t deliver mail to your street (or if you’re homeless or living nomadically without a permanent address), you can apply for a no-fee Group E PO Box. This ensures you can receive mail via a PO Box without charge if USPS isn’t otherwise getting mail to you. To get a free box, you must meet the criteria (no delivery service to your home) and follow the application process – the postmaster will verify your eligibility. These free PO Boxes are usually the smallest size and are provided as a courtesy for basic mail access.

Now that you know how to open a box, let’s address the big question: How much does a PO Box cost?

How Much Does a PO Box Cost?

Provider	Monthly Price (Starting)	Address Type	Accepts FedEx/UPS	Key Features
USPS PO Box	$4.83 – $24+	PO Box (no street)	❌ USPS only	Government service, secure mail, in-person only
UPS Store	$10 – $50+	Real Street Address	✅ Yes	Accepts all carriers, 24/7 access, package hold
iPostal1	$9.99 – $39.99	Real Street Address	✅ Yes	Virtual mailbox, scanned mail, 2,000+ locations
PostScan Mail	$10 – $30	Real Street Address	✅ Yes	Online dashboard, mail forwarding, PDF scanning
Anytime Mailbox	$7.99 – $25+	Real Street Address	✅ Yes	International options, digital access, forwarding

|—|—|—|—|—|
|

Urban areas tend to have higher fees. |
|

PO Box pricing varies widely depending on a few key factors:

PO Box Costing Based on Location:

This is a big factor. PO Boxes in large cities or busy locations cost more, while those in small towns or rural areas cost less. For example, a small PO Box in Manhattan, New York will be far more expensive than a small box in Manhattan, Kansas. USPS assigns each post office to a fee group based on regional demand and cost of living – high-demand locations have higher rates.

Size of the Box:

As per shown in above image, there are five box sizes available:

X-Small (Size 1): 3″ x 5½” x 14¾”
Small (Size 2): 5½” x 5½” x 14¾”
Medium (Size 3): 5½” x 11″ x 14¾”
Large (Size 4): 11″ x 11″ x 14¾”
X-Large (Size 5): 22½” x 12″ x 14¾”

USPS offers 5 standard sizes (some locations may have fewer or slightly different sizes). Larger boxes cost more than smaller ones. If you only expect letters and a few magazines, an Extra-Small or Small box will suffice; if you expect packages frequently, you might need a Large or Extra-Large box. The dimensions and typical monthly cost ranges for each size are approximately:

Rental Duration:

USPS allows you to rent and pay for a PO Box in increments such as 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months at a time (some locations also offer a month-to-month option with automatic renewal). Choosing a longer rental period usually gives a better monthly rate. In other words, paying for 12 months upfront is often cheaper per month than paying for 3 months at a time. For example, a box might cost $20 for a 3-month term (which is about $6.67 per month), but only $36 for a 6-month term ($6 per month). The longer term saves a bit of money and also means less hassle renewing. If you plan to keep the box for a while, it’s cost-effective to opt for a 6 or 12-month rental. (USPS often sends renewal reminders, and you can also set up auto-renewal with a credit card so you don’t accidentally let your rental lapse.)

Additional Fees:

As mentioned, there may be a refundable key deposit for new boxes. Typically, you get two keys; if you need extra keys, there’s a fee (a few dollars per key). If you lose your keys and the lock must be changed, there’s a lock replacement fee (often $20 or more). There are also late payment fees if you miss your renewal deadline, and your box could be closed if not paid in time – so stay on top of payments to avoid those charges.

So, how much can you expect to pay?

To give some concrete numbers: for a small PO Box in an average location, you might pay around $9 to $15 for a 3-month period, which is roughly $3–$5 per month. In an inexpensive rural area, it could be as low as ~$5 for 3 months (the minimum price, around $4.83/month). On the other hand, in a big city, a small box might cost $20+ for 3 months. Larger boxes cost more: for instance, a medium box might be $12-$20 for 3 months in a small town, but $50+ for 3 months in a major city. An extra-large box in a prime location is the most expensive – it could cost on the order of $100+ for 3 months. In fact, USPS rate examples as of 2024 show the smallest box at about $4.83 per month on the low end and the largest box around $24 per month on the high end (when averaged over a year). That would put an extra-large at roughly $288/year in some locations. However, some locations are even pricier – one report shows an extra-large box costing $600 for a 6-month term at a busy post office (that’s $100 per month, likely in a place like New York or Los Angeles).

To summarize typical costs in 2025:

Smallest PO Box: approximately $5-$7 per month in most places (rural may be <$5, big cities $10+ per month). That’s roughly $16-$30 for 3 months.
Medium PO Box: widely around $8-$15 per month in many areas, but up to $20-$30 in high-cost cities.
Largest PO Box: can range from $20 per month in a small town up to $100+ per month in a major city. Annually, this could be anywhere from $240/year to well over $1000/year at the extreme high end.

Always check the exact price with USPS for your specific location and size needs. You can do this online by searching availability by ZIP code on the USPS site, which will show you current prices for each box size at that post office. The “cheapest PO Box” will usually be an extra-small box in a low-cost location, whereas an extra-large box in a popular location will be the most expensive.

(Keep in mind USPS has periodically increased PO Box fees. For example, there was a fee increase in Jan 2023. If you rent long-term, you lock in the current rate for that period, but when renewing, the new rates (if any) would apply. So, it’s another reason some opt to pay annually to lock in a year of service before a price hike.)

PO Box Alternatives (UPS Store Mailboxes and Virtual Addresses)

While USPS PO Boxes are common, they do have some limitations (like not accepting UPS/FedEx packages and not serving as a physical address for certain forms). If those are concerns, there are alternatives:

UPS Store Mailboxes (Private Mailboxes)

Companies like The UPS Store offer private mailboxes that function similarly to PO Boxes but with some extra perks. A UPS Store mailbox provides you with a real street address (the address of the UPS Store, with a “#” box number), not just a PO Box number. This means you can receive packages from any carrier – USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc., all can be signed for and held for you at the store. This is a big advantage if you frequently get UPS/FedEx deliveries, since those carriers will not deliver to a USPS PO Box under normal circumstances. (With a USPS PO Box, you’re generally limited to USPS mail only; some post offices offer a Street Addressing service where you can use the post office’s street address and your box number to receive UPS/FedEx, but you must sign up for their premium service and not all locations offer it.)

How much does a UPS mailbox cost?

It varies by location and size, but it’s usually more expensive than a USPS PO Box of equivalent size (since you’re paying for the convenience and street address feature). Typical UPS Store mailbox prices might range around $10 to $30 per month for a small box, up to $30 to $50 per month for a large box. For example, one source notes small UPS mailboxes around $10–$30/month and large ones $30–$50/month, depending on the location. Actual prices are set by each UPS Store (they are franchises), so you’d have to inquire at your local UPS Store for exact fees. They often offer 3, 6, or 12 month rental terms as well, with possible discounts for longer terms, similar to USPS.

Pros of UPS Store mailboxes:

You get a real address (something like “123 Main Street, Suite #456”), which can be used for business registrations and looks like a regular office address. You can receive packages from any carrier without worry. Many UPS Stores have 24-hour access to your mailbox, and they will hold packages for you securely (and even call/text you when you have a delivery, in some cases). There’s always someone during business hours who can sign for packages on your behalf – no more missed deliveries.

Cons: The cost is higher than a USPS PO Box. Also, while the address is “real,” people may recognize it as a UPS Store if they are familiar with the location (which might or might not matter to you). You still have to go in person to collect mail (unless you pay extra for forwarding services). And if you move out of the area, you’ll have to change your address (just like with a PO Box). Despite these, for many small businesses and individuals, a UPS mailbox is a flexible alternative that’s worth the extra cost if you need those features.

Virtual Mailboxes (Online PO Box Services)

A virtual PO Box (virtual mailbox) is a modern solution for managing mail remotely. With a virtual mailbox service, you get a real physical address (often at a office building or mail facility) which you can use as your mailing address, but you don’t physically go there to pick up mail. Instead, the service receives your mail, scans the outside (and even the contents on request), and lets you manage everything online. Essentially, you can see scanned PDFs of your mail or get notifications, and you can instruct the service to forward you the physical mail, shred it, or hold it. It’s like having a PO Box that you never have to visit; you view and control your postal mail from your computer or phone.

Benefits of PO Box:

You can check your mail from anywhere in the world – great for travelers, remote business owners, or anyone who doesn’t want to drive to the post office regularly. You also get a street address (often you can choose a prestigious city address to use). Virtual mailbox addresses are acceptable for registering a business (they’re real addresses, not a USPS P.O. Box). They also accept packages from all carriers. Essentially, a good virtual mailbox offers the best of a UPS mailbox (real address, any carrier) plus digital convenience (access mail 24/7 online). The trade-off is cost and waiting for physical mail forwarding if you need the actual item.

Cost of virtual mailbox services:

This varies by provider and plan. Basic plans typically start around $10 per month for limited mail volume. For example, one popular service iPostal1 starts plans at $9.99 per month for 30 pieces of mail per month. Others like Anytime Mailbox, PostScanMail, or US Global Mail have plans roughly in the $10–$15/month range for individuals. Business plans or addresses in prestigious locations can cost more (some providers charge $20-$50/month for higher-tier service or higher mail volumes). There’s usually an initial sign-up fee and sometimes a deposit for mail forwarding credits. Keep in mind, if you have mail forwarded to you physically, you’ll pay shipping fees. Overall, virtual mailboxes are generally more expensive than a simple PO Box or UPS box, but they offer a different level of service (digital management and freedom from checking a physical box).

Which One Should You Choose?

It comes down to your needs:

If you simply need a low-cost way to receive USPS mail securely and don’t mind picking it up, a USPS PO Box is the cheapest option. It’s ideal for personal use or basic business use, especially if all your important mail comes via USPS. Just remember its limitations (no UPS/FedEx by default, and can’t serve as official business premises address in many cases).
If you need to receive packages from UPS, FedEx, etc. regularly or want an address that looks more like a regular office, a UPS Store mailbox might be worth the extra cost. It’s a middle-ground in cost, usually. For example, a small UPS mailbox might cost $15/month versus $5 for a USPS small box, but you gain flexibility.
If you want to manage mail remotely and digitally, or you’re frequently away, then a virtual mailbox is very convenient. It’s the most expensive route but can be invaluable for certain users (expats, digital nomads, or businesses that want all mail scanned into an online system). You’ll pay for that convenience (~$10+ a month) but you get a lot of capabilities in return, including using the address as your official company address if needed.

Some people even use a combination (for example, a small USPS PO Box for everyday mail plus a virtual mailbox for important business mail). The good news is there are plenty of options – you can choose what balances cost vs. convenience for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much is a PO Box per month?

It depends on size and location. On the low end, expect around $5 per month (billed in 3 or 6 month chunks) for a tiny box in a small town. In a big city, a small box might be ~$10-$15 per month. Larger boxes cost more – perhaps $20-$30/month or higher in a city. USPS prices are typically given for 3 or 6 month periods, so you might see something like $45 for 6 months (which equals $7.50/month) for a medium box as an example. Refer to the earlier Cost section for detailed ranges.

Q: How much is a PO Box for a year?

There isn’t a single price because of the variables, but for a rough idea: a small box might be on the order of $60-$120 per year in many locations, and a large box could be a few hundred dollars a year. If you take a mid-range example: USPS smallest box at ~$4.83/month would be about $58 for a year, whereas an extra-large box at ~$24/month would be about $288/year. Some urban post offices go higher; e.g. an XL box that’s $600 for 6 months (as cited earlier) would imply $1200/year in that extreme case. Always check your post office for exact annual prices, and remember you usually pay upfront for 6 or 12 months if choosing those terms.

Q: Can FedEx or UPS deliver to my USPS PO Box?

FedEx and UPS will not deliver to a standard PO Box address. If an address is written as “PO Box 123,” those carriers typically refuse it because they don’t have access to the postal facility’s boxes. However, USPS has a service called Street Addressing (or Premium PO Box Services) where you are given permission to use the post office’s street address and your box number (for example, “Main Post Office, 123 Main St #456, City, ST ZIP”). With that format, a private carrier can sometimes deliver to the post office building. The USPS will then place the package in a secure location for you to pick up. This service is not available at all locations and may cost an additional fee or require the box holder to opt-in. If you must receive UPS/FedEx regularly, consider a UPS Store mailbox or using a friend’s street address as an alternative.

Q: Can I receive Certified Mail or other special USPS services at a PO Box?

Yes. Certified Mail, registered mail, and insured mail are handled by USPS for PO Boxes just as they are for street addresses. If a piece of certified mail arrives to your PO Box, the mail carrier will place a notice slip in your box (because Certified Mail requires a signature). You’d take that slip to the counter to sign and receive the item. PO Boxes can also receive things like priority mail, express mail, and even packages (if they fit or else held for pickup). In short, any USPS-delivered item can go to a PO Box – there is no restriction on Certified or registered mail (it’s actually quite common, e.g. many people use PO Boxes to receive important documents securely). As one mail service company confirms: “Yes, you can send USPS Certified Mail to a PO Box… delivered to the PO Box with no changes”.

Q: What does “PO Box ###” mean for addresses I see on bills or mail?

It simply designates the mailing address is a post office box. Many companies use PO Boxes for their mail correspondence. For example, you might get a credit card bill that asks you to mail payment to “PO Box 60517, City, ST ZIP”, which is just the company’s payment processing mailbox. Some widely used ones have even become talking points: PO Box 42346 in Indianapolis, IN, for instance, is used as a mailing address in Indianapolis for various business correspondence and often prompts people to wonder who it belongs to (it’s part of the USPS network in Indy, used by a mail processing center). In practice, if you see an address like that, you don’t necessarily need to know who owns the box – just send the mail there as instructed. It’s a secure delivery point for whoever rents that box. In our examples earlier, PO Box 1120 Charlotte, NC and PO Box 400 Norwood, MA are used by specific companies (debt collection agencies), whereas something like PO Box 9040, Coppell, TX 75019 is an address used by a large mail facility in Texas (Coppell is a major USPS processing hub). The PO Box is simply where the mail is collected by the organization.

Q: Is a PO Box worth it?

If you need the privacy, security, or convenience it offers, many people find it absolutely worth the cost. For a relatively low fee, you get peace of mind that your mail is safe under lock and key and not sitting outside where it could be stolen or weather-damaged. It’s also very useful for small businesses or side hustles – you can keep your personal address off your marketing materials and use a PO Box instead (which looks more professional than a home address). On the other hand, if you rarely get important mail and don’t mind using your home address, you might not need one. Evaluate the benefits vs. the yearly cost for your situation.

Q: How do I find a cheap PO Box or the best price?

Since USPS sets prices by location and size, the “cheapest” PO Box would be renting the smallest available box in a lower-cost location. If you live in an expensive city but travel a bit, you could even rent a PO Box in a nearby smaller town where fees are lower (there’s no rule that you must get the box in the city you live in). However, consider the practicality – you’ll have to drive to that post office to get your mail. Generally, to save money, choose the smallest size that will accommodate your needs (you can always upgrade later if it’s too small), and rent for a longer term to get the lower monthly rate. A small-town post office might only charge ~$20 for a 6-month small box rental, which is a good deal. Also, if you don’t need year-round service, you could just rent a box for the months you need and then close it, but that’s usually more hassle than it’s worth.

Q: How do I write my PO Box address for forms or online?

In most online forms, there’s a separate field for a PO Box. If not, you can input it on Address Line 1 like “PO Box 123”. Always include the PO Box number and correct ZIP code for that post office. A full example: John Smith, PO Box 1280, Oaks, PA 19456. Here 1280 is the box number, and 19456 is the ZIP code for Oaks, PA’s post office. Make sure not to put a street address in the same line as the PO Box; if you have both a street and PO Box (some people do), usually you’ll only use the PO Box for mailing purposes, or if a form insists on a street, you might use the street for UPS and PO Box for USPS in the address lines. But generally, stick to the one address to avoid confusion in mail routing.

Official USPS Sources

USPS PO Boxes – Official overview of how to rent, manage, and sizes available from the U.S. Postal Service (faq.usps.com)
PO Box – The Basics – USPS FAQ covering applications, renewals, closures, and more (faq.usps.com)
USPS Pricing Bulletin – Table detailing 6-month rates by box size and fee group (theupsstore.com)

Private Mailbox Providers

The UPS Store Mailboxes – Offers real street addresses, accepts all carriers, and 24/7 access at participating locations theupsstore.com
UPS vs USPS vs Virtual Mailbox – Analysis of pricing and features, including typical UPS mailbox cost ranges of $10–$50 per month ups.com

Price Comparison & Insights

P.O. Box Cost Overview – Breakdown of USPS pricing by size (XS to XL) from $4.67 to $23.67/month postscanmail.com
LegalZoom Guide – Notes low-end three-month price of about $19 and high-end rates up to $658 US Global Mail

These sources provide authoritative pricing figures, service details, and comparisons between USPS, UPS Store, and virtual mailbox options—perfect for bolstering your article’s credibility!

Sources: The information above was gathered from official USPS guidelines and current data on PO Box pricing and services, as well as reputable business resources. For instance, USPS and postal experts note the cost ranges for various PO Box sizes and the factors that influence pricing. Business advisors highlight the benefits of PO Boxes for privacy and the process to set one up. Additionally, comparisons between USPS boxes, UPS Store boxes, and virtual mailboxes provide insight into cost differences and capabilities. Real-world examples of commonly used PO Box addresses (such as in Charlotte, Omaha, Sioux Falls, etc.) illustrate how they appear in practice and who uses them. By considering all this up-to-date information, you can make an informed decision about getting a PO Box and understand exactly what you’re paying for and why.

How Much Does a PO Box Cost in USA?