We have come a long way since we started swiping cards to make payments. Digital transactions used to involve entering debit/credit card information into payment portals. And then we simply scanned QR codes. Next came Venmo and similar payment apps. Now, it's Bitcoin's time to shine. Have something to ship? You can use Bitcoin for that! Let's learn the basics of Bitcoin postage.
How Does Bitcoin Work?
Bitcoin, or BTC, is digital or virtual money (a type of cryptocurrency) that exists only on the internet. It has been around since 2009; it's the first ever cryptocurrency and still remains the most widely traded crypto.
Anyone can buy BTC using traditional currency via their debit/credit card. They can use their BTC to make payments, as long as the transaction allows crypto payments.
Unlike traditional transactions which are facilitated by banks or other financial institutions, crypto transactions are direct peer-to-peer transfers. The crypto, such as BTC, goes from one crypto wallet to another without going through a third-party. Crypto transactions use blockchain technology to facilitate secure and transparent transfers.
How To Use Bitcoin for Postage
Whether you have a business that requires shipping products or you just need postage for personal use, digital currency shipping is your most convenient option. In a nutshell, Bitcoin postage simply involves using Bitcoin to pay for postage and mail/ship items private and securely.
Here's a quick run-through of the basics of Bitcoin postage. Take note that the exact process may vary per platform:
- Select a crypto shipping platform, such as USPostage.io, that offers postage for major carriers.
- Select your preferred carrier.
- Enter the necessary information: package details, sender's information, and receiver's information. Take note that some platforms require users to create an account. USPostage.io does not require sign-ups.
- Select Bitcoin as your preferred crypto payment and complete payment.
- Generate your shipping label/s.
Crypto shipping platforms typically offer postage for all major carriers. Once you select your preferred carrier, such as USPS or FedEx, you'll be required to enter the package information. This typically includes the package's dimensions: length, width, height, and weight.
Alternatively, you may be able to select a package type depending on your selected carrier. Specific package types have specific dimensions; for example, if you choose USPS as your carrier and a USPS large parcel, the package information will be automatically populated by the package's exact dimensions.
To get the exact shipping rates, you will also need to provide the complete information for both sender and receiver. This includes the full name, complete address, and contact number.
After choosing your preferred mode of payment (you can buy shipping labels using LTC, BTC, or other crypto), just complete your payment and then print your shipping label/s.
Why Use Bitcoin or Other Crypto for Postage
Using Bitcoin or any other type of crypto to buy postage offers many advantages. Crypto transactions are private and extremely secure, thanks to blockchain technology. At the same time, you can easily trace and verify crypto transfers via the public ledger or the blockchain. This transparency makes crypto transactions highly reliable.
As with all crypto transactions, using Bitcoin to pay for postage offers the advantage of anonymity. You can send packages without sharing personal information, particularly when using platforms that don't require an account registration.
You can also process mail and package shipments from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. You can skip the traffic and lines to purchase shipping labels from your preferred carrier, which saves you time and money. Buy Bitcoin postage and schedule pickup and delivery without leaving your home or office. And you don't have to wait for business hours to purchase shipping labels.
Crypto transactions also let you avoid conversion fee charges when shipping internationally and credit card processing fees, making crypto more cost-effective than traditional currency. This is a great advantage especially for small businesses, as crypto-friendly carriers help them save money on transaction fees and boost their profit margins.
If you use a crypto shipping platform, you may take advantage of discounted postage rates and parcel insurance costs. Make sure the platform does not have hidden fees, such as extra charges for when you have to correct sender/receiver information.
Which Carriers Allow Bitcoin Postage?
Given that Bitcoin is the most widely used crypto, major carriers now allow using BTC to pay for postage. Currently, you can use Bitcoin to send packages using any of the following carriers:
- USPS: Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, Express International
- FedEx: Ground, 2-Day, International Priority
- UPS: Ground, Next Day Air, 3-Day Select
Take note that you can use a crypto shipping platform, which serves as a third-party provider, to buy postage using crypto instead of buying directly from the carrier. These platforms are a great option if your preferred carrier currently does not support crypto payments.
If you prefer using Bitcoin or have a business that involves frequent shipping, consider buying postage with crypto. Familiarize yourself with the basics of Bitcoin postage before getting started to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Check out USPostage.io's shipping solutions now for secure and anonymous payments.