Guide
Cheapest ways to send postcards
The cheapest postcard is not automatically the best value. The real question is how much emotional impact, reliability, and convenience you lose when you minimize cost too aggressively.
If price is the only goal, DIY printing or a basic tourist postcard can be the cheapest route. But if the postcard matters, the cheapest option often looks less attractive once you include print quality, effort, or the fact that the message gets ignored.
A useful comparison is not just cheapest by sticker price, but cheapest option that still achieves the result you want.
That is why 'cost to send a postcard' is only half the question. The better question is what the extra dollar or two actually buys you in response, memory value, and ease of sending.
Cost comparison
| Method | Cost | Speed | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY printed postcard | $0.50-$1.00 + postage | Varies | Lowest cost, highest effort, inconsistent finish |
| Tourist postcard | $1.00-$2.50 + postage | 5-14 days | Simple and familiar, but static |
| Online print-and-mail service | $2.00-$4.00 | 3-10 days | Convenient, quality varies |
| Digital e-card | $0-$2.00 | Instant | No physical keepsake |
| ARVideoCards postcard | $4.00 | 2-10 days | Printed card plus personal video reveal |
How to choose the cheapest option without regretting it
Use the absolute cheapest option for low-stakes messages where convenience and impact do not matter much.
Spend slightly more when the postcard is meant to surprise, preserve a memory, or make someone feel genuinely seen.
AR postcards sit in the same broad price range as many premium services while creating a much stronger wow effect.
Best ways to send postcards online
Compare service types
How to send postcards
Full sending guide
Pricing
ARVideoCards rates
Compare cost with impact
A small budget increase can turn a static postcard into something people actually remember and keep.
Create a postcard