A couple benefits of using virtual mailbox services include having a way to receive mail while overseas and virtual check deposits. I’ll cover more throughout this guide.
I’m an expat who has tried virtual mailboxes. To help you decide whether they’re worth it, I’ve compiled a list of this service’s advantages.
While browsing this guide, you’ll find the following:
Let’s get to it.
7 Benefits of a Virtual Mailbox
The following sections will cover the pros of having a virtual mailbox.
#1 Legitimate Commercial Address
Virtual mailboxes give you the means to have a permanent business address. This prevents small businesses without a physical presence freelancers from revealing their home addresses.
With these addresses, you can receive and forward mail.
Use them while adhering to CAN-SPAM Act standards. CAN-SPAM Act requires you to include a physical address when sending mail to recipients on a mailing list. To prove you’re not a spammer.
If you need the means to verify your company, some remote address providers also provide lease contracts and utility bills.
#2 Package & Mail Forwarding
Their mail forwarding services typically charge less than if you were to forward mail from a P.O. box. These providers store your mail for a certain amount of time, but don’t charge you for the amount of mail you hold (normally).
Moreover, these services claim they charge competitive rates when it comes to general shipping rates.
#3 Remote Mail Management
Virtual mailboxes give you the means to manage your mail remotely. First off, they’re great for mitigating junk mail.
Sometimes businesses will recognize whether you’re using a virtual address and not send marketing materials. If they send mail, many remote mailbox providers will recycle and/or shred junk mail for free.
Also, once the provider receives your mailing item, they’ll scan the outside of it, scan the mail’s contents. The service allows you to easily organize your mail without many papers filling your home.
It’s also an excellent solution for businesses to digitize their mail for record-keeping.
#4 Virtual Check Deposits
If you have a US-based bank account, use virtual mailboxes to remotely deposit checks that you receive via their facilities into your bank account on your behalf.
If this is a service you’ll need, you will need to find a service that doesn’t charge a lot for check deposits. For example, some providers will charge per check deposited, while others will charge bulk prices.
#5 Saves You Money Compared To Similar Services
Virtual address services usually serve as an all-in-one platform for handling your mail. Many offer unlimited cloud storage. This feature saves you from subscribing to cloud software plans where you must pay per gigabyte you use.
Also, you don’t need to invest in the infrastructure to protect your documents from unlikely scenarios like flooding, humidity, or mold.
Regarding fees, you’ll often end up paying less in areas such as cancellation expenses.
Otherwise, you’re saving money by doing everything remotely. For instance, you don’t need to waste gas money or drive to a P.O. box.
#6 Helps Prevent Mail Theft
Virtual mailbox providers have various safeguards to protect your mail and packages from porch pirates. For example, they perform background checks on their employees and have facilities armed with security cameras, key card locks, and alarm systems.
Mail theft has soared more than 600% in the past few years [1]. With thousands of people losing important pieces of mail and packages daily.
If these thieves snag a piece of mail that includes sensitive information like your social security number, they can commit identity theft and make your life hellish for a while.
#7 Additional Useful Features and Integrations
You’ll get your money’s worth when using a virtual mailbox. While no remote mail service provider is the same, many offer similar features like free secure shredding and check deposit services.
Some plans allow you to connect your account to Software as a Service (SaaS) applications like Evernote or Dropbox to manage your mail in a familiar environment.
What Is a Virtual Mailing Service?
A virtual mailing service receives business and personal mail items at a commercial address. These services also give you a legitimate physical address to provide to any service or entity as a mailing address.
Virtual mail service providers will receive this mail at their facilities or from Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies. Once they receive your mail, you decide whether to store, scan, shred, or forward the mailing items.
What Is a Virtual Mailbox?
Best Virtual Mailbox Providers To Try
Some of the best virtual street address providers include:
| Provider | Starting Price * | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Anytime Mailbox | $5.99–$39.99+/mo. | Receiving many mailing items |
| PostScan Mail | $15–30/mo. | Customer service & U.S. digital nomads |
| iPostal1 | $9.99–$39.99/mo. | Mail forwarding & shipping |
| Earth Class Mail | $19–$229/mo. | Mail security |
| VirtualPostMail | $20–$90/mo. | Address verification |
| US Global Mail | $9.95–$29.95/mo. | Secure facility (in 2 states) |
| Physical Address | $7.98–$26.98/mo. | Free registered agent |
* These prices don’t include sales tax or other fees.
I’m not going to cover all these providers in this guide. I compare them in a separate piece. Explore each provider’s features, pros and cons, and pricing to see whether they’re the right provider.
7 Best Virtual Mailboxes for Expats and Travelers
Wrapping Up
If you’re living abroad, a business owner without a physical presence, or someone tired of mail theft, you’ll benefit from at least trying a remote mailbox service. Many offer free trials or 30-day money-back guarantees to test their perks.
Learn more about virtual home and business address providers as a service in other guides.
