Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is CAPS?

The Centralized Account Processing System is a postage payment system designed to make payment for all classes of mail easier and more cost-effective for you, the business mailer. It provides electronic options as customer alternatives to presenting checks and cash in person at each mailing Post Office. A national CAPS account can be used to pay for mailings at multiple locations eliminating the need for maintaining trust accounts at numerous Post Offices. In addition, when your mailing transactions are funded through a centralized account, CAPS can use those same transactions to provide you consolidated reports of mailing activity by Post Office location, mailing account and customer-defined date ranges. The reports are available in printed form as well as an electronic file that can be imported by your own electronic reporting systems.

What are the qualifications for a CAPS account?

You must meet one of the following three requirements to qualify for a CAPS account:

• 3 permits in two or more postal units and revenue of $10,000 per year, or
• 3 or more permits in one location and revenue of $50,000 per year, or
• Permit revenue of $500,000 per year.

Please note that you must have at least one existing permit account or Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA) before applying for a CAPS account.

What effect does opening a CAPS Account have on my permit numbers?

None. Customers continue to use the same permit numbers.

How do I fund my CAPS account?

For a centralized trust account, you deposit funds electronically—via standard Automated Clearing House (ACH) banking mechanisms or Fed Wire—to the CAPS bank prior to mailing. Your CAPS account is then reduced automatically as postage statements are processed by local offices. With a centralized debit account, your designated bank account will be debited—via standard ACH banking mechanisms—for the total of the day's mailings on the next business day.

What can I pay through my CAPS account?

Currently postage for permit imprint, Periodical, and business reply mail accounts, and Express Mail Corporate Accounts (EMCA) may be paid through CAPS. Permit and accounting fees are automatically charged to the CAPS account. Address Element Correction services may also be paid through CAPS.

How are fees handled when I open a CAPS account?

Fees in effect when linking a permit to a CAPS account remain in effect until the current expiration date. Then, in advance of fee expiration dates, customers receive a notice listing fees about to expire with an explanation of the renewal process. Customers can use the CAPS account to pay the fees.

Can I have more than one CAPS account?

Yes. Customers may have multiple CAPS accounts. While most customers desire a single source of information for all their permit accounts, some customers find that having more than one CAPS account works best for their particular business.

How can I get the balance in my CAPS account?

You can use the Account Inquiry page on this Web site or call our toll free CAPS account balance inquiry system (CABIS) at 1-866-252-9168.

Can regular trust account balances be transferred to a CAPS trust account?

Yes, with one exception. When a CAPS trust account is established, the customer may elect to transfer funds in local trust accounts to the CAPS trust account. The exception is the Express Mail Corporate Account (EMCA). When EMCA customers pay postage, the Express Mail Reporting System (EMRS) checks the customer's local EMCA trust account for a balance and deducts postage from it until the balance is zero. The system automatically offsets any additional postage against the customer's CAPS account.

How do I get detailed account information?

On the Account Inquiry page, using your CAPS account number and password, you can get account balances, transaction history, fee information, and other information. The information can be formatted as a report or downloaded to your system.

How do I get my company enrolled in CAPS?

Complete the application forms available on this Web site and send them to:

CAPS Service Center
US Postal Service
2700 Campus Drive
San Mateo CA 94497-9442