PO Box Alternatives In The UK

If you’re considering a PO Box, we recommend comparing them against virtual addresses, as each offers something different. For example, if you’re a registered business in the UK, you cannot use a PO Box as your registered office address. However, if you need an address for personal mail, PO Boxes may be the most cost-effective option. Get help on which to choose in this guide.

Recap: What is a PO Box?

A PO Box, sometimes called a Post Office Box, is a private address that individuals and businesses can use for mail deliveries. 

Traditionally, PO Boxes were offered by the Royal Mail, but our version of the PO Box includes additional features such as viewing mail online, forwarding any mail sent to your PO Box, sending mail and more.

What are the alternative options to getting a PO Box?

There can be many reasons people choose to get a PO Box, such as increased privacy, mail security, because they travel frequently, convenience, and more. However, there are some limitations to a PO Box, and virtual addresses are a popular alternative.

Virtual addresses: Your alternative to a PO Box

A virtual address offers all the benefits of a PO Box but with added flexibility and functionality. Here’s why a virtual address may be a better option:

• Real street address: Virtual addresses are based on physical locations, which may look more professional compared to a PO Box address. For example, if you’re using this address for your business and include your virtual address in correspondence, it will appear like a normal street address.
• Use for Companies House: PO Boxes cannot be used as the registered address of a UK company or organisation, whereas virtual addresses can be used. This makes virtual addresses a popular solution for companies that need to register in the UK.
• Greater flexibility with locations: We offer virtual addresses across the UK, in locations such as Dorset, London, Glasgow, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Bristol and Birmingham. Whereas our PO Boxes are only available in Dorset and London. If you’d like your address to appear as if you’re in a specific location, then a virtual address may give you more options.

Features available with our PO Box and virtual addresses

When you sign up for either a PO Box or virtual address, you’ll get access to our advanced online mail management system. While there are some key differences between the two different address types, both will give you access to the following features and services:

1. Receive letters and parcels - Either address can be used to receive letter and parcel deliveries. Just provide your virtual or PO Box address during the delivery and we’ll accept them on your behalf when they arrive.
2. Mail scanning - When your mail arrives, we’ll scan the envelope or take a photo of the parcel for you to view in your account. We can also open your letters and scan the contents for you to read online, either on request or automatically when they arrive.
3. Mail forwarding - Forward single items or create batches to save on postage costs. Choose which items to forward and provide the address — we’ll handle the postage for you.
4. Send letters online - Send letters from your account by uploading a PDF and providing us with the delivery information. We’ll print, prepare and post it on your behalf.
5. Organise your mail - Use tags and folders within your account to organise received mail and make it easier to find at a later date.
6. Mail storage and secure disposal - We offer 30 day free storage on all physical items as well as unlimited digital storage. If you no longer need the physical copy of your mail, just let us know, and we will dispose of it securely.
7. Integrations and automations - We offer a variety of integrations that allow you to create convenient automations and processes with other platforms you may use, such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Evernote and Dropbox. View our integrations page for more information.

Choose your PO Box or virtual address

Get started and choose your address today. You can use our pricing tool to view the various location options and prices before making your decision. If you need help making the right choice for your circumstance, please feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.