Best Credit Card for USPS in 2026
USPS is classified under MCC 9402 (Postal Services – Government Only). The best card for USPS purchases is the Active Cash (no annual fee), earning 2x on postal services – government only — an effective return of 2.00%.
The USPS MCC is crucial for government employees or those with heavy postal service use. It's covered by cards like the American Express Blue Cash Preferred.
To maximize rewards, look for cards that offer enhanced rates at government services like USPS.
USPS purchases are classified under MCC 9402 (Postal Services – Government Only).
MCC Details for USPS
Best Credit Cards for USPS (2026)
How USPS Codes on Your Statement
When you pay at USPS at their locations, your card issuer sees MCC 9402 in the transaction data. This code tells your bank that the purchase was made at a postal services – government only merchant. Bonus reward rates on your card apply based on this MCC — not the merchant name itself.
If your card earns bonus points on "postal services – government only" purchases, USPS transactions will qualify — even if your card terms only mention a category name and not USPS specifically. The key is that the MCC matches your card's bonus category definition.
You can verify the MCC on any USPS transaction by checking your card's mobile app or statement. Some issuers display the merchant category alongside the transaction details. For the most accurate information, contact your card issuer's customer service and ask whether MCC 9402 qualifies for bonus rewards.
Bonus Category Match — USPS
About MCC 9402: Postal Services – Government Only
Merchant Category Code 9402 is assigned by card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) to classify businesses in the Postal Services – Government Only industry. Issuers use MCCs to determine which transactions qualify for bonus reward rates. When a merchant is assigned MCC 9402, all qualifying card programs that include postal services – government only as a bonus category will apply the elevated earn rate.
The Government industry group encompasses several related MCCs. Not all merchants in a similar business will share the same MCC — for example, a grocery store inside a warehouse club may code as wholesale ({"5300"}) rather than grocery ({"5411"}). Always verify with your issuer if you're unsure whether a specific merchant qualifies for bonus rewards on your card.
What You Could Earn at USPS
Spending $200/month at USPS with the Active Cash (2x on postal services – government only) earns approximately $48/year in rewards. A basic 1% card earns $24 on the same spending. That is $24 more per year with no annual fee.
Prefer no annual fee? The Signify Business Cash earns 2x at USPS merchants, earning $48/year with no annual fee.