How are postage meters typically funded?

Postage meters are typically funded through a prepaid account balance. This system allows users to maintain a balance on their postage meter, which is drawn down as postage is printed. Prepaying for postage ensures that users can print postage at their convenience without needing to conduct multiple transactions each time they need to send mail.

This method is efficient because it allows for easy management of postage expenditures and ensures that the meter is always ready for use, as long as there is sufficient balance. Users can recharge their accounts periodically by adding funds, which can often be done through various methods such as online transfers, but the fundamental structure relies on preloading funds into the account.

Other funding methods, such as using cash directly at the meter or credit cards, may not be standard practices, especially in environments where postage meters are utilized in businesses or institutions, which prefer the streamlined approach of a prepaid account. Bank loans would not be a practical or common manner to fund postage meters, as they are designed to be continually replenished as needed rather than financed.