Canonical: https://vpsmap.net/en/addresses/guides/ipostal1-scanning-and-forwarding/
Language: en
Updated: 2026-11-04T04:11:39.062Z

Scanning and forwardingPublished on 2026-11-04 Updated 2026-11-048-minute read[Markdown Source](https://vpsmap.net/addresses/guides/ipostal1-scanning-and-forwarding/index.md)

# iPostal1 Scanning and Forwarding Guide: Pay-Per-Scan, Bundles, and Consolidation[#](https://vpsmap.net/en/addresses/guides/ipostal1-scanning-and-forwarding/#section-1)

**At a glance:** An iPostal1 monthly plan allowance does not include mail content scanning. While the account provides exterior envelope images, reading inside pages is an optional paid service. This guide breaks down the costs of individual scans, prepaid bundles, and letter consolidation using official conditional examples so you can handle mail efficiently without duplicate fees.

## Monthly Allowance vs. Content Scanning[#](https://vpsmap.net/en/addresses/guides/ipostal1-scanning-and-forwarding/#section-2)

When you log into your virtual mailbox and see incoming mail, the first question is often whether the monthly fee includes opening and reading what is inside. The answer is no. Under iPostal1's US personal plans, your monthly subscription covers an incoming mail allowance and provides an exterior image of each envelope once received; scanning the content inside is an optional, paid add-on.

Nico (@Nico69Oliveira) posted a reminder on [X on 2026-11-02](https://x.com/Nico69Oliveira/status/2117226575573996011) that per-item scan and handling charges can increase total mailbox expenses. This post serves as a general fee reminder rather than a verified billing quote; understanding how each service is billed helps avoid unexpected charges.

[![Concept illustration separating an envelope preview from scanning its contents\](https://vpsmap.net/tutorial-media/ipostal-envelope-scan-20261104.webp)](https://vpsmap.net/tutorial-media/ipostal-envelope-scan-20261104.webp)Concept illustration: an envelope preview and a content scan are separate actions. Scan only the letters you need to read first.

According to [official iPostal1 documentation](https://ipostal1.com/how-a-virtual-mailbox-works.php), users view the exterior image of an incoming item in their inbox and then choose an action. If you only need to identify the sender or type of mail, the exterior image is often enough for an initial screening; you only need to pay for a content scan if you must read the document itself. If you already have an active personal mailbox, there is no need to buy a new address or change plans solely to access scanning.

## US Personal Plans and Incoming Mail Allowances[#](https://vpsmap.net/en/addresses/guides/ipostal1-scanning-and-forwarding/#section-3)

iPostal1 structures its core offerings into Virtual Mailing Address (personal), Virtual Business Address, and Virtual Office plans. Mail addressed to a company name requires a business plan, while this guide focuses exclusively on personal US Virtual Mailing Address plans.

According to the [iPostal1 plans and pricing page](https://ipostal1.com/virtual-mailing-address-plans-pricing-1.php), there are four starting tiers for US personal plans:

| Plan Name | Starting Monthly Rate (USD) | Monthly Incoming Items |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Green | $9.99 | 30 |
| Blue | $14.99 | 60 |
| Silver | $24.99 | 120 |
| Gold | $39.99 | 240 |

These figures represent starting monthly rates. Prices vary by location category, and local sales taxes may apply, with final amounts determined by the specific mail center and order checkout. The incoming items allowance defines how many letters or packages your box can receive each month; it does not represent free content scans or page allotments. Mail volume is an important factor when selecting a tier, but you should evaluate the overall cost of the specific location rather than treating incoming volume as the sole metric.

To review available mail centers, check our [iPostal1 address directory filter](https://vpsmap.net/en/addresses/?provider=ipostal1#address-browser) or browse the broader [address directory](https://vpsmap.net/en/addresses/). Setting up your mailbox also requires verifying postal documentation, which you can complete by following our [USPS Form 1583 guide](https://vpsmap.net/en/addresses/guides/usps-form-1583/).

## Pay-Per-Scan vs. Prepaid Bundles: How to Choose Without Waste[#](https://vpsmap.net/en/addresses/guides/ipostal1-scanning-and-forwarding/#section-4)

According to the [iPostal1 pricing and FAQ pages](https://ipostal1.com/faq-mailbox-account.php), content scanning at US locations can be handled via single-item payments or prepaid request bundles (these optional service fees exclude Canadian locations):

1. **Individual Content Scan**: Paid per envelope, costing $2.25 for an envelope of up to 10 pages.

1. **Prepaid Scan/Shred Bundles**: Priced at 5 requests for $10, 10 requests for $18, or 20 requests for $30.

Under these rules, one bundle request covers a single envelope with up to 10 pages. If an envelope exceeds 10 pages, an additional request is counted. Prepaid requests have no expiration deadline as long as the mailbox remains active, and they can also be used for shredding requests. However, unused requests are non-refundable if you cancel your mailbox.

To compare the actual cash outlay, consider the following conditional examples for ordinary US letters with no more than 10 pages each (excluding taxes, rent, postage, and other handling):

- **Scenario 1: Only 2 letters need scanning**

- Individual payment: 2 scans × $2.25 = $4.50.

- Prepaid 5-request bundle: $10.00 upfront.

- Comparison: For this specific task, paying individually requires an immediate cash outlay of $4.50, compared to $10.00 for the bundle. While the 3 remaining requests in the bundle remain valid for future use while the account is open, they cannot be refunded upon account cancellation. If you do not expect future scanning needs, paying per scan minimizes immediate cash outflow.

- **Scenario 2: 5 letters confirmed to need scanning**

- Individual payment: 5 scans × $2.25 = $11.25.

- Prepaid 5-request bundle: $10.00 flat.

- Comparison: Buying the 5-request bundle saves $1.25 compared to individual payments ($11.25 - $10.00). Even for short-term use, if you already have 5 eligible letters waiting to be read, purchasing the 5-request bundle immediately lowers your total cost without requiring long-term mailbox ownership.

## Mail Processing Workflow: From Exterior Images to Paper Storage[#](https://vpsmap.net/en/addresses/guides/ipostal1-scanning-and-forwarding/#section-5)

Handling incoming mail through standard steps protects your privacy and keeps storage expenses under control:

1. **Review the Exterior Image**: When new mail arrives, log in and view the exterior image attached to the item to confirm the sender and envelope type.

1. **Submit a Content Scan Request**: If you need to read the contents, select content scanning on that item. Once processed, the system provides a downloadable and printable PDF file.

1. **Physical Storage in Original Envelope**: Official guidelines specify that after scanning, the physical paper goes back into its original envelope. Receiving a digital copy does not dispose of the paper document.

1. **Manage Storage Within the Free Period**: Ordinary US letters include 30 days of free physical storage at the mail center. After 30 days, storage costs $1.10 per item per month. Within the remaining free storage window, decide whether to keep the item stored, request forwarding, pick it up in person, or request shredding and disposal.

1. **Review Completed Payments**: You can review past completed payments in your account under Reports > Order History.

## Letter Consolidation and Forwarding Rules[#](https://vpsmap.net/en/addresses/guides/ipostal1-scanning-and-forwarding/#section-6)

When you need physical mail delivered, forwarding items separately can lead to higher shipping costs, making consolidation a practical option.

[![Concept illustration of letters grouped for forwarding while parcels remain separate\](https://vpsmap.net/tutorial-media/ipostal-letter-consolidation-20261104.webp)](https://vpsmap.net/tutorial-media/ipostal-letter-consolidation-20261104.webp)Concept illustration: check letter consolidation, parcel packing and postage separately, and plan around the free storage period.

Before requesting forwarding, keep these official guidelines in mind:

1. **No Consolidation Fee for Letters**: Under official pricing, consolidating ordinary letters incurs no consolidation fee. However, waiving the consolidation fee does not mean postage is free.

1. **Packages and Letter-Packs Follow Separate Rules**: Packages and letter-packs may incur separate consolidation and packing material fees. Packages also follow established dimension bands and location-specific storage policies, so the 30-day free storage and standard fee structure for ordinary letters should not be applied to parcels.

1. **Consolidation Generates a New Item with Carrier Quotes**: When you select multiple letters for consolidation, the mail center bundles them into a new inbox item that displays real-time carrier quotes.

1. **Compare Quotes Before Approving Shipment**: Once shipping quotes appear, compare the consolidated rate against the estimated cost of forwarding the envelopes individually. Only approve the shipment if the carrier quote meets your budget. Do not assume consolidation is automatically cheaper without checking the actual quote.

1. **Manage Your Free Storage Window**: Ordinary letters incur storage fees of $1.10 per item per month after their 30-day free period. Waiting indefinitely for future mail to arrive can trigger extra storage fees or delay time-sensitive documents. Make your forwarding decisions before the free storage period ends.

## Choose an Address, Then Purchase on the Official Website

First compare locations and existing verification records in the directory. After selecting a specific address, check the official website's plans and fees.

[Compare iPostal1 U.S. Locations →](https://vpsmap.net/en/addresses/?provider=ipostal1#directory)[Visit iPostal1's Official Website to Choose a Location / Purchase ↗](https://ipostal1.com/digital-mailbox-addresses.php)

[Provider Overview and Data Coverage](https://vpsmap.net/en/addresses/providers/ipostal1/) · [Check a complete address](https://vpsmap.net/en/addresses/verify/)