How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- A mail forwarding service gives you a real street address, scans incoming mail, and forwards packages or important items on your instructions.
- Travelers and expats should prioritize scanning speed, check deposit, and forwarding to their current country, not just the lowest monthly price.
- Businesses should check whether the address can be used for registration, banking, and customer mail, since rules differ by provider and state.
- Most services require USPS Form 1583 and identity checks, so setup takes a few days even when signup is quick.
- Extra fees for scanning, forwarding, storage, and shredding can matter more than the base plan, so read the fee schedule first.
Quick comparison
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The best mail forwarding service
Starting price$15 per month
Free planNo
Traveling Mailbox is a strong all-round choice for people who move often. New mail triggers an alert, you view a scan of the envelope, then choose to open and scan, forward, shred, or store the item. That control matters when you are abroad and only some mail deserves international postage.
Check deposit is a practical advantage for US travelers, since checks can be deposited remotely instead of waiting for a trip home. Plans start around $15 per month, with higher tiers for more mail and storage. The main limit is international forwarding coverage, so confirm your destination country before committing if you live outside the United States for long periods.
What we like- Check deposit with many US banks
- Mail scanning and forwarding in one app
- Addresses in several states
Watch out for- Forwarding to some countries is limited
- Higher-volume plans cost more
Starting price$9.99 per month
Free planNo
iPostal1 stands out for address choice. With thousands of locations across the United States, you can pick a city and state that fits your needs, whether that is a business presence, a no-income-tax state, or a location near family. The digital mailbox shows scans, lets you request forwarding, and supports check deposit on eligible plans.
Third-party locations are a trade-off. Most work smoothly, but service quality can vary by site, so read recent reviews for your chosen location. Starting at $9.99 per month, iPostal1 is also one of the cheaper entry points. It fits travelers and small businesses that value location flexibility over a single flagship address.
What we like- Thousands of US locations
- Check deposit on many plans
- Digital mailbox with scanning and forwarding
Watch out for- Location quality can vary because many sites are partner locations
- Fees apply for some actions
Starting price$9.99 per month
Free planNo
Anytime Mailbox offers a low-cost route to a virtual address with a large network. Plans start at $9.99 per month, and many include unlimited digital storage, which helps if you receive frequent mail and want a searchable archive. The service covers scanning, forwarding, shredding, and package handling.
Check deposit is the main gap. If you receive paper checks often, another provider may serve you better. The dashboard also feels older than some competitors, though it covers the core tasks well. Anytime Mailbox fits budget-conscious users who need multiple address options and simple mail handling.
What we like- Many locations and low entry price
- Unlimited storage on many plans
- Easy address switching within the network
Watch out for- Check deposit is not offered on all plans
- Interface feels dated compared with newer rivals
Starting price$19.95 per month
Free planNo
US Global Mail is built for American expats who want a stable US address and reliable scanning. The Houston, Texas address works well for many expats, and unlimited scanning means you are less likely to face per-scan charges for routine mail. Free check deposit is included, which removes a common expat headache.
The single-location model is both a strength and a limit. Operations are consistent, but you cannot pick a different state without switching providers. Starting at $19.95 per month, US Global Mail costs more than budget options, yet the included scanning and check deposit can make the total cost competitive for heavy mail users.
What we like- Houston, Texas address
- Unlimited scanning on many plans
- Free check deposit
Watch out for- Only one main address location
- Higher entry price than budget rivals
Starting price$10 per month
Free planNo
PostScan Mail suits freelancers and small businesses that need a professional mailing address without renting office space. Incoming mail is scanned, stored digitally, and forwarded on request, and the service supports check deposit for business and personal mail. A real street address also looks more credible on invoices and websites than a home address.
Pricing starts around $10 per month, though the final cost depends on mail volume and forwarding choices. The location network is smaller than the largest rivals, so confirm your preferred state is available. PostScan Mail is a balanced mid-price option for users who want scanning, forwarding, and a business-ready address.
What we like- Addresses in many states
- Unlimited scanning on many plans
- Check deposit available
Watch out for- Smaller location network than iPostal1
- Forwarding and storage fees need checking
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Earth Class Mail targets businesses that receive regular mail and need it handled, scanned, and routed to the right team. Features include check deposit, document scanning, and workflows for invoices, contracts, and customer mail. That business focus makes it useful for remote companies, startups, and firms without a central office.
Casual users will find it expensive compared with traveler plans, and the feature set may exceed personal needs. Earth Class Mail fits companies with steady mail volume, compliance needs, or multiple staff who need access to scanned mail. Ask about per-item fees, retention, and user permissions before choosing a tier.
What we like- Business-focused mail handling
- Check deposit and document workflows
- Addresses for companies
Watch out for- Pricier than casual traveler plans
- Overkill for light personal mail
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
VirtualPostMail focuses on business users who need a credible mailing address and reliable scanning. The service handles incoming mail, scans items on request, forwards packages, and offers options that help with business address needs. That mix suits startups, remote teams, and consultants who want mail kept separate from home.
Address choice is narrower than the largest networks, so check availability in your preferred state. Pricing varies by plan and mail volume, so request a full fee schedule. VirtualPostMail is worth shortlisting when a professional business address matters more than having thousands of locations.
What we like- California and other business addresses
- Mail scanning and forwarding
- Business registration support options
Watch out for- Pricing is quote and plan based
- Address choice is narrower than large networks
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Americas Mailbox serves a specific audience: travelers, RVers, and expats who want a South Dakota domicile. South Dakota has no state income tax and is popular for domicile planning, and the service supports mail forwarding alongside related steps such as vehicle registration guidance. That niche focus is its main strength.
Users who do not need South Dakota will find broader providers more flexible. Some features, such as fuller scanning options, sit on higher tiers, so compare plans carefully. Americas Mailbox fits travelers who have already chosen South Dakota and want a provider familiar with that process.
What we like- South Dakota address and domicile support
- Vehicle registration help
- Mail forwarding for travelers
Watch out for- Single-state focus limits choice
- Some features sit on higher tiers
How we chose
We reviewed vendor pricing pages, product documentation, and public reviews on G2, Capterra, and Reddit, and we compared address networks, scanning policies, check deposit, forwarding fees, storage, and setup requirements. We favored services with current virtual mailbox plans, clear fee schedules, and a track record for handling mail securely. Where a starting price could not be confirmed on the vendor pricing page, we listed See website.
Setup, fees, and address choice
Most mail forwarding services follow a similar setup path, and knowing it in advance avoids delays. You choose an address, complete identity verification, submit USPS Form 1583, and often complete notarization, sometimes by video call. Activation usually takes one to two days after verification, though notarization can add time.
Reading the fee schedule
Base price covers the address and a set amount of mail handling, but scans, forwarding postage, package handling, storage beyond a limit, and shredding may cost extra. Heavy mail users should estimate a realistic monthly total, not just the advertised plan price. Ask whether scans are unlimited, whether envelope scans are free, and how forwarding postage is charged.
Choosing a state and address type
State choice matters for tax, business registration, and banking, but a mailbox address alone does not create legal domicile. Check with a tax or legal adviser before relying on an address for residency or registration. For business use, confirm that banks, payment providers, and state agencies accept the address type offered, since some require a physical office address for certain filings.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mail forwarding service?
A mail forwarding service gives you a mailing address at its facility, receives mail and packages for you, scans items into a digital mailbox, and forwards selected items to your current address. You control each item through an app or dashboard. It suits travelers, expats, remote workers, and businesses without a fixed office.
How do I set up a virtual mailbox?
Choose a provider and address, verify your identity, and complete USPS Form 1583, which authorizes the provider to receive your mail. Many providers offer remote notarization for this form. Once approved, update your address with banks, subscriptions, and government agencies.
Can I use a virtual address for my business?
Often yes for mailing, customer contact, and general business correspondence, but rules vary by state, bank, and filing type. Some registrations require a physical business address or a registered agent address, which may differ from a mailbox address. Confirm requirements before using the address on official filings.
Does mail forwarding include check deposit?
Some services offer check deposit, including Traveling Mailbox, iPostal1 on eligible plans, US Global Mail, and PostScan Mail, while others do not. Check deposit usually requires the provider to scan the check and submit it to your bank. Confirm bank compatibility and any fees before relying on it.
How long does mail forwarding take?
Domestic forwarding usually takes a few days after you request it, depending on postage method and destination. International forwarding takes longer and costs more, and some countries have restrictions. Scanning is faster, since you can view mail digitally within a day or two of arrival in many cases.
Is my mail secure with a forwarding service?
Reputable providers use secure facilities, access controls, encryption for digital scans, and shredding for items you discard. Security also depends on your account protections, such as strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Read the provider privacy and retention policy before sending sensitive mail.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.travelingmailbox.com
- https://www.ipostal1.com
- https://www.anytimemailbox.com
- https://www.usglobalmail.com
- https://www.postscanmail.com
- https://www.earthclassmail.com
- https://www.virtualpostmail.com
- https://www.americasmailbox.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.
Traveling Mailbox
iPostal1
Anytime Mailbox
US Global Mail
PostScan Mail
Earth Class Mail
VirtualPostMail
Americas Mailbox