What is a Postal Box?
A Postal Box is a locked compartment within a Post Office to which only you and the Post Office's Postmaster have access, providing a convenient and secure way to receive mail.
All mail addressed to your Postal Box address will be deposited there—except for any items that require a signature or are simply too large to fit into the compartment. And even in these cases, your mail is still secure: a notice will be left in your Postal Box advising you to pick up the items from the retail counter at the Post Office.
With almost 4,600 locations across Canada, 5 different sizes of Postal Box compartments and bag service for larger volumes of mail, Canada Post Postal Boxes are a great way to help manage correspondence. And if you own a business of any size, a Postal Box rental is indispensable.
How you can benefit from using a Postal Box?
- It's secure. You don't have to worry if there's no one around when your mail is delivered, or your mailbox is overflowing; with a Postal Box, your mail is always under lock and key.
- It's convenient. You can collect your Postal Box mail when it's most convenient to you.
Rates & prices
To rent a Postal Box, you will first need to make a deposit for your keys. A requirement for all Postal Box rentals, a key deposit of $11.70 covers two keys for each Postal Box. If you require a 24-hour security access key (where available), enabling you to pick up your mail at any time, the deposit is $15.90 for one key. All key deposits are subject to applicable taxes and are fully refundable if you cancel your Postal Box rental and return all keys intact.
Payment for Postal Boxes must be made in advance for the selected rental period. Rents vary by the size of your Postal Box and by geographic location (urban versus rural Post Offices).
Urban Areas (excl. Toronto & Vancouver)
| Category | Postal Boxes | Approximate Size | 3 months | 6 months | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Small or General Delivery |
100 mm x 140 mm x 350 mm | $47.00 | $83.00 | $125.00 |
| B | Medium | 150 mm x 140 mm x 350 mm | $64.00 | $113.00 | $170.00 |
| C | Large | 300 mm x 140 mm x 350 mm | $83.00 | $147.00 | $220.00 |
| D | X-Large | 300 mm x 280 mm x 350 mm | $101.00 | $180.00 | $270.00 |
| E | XX-Large | 600 mm x 280 mm x 350 mm | $244.00 | $433.00 | $650.00 |
| Container and Bag Service | $244.00 | $433.00 | $650.00 | ||
Toronto Vancouver Urban Core*
| Category | Postal Boxes | Approximate Size | 3 months | 6 months | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Small or General Delivery |
100 mm x 140 mm x 350 mm | $58.00 | $103.00 | $155.00 |
| B | Medium | 150 mm x 140 mm x 350 mm | $71.00 | $127.00 | $190.00 |
| C | Large | 300 mm x 140 mm x 350 mm | $101.00 | $180.00 | $270.00 |
| D | X-Large | 300 mm x 280 mm x 350 mm | $126.00 | $223.00 | $335.00 |
| E | XX-Large | 600 mm x 280 mm x 350 mm | $244.00 | $433.00 | $650.00 |
| Container and Bag Service | $244.00 | $433.00 | $650.00 | ||
*Toronto Core boundaries are defined as: within Bloor St./Lake Ontario/Jarvis St./Bathurst St. The defined forward sortation areas (FSA) are: M4Y, M5B, M5C, M5S, M5T, M5V and M5W.
*Vancouver Core boundaries are defined as: within Coal Harbour/False Creek/Main St./Stanley Park. The defined forward sortation areas (FSA) are: V6A, V6B, V6C, V6E, V6G, V6Z, V7X and V7Y.
Rural Areas
| Category | Postal Boxes | Approximate Size | 3 months | 6 months | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Small or General Delivery |
100 mm x 140 mm x 350 mm | $43.00 | $77.00 | $115.00 |
| B | Medium | 150 mm x 140 mm x 350 mm | $62.00 | $110.00 | $165.00 |
| C | Large | 300 mm x 140 mm x 350 mm | $79.00 | $140.00 | $210.00 |
| D | X-Large | 300 mm x 280 mm x 350 mm | $96.00 | $170.00 | $255.00 |
| E | XX-Large | 600 mm x 280 mm x 350 mm | $204.00 | $363.00 | $545.00 |
| Container and Bag Service | $204.00 | $363.00 | $545.00 | ||
How do I know which Postal Box size is right for me?
The most important consideration is how much mail you expect to receive and what size of mail. You can choose an appropriately sized Postal Box from the chart below.
- Small—Ideal for letter envelopes
- Medium—Accommodates letter, legal, and large brown envelopes
- Large to XX-Large—Accepts virtually all size letters, envelopes, and various sized parcels
Cancellations and refunds
You can cancel your Postal Box rental at any time. Fees may apply and the fee for the first 3 months is not refundable. Contact your local Post Office for more information.
