Remittance Envelope: What It Is, Sizes, and How to Use One (2026)

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Last updated: October 2026

A remittance envelope is a return envelope with an extended flap that doubles as a printed form. Donors, bill payers, and members fill in the flap, enclose their payment, seal it, and mail it back. If you run donation drives, billing programs, or membership renewals and need a reliable low-cost return mechanism, this guide covers every detail you need: sizes, design, postage options, and ordering.

Quick Answer

A remittance envelope is a #6 3/4 or #9 return envelope with an oversized back flap that functions as a printed payment or donor form. It mails inside a standard #10 outgoing envelope and returns with the donor's or payer's check and completed form in a single piece.

• Most common size: #6 3/4 (3 5/8 x 6 1/2 inches), fits inside a #10 outgoing envelope
• The extended wallet flap is where you print donation amounts, account fields, and payment instructions
• Use #6 3/4 for most donation and pledge programs; use #9 when you need more flap space for billing or detailed forms
• CRM (Courtesy Reply Mail) means the recipient adds a stamp; BRM (Business Reply Mail) means you pay postage only on returned pieces, but requires a USPS permit
• Print the return address and logo on the face, leave the seal zone ink-free, and use 24 lb white wove paper so pens write cleanly
• Custom printing is available with no minimum order, free ground shipping, and a PDF proof before production

Contents

• What Is a Remittance Envelope?
• How the Extended Wallet Flap Works
• Remittance Envelope Sizes: #6 3/4 vs #9
• How a Remittance Envelope Fits in a #10
• Who Uses Remittance Envelopes
• What to Print on a Remittance Envelope Flap
• Flap Design Best Practices
• CRM vs BRM: Which Return Postage Option to Use
• USPS Postal Rules for Remittance Envelopes
• How to Set Up a Remittance Envelope Program
• Custom Printed Remittance Envelopes
• Common Mistakes When Using Remittance Envelopes
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Remittance Envelope?

A remittance envelope is a return envelope with an extended back flap, also called a wallet flap. When closed, the flap folds over the sealed envelope face, and the inside surface of that folded flap carries a printed form. The recipient fills in the form, encloses their payment or response, seals the gummed or peel-and-seal flap, and mails the complete piece back to the sending organization.

The defining feature is the combined form-plus-envelope function. Instead of enclosing a separate reply card and a plain return envelope in your outgoing mailing, you send one piece: the remittance envelope does both jobs. For high-volume programs, this reduces per-piece cost and simplifies handling on the return side.

Remittance envelopes differ from standard reply envelopes in one important way: the size of the flap. A standard #9 reply envelope has a short gum flap, just wide enough to seal. A #9 remittance envelope has an oversized flap, several inches deep, that folds past the sealed edge and presents a full printable form surface to the recipient.

Browse custom-printed options at #6 3/4 remittance envelopes.

How the Extended Wallet Flap Works

The wallet flap is what makes a remittance envelope a two-in-one mailing device. Here is how the process works from the recipient's perspective.

1. Recipient receives the outgoing mailing. A #10 envelope arrives containing your letter and the enclosed remittance envelope. The remittance envelope is folded flat with the extended flap folded over the face.
2. Recipient opens the flap. The form fields are on the inside surface of the flap: gift amounts, account number, name and address lines, payment method options.
3. Recipient fills in the form. The donor checks a gift amount, writes their name and address, and selects a payment method. A billing recipient notes their account number and the amount enclosed.
4. Recipient encloses payment. A check, money order, or completed credit card authorization slip goes inside the envelope body.
5. Recipient seals the flap. The gummed flap is moistened and pressed closed, or the peel-and-seal strip is activated.
6. Recipient affixes postage and mails the piece. For Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM) programs, the recipient adds a stamp. For Business Reply Mail (BRM) programs, postage is already arranged and the piece drops in any mailbox.

Gummed flap: the standard closure for remittance envelopes

Most remittance envelopes use a gummed moistenable flap. The recipient licks or wets the gum strip and presses the flap closed. Gummed flaps are the lowest-cost option and are compatible with high-volume inserting machines if your program uses automated mailing equipment. The seal is strong once set, which matters for payment security.

Peel-and-seal remittance envelopes are available for programs where recipient convenience is a priority. The release strip pulls away to reveal a pressure-sensitive adhesive, so no moisture is needed. Browse self-adhesive envelopes for peel-and-seal formats.

Remittance Envelope Sizes: #6 3/4 vs #9

Two sizes cover most remittance envelope programs in the United States: the #6 3/4 and the #9. Both fit inside a standard #10 outgoing business envelope.

The #6 3/4 is the most widely used size for donation-based programs. It fits comfortably inside a #10 outgoing envelope alongside a one-page appeal letter, and the flap provides enough space for four to five giving tiers, a name and address block, and payment method checkboxes.

The #9 is longer, giving the flap more vertical room. Billing programs that need to show an itemized balance, a payment coupon, or several lines of account information often choose the #9. The #9 is also commonly used as a standard reply envelope in billing programs where no extended flap is needed, for example as a plain security-tinted return piece enclosed with a statement mailed in a #10 window envelope.

For detailed #6 3/4 specifications, templates, and design guidance, see the #6 3/4 envelope guide. For #9 specifications and reply envelope options, see the #9 envelope guide.

How a Remittance Envelope Fits in a #10

A #6 3/4 remittance envelope (3 5/8 x 6 1/2 inches closed) fits inside a #10 outgoing envelope (4 1/8 x 9 1/2 inches) with approximately 1/2 inch of height clearance and 3 inches of length clearance. The extended flap, folded over the face, keeps the total thickness of the piece within the #10's capacity.

A #9 remittance envelope (3 7/8 x 8 7/8 inches) fits the same #10 outgoing envelope with about 1/4 inch of height clearance and 5/8 inch of length clearance, which is enough for hand-stuffing. Automated inserting machines may require the full 1/4 inch clearance on each dimension, so check your equipment specifications if you run high-volume programs.

Who Uses Remittance Envelopes

Any organization that sends outgoing mail and needs payments, donations, or completed forms returned in the same piece is a potential user of remittance envelopes.

Nonprofits and charitable organizations

Nonprofit fundraising programs send appeal letters with enclosed remittance envelopes so donors can return a check and a completed donor card in a single mailing. The extended flap typically shows preset giving levels, a write-in option, and recurring gift options. This eliminates the separate reply card insert, reducing outgoing mailing weight and cost.

Churches and religious organizations

Annual giving campaigns, pledge drives, and building fund mailings use #6 3/4 remittance envelopes for their compactness and the combined form-and-envelope function. The flap can carry the church name, giving purpose, and a pledge amount table.

Schools and educational institutions

Booster clubs, alumni associations, and parent-teacher organizations use remittance envelopes for annual fund appeals and event fundraisers. The flap can identify the donor's class year, fund preference, or event registration details.

Membership organizations

Dues renewal notices mailed with an enclosed remittance envelope give members a simple way to return payment by check, with membership tier, name, and contact information filled in on the flap.

Utility and service billing

Utility companies, insurance firms, and professional service offices use #9 remittance envelopes as the return piece in billing statements. The flap carries the account number and amount due so the payment can be matched to the account without opening a separate reply card.

What to Print on a Remittance Envelope Flap

The flap has two printable zones: the inside face, which the recipient writes on, and the outer face of the folded flap, which carries the return address so the piece can be mailed back.

Inside face of the flap (the form area)

For donation programs, include:

• Gift amount checkboxes: three to five preset amounts plus a write-in box. Align the amounts with giving levels mentioned in the appeal letter.
• Recurring gift option: a checkbox for monthly or quarterly giving, which increases donor lifetime value.
• Donor name and address lines: pre-print the donor's name and address from your CRM for a higher completion rate, or leave them blank for new-donor acquisition programs.
• Payment method: checkboxes for check and credit card; if accepting cards, add fields for card number, expiration date, and security code.
• Email field (optional): for sending digital tax receipts and follow-up communications.

For billing programs, include:

• Account or invoice number: pre-print this so the payment can be applied to the correct account without manual lookup.
• Amount due and due date: the exact figures from the statement.
• Payment method: check payable to, credit card fields, or a payment coupon.

Outer face of the folded flap (the address area)

This is what faces out when the envelope is sealed and mailed back. Print the organization's return address in the lower center. Leave the upper-right area clear for the return postage (stamp or BRM indicia). For BRM programs, the USPS-approved facing identification mark and postage-paid indicia go in the upper right, and the exact layout must be approved by USPS before printing.

See the complete design guide at #6 3/4 remittance envelope template.

Flap Design Best Practices

The flap design determines whether recipients complete and return the piece, so it deserves the same attention as the appeal letter itself.

• Make fields large enough for handwriting. A name and address block needs at least three lines, each at least 1/4 inch tall. Cramped fields lead to illegible returns that require manual data entry.
• Pre-print the account or reference number. For billing programs, pre-printed account numbers reduce payment matching errors and eliminate a step for the payer.
• Limit the number of fields. Every additional field reduces the completion rate. Include only what you need to process the payment and keep the donor's record current.
• Keep the seal zone free of ink. The gum strip or peel-and-seal adhesive needs a clean surface to bond. Ink in the seal zone weakens the closure and can cause the piece to open in transit.
• Mark fold lines clearly in the template. The flap folds at the top of the envelope body. Content that crosses the fold line is split and looks unprofessional. The template file shows the safe zone above and below the fold score.
• Use 24 lb wove paper. Coated stock repels ballpoint pens. White wove accepts ink from all standard writing instruments. 28 lb stock is available for premium programs where weight and feel matter.
• Note coin restrictions. If your program accepts coins, add a note on the flap that coins require extra postage, since a sealed coin makes the piece non-machinable and triggers a USPS surcharge.

CRM vs BRM: Which Return Postage Option to Use

The return postage arrangement determines who pays for the stamp on the piece mailed back to you, and the choice affects program cost, compliance requirements, and envelope design.

For most nonprofit and church programs, CRM is the right default. Response rates are high enough that the stamp is not a significant barrier, and CRM avoids the permit setup cost and USPS approval process.

BRM becomes worthwhile when your program returns a high volume, when the recipient population is less likely to have stamps available, or when removing the stamp requirement demonstrably lifts your response rate based on prior testing.

For full details on setting up a BRM program, see the business reply envelope guide.

USPS Postal Rules for Remittance Envelopes

A sealed #6 3/4 remittance envelope (3 5/8 x 6 1/2 inches) falls within the USPS letter size range and qualifies for First-Class letter postage. As of July 2026, the First-Class rate is $0.82 per ounce for the first ounce.

To qualify for the letter rate, the sealed piece must meet these requirements:

• Minimum size: 3 1/2 x 5 inches
• Maximum size: 6 1/8 x 11 1/2 inches
• Maximum thickness: 1/4 inch
• Maximum weight: 3.5 ounces
• Aspect ratio: length divided by height must be between 1.3 and 2.5

Pieces that fall outside these limits are classified as flats and are charged at a higher flat rate. Pieces that are rigid, contain loose contents, or are not uniformly thick may be subject to a non-machinable surcharge, which as of July 2026 is $0.49 per piece.

Important for coin or hard-item programs: Enclosing a coin, a key, or any rigid item makes the piece non-machinable. Print a note on the flap that any coin enclosure requires the donor to add extra postage at the post office.

How to Set Up a Remittance Envelope Program

Setting up a remittance envelope program for the first time takes a few decisions before you order.

1. Choose your size. Start with the #6 3/4 for most donation programs. Choose #9 if your form fields do not fit on the #6 3/4 flap, or if your billing program sends longer statements that require more return space.
2. Choose CRM or BRM. For first programs, CRM avoids the USPS permit process and reduces lead time. If you have prior mailing data showing that response rates drop significantly when recipients must affix a stamp, model out the BRM cost to see whether it pays for itself.
3. Design the flap. List the fields your program requires in order of priority. Keep the total field count to what fits comfortably on the flap with handwriting-friendly line heights. Use the remittance envelope template to position elements within the printable zone.
4. Coordinate with your outgoing envelope. The remittance envelope ships folded inside your outgoing #10 mailing envelope. Make sure your outgoing envelope is the right size and that the remittance envelope plus your letter fit without overstuffing.
5. Order early. Blank stock ships same or next business day. Custom-printed orders ship within 7 to 10 business days from proof approval. If your program has a mailing date, build in time for the proof review and any artwork revisions.
6. Process returns promptly. Set a processing schedule for returned envelopes. Each returned piece holds a payment and a completed form. Open returns the same day they arrive, log the payment amount, and apply it to the correct account or donor record.

Custom Printed Remittance Envelopes

Custom-printed remittance envelopes carry your organization's return address, logo, and branding on the face, plus your form design on the extended flap interior. Matching the print on the remittance envelope to your outgoing letter reinforces the organization's brand at both touchpoints in the mailing.

What can be custom printed

• Envelope face: organization name, return address, logo, tagline, or campaign theme
• Extended flap (inside): full custom form layout including gift amounts, giving tiers, account fields, payment options, and any required legal language
• Ink options: black ink (lowest cost), or Pantone-matched color (for logos and branded elements)

Custom printing process at Business Envelopes

1. Submit your artwork or provide the information you want printed.
2. Receive a PDF proof for review and approval before production begins.
3. Approve the proof. Artwork is kept on file for future reorders.
4. Custom-printed orders ship within 7 to 10 business days from proof approval.

No minimum order. Free ground shipping to the contiguous 48 states. Order at custom printed #6 3/4 remittance envelopes.

Common Mistakes When Using Remittance Envelopes

These are the most common errors that reduce response rates, cause processing problems, or violate postal rules.

• Printing in the seal zone. Ink on the gum or adhesive strip weakens the seal. Recipients whose envelopes come open in transit may not re-seal and resend them.
• Too many form fields. Every additional field reduces completion rates. Limit fields to what processing requires.
• Using coated paper stock. Coated paper repels ballpoint pens. Use 24 lb white wove so the form can be filled in legibly with any common pen.
• Mismatch between outgoing and return address. The return address on the remittance envelope face must be identical to the processing address where returns arrive. A mailing address change that updates the outgoing letter but not the remittance envelope face creates misrouted returns.
• Printing BRM artwork without USPS proof approval. USPS requires a proof review and approval before any BRM envelope is printed. Printing without approval can result in rejected returns and the loss of permit.
• Not coordinating with the outgoing mailing weight. Each piece in the outgoing mailing adds to the total weight. A #10 outgoing envelope, a two-page letter, and a #6 3/4 remittance envelope together typically weigh under one ounce. Add a reply card or additional insert and the piece may cross the one-ounce threshold, increasing outgoing postage. Weigh a complete stuffed outgoing envelope before finalizing the mailing.

Shop Remittance Envelopes

Business Envelopes has supplied envelope stock to US businesses, nonprofits, and churches since 1997. Every size in the guide above is in stock.

• No minimum order on any size
• Free ground shipping to the contiguous 48 states
• Blank stock ships same or next business day
• Custom-printed orders ship within 7 to 10 business days from proof approval
• Artwork kept on file for reorders

Browse all options: #6 3/4 remittance envelopes | #6 3/4 envelopes | window envelopes | custom printed envelopes | regular envelopes