Does FedEx Do COD? What C.O.D. Means in Shipping (2026)

2026 rule: FedEx does not offer C.O.D. (collect on delivery) service on its U.S. package services or to international destinations. UPS charges $22.50 per package for C.O.D., and USPS offers COD for up to $1,000 collected per item.

Quick answer: COD means the carrier collects payment for the goods from the recipient at delivery and sends it to the shipper. The COD amount is what the recipient owes; the COD fee is what the carrier charges the shipper for collecting it. FedEx’s 2026 Service Guide says C.O.D. service is not offered, and a package marked “C.O.D.” may be returned with all related charges billed to the sender.

Sources: FedEx Service Guide Terms and Conditions, effective January 5, 2026 (updated September 11, 2026); UPS 2026 Rate and Service Guide (daily rates); USPS DMM 503.9 (Collect on Delivery), checked October 29, 2026.

What COD Means in Shipping

With collect on delivery, the shipper sends goods that have not been paid for yet. The carrier collects the amount due from the recipient before handing over the package, then sends that payment to the shipper. USPS describes it as collecting the price of the article and the cost of postage from the addressee. UPS describes it as collecting the amount shown on the C.O.D. tag or label and sending the payment to the shipper.

Does FedEx Do COD?

No. The FedEx Service Guide has a section titled “Collect on delivery (C.O.D.) service: not offered.” For U.S. shipments it names FedEx Priority Overnight, Standard Overnight, 2Day A.M., 2Day, Express Saver, 1Day Freight, 2Day Freight, 3Day Freight, FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery, and says a shipment marked “C.O.D.” may be returned with all related charges billed to the sender. For international shipments it says FedEx does not offer C.O.D. to international destinations and a shipment marked “C.O.D.” will be returned and all related charges billed to the sender.

The guide does not list any FedEx service that does offer C.O.D. If you see “COD” on an older label template or in shipping software set up for FedEx, remove it before tendering.

FedEx Payment Options That Are Not COD

• Bill Recipient. The recipient pays the shipping charges, not the price of the goods. FedEx states this is not C.O.D. service. If no recipient account number in good credit standing is provided, the recipient must pay for the shipment at delivery.
• Bill FedEx Ground COLLECT. Transportation charges, including fuel, are billed to an authorized COLLECT recipient, and some charges such as pickup fees and address corrections stay with the sender. FedEx says it should not be confused with C.O.D. Shipping collect to a recipient FedEx has not authorized triggers an additional charge.
• Bill Third Party. Charges go to another account in good credit standing.

Under every option, FedEx’s terms make the sender ultimately liable for all charges if the recipient or third party fails or refuses to pay. Rebilled charges can add a payer rebilling fee.

COD at UPS and USPS

USPS recipients can pay with one form of payment: cash, personal check or money order made payable to the mailer, and must show acceptable ID. USPS also requires that the goods were ordered by the addressee, and it will not step into disputes once the payment has gone back to the mailer. For UPS details, see What does UPS COD fee mean.

What Shippers Should Do Instead

• Take payment before shipping for consumer orders. FedEx gives you no way to collect for the goods at the door.
• For B2B customers who insist on paying at delivery, use UPS or USPS COD and weigh the per-package fee and the return risk against invoicing on terms.
• Clean up label templates. A COD flag on a FedEx shipment risks a return with charges billed to you.
• Do not confuse Bill Recipient with COD. It moves the shipping charge, not the merchandise payment, and you remain liable if the recipient refuses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does FedEx do COD?

No. FedEx’s 2026 Service Guide says C.O.D. service is not offered for its U.S. package services or to international destinations. A shipment marked C.O.D. may be returned with all related charges billed to the sender.

What does COD mean in shipping?

Collect on delivery. The carrier collects the amount due for the goods from the recipient at delivery and sends the payment to the shipper.

What is a COD fee?

The carrier’s per-package charge to the shipper for collecting payment at delivery. UPS charges $22.50 per package in 2026. FedEx does not offer the service.

What is the COD amount?

The amount the recipient must pay before the carrier releases the package, normally the price of the goods. USPS limits it to $1,000 per item.

Is FedEx Bill Recipient the same as COD?

No. Bill Recipient charges the shipping cost to the recipient. It does not collect payment for the goods, and FedEx states it is not C.O.D. service.

What forms of payment are accepted for COD?

At USPS, one form of payment: cash, personal check or money order made payable to the mailer. UPS COD requires the shipper to enroll in an Enhanced C.O.D. service through UPS Capital.

Related Reading

• What Does UPS COD Fee Mean? $22.50 Collect on Delivery Charge (2026)
• FedEx Payer Rebilling and Invalid Account Fees 2026: $25.50 Per Shipment
• UPS vs USPS vs FedEx 2026: When to Use Each Carrier
• FedEx Surcharges 2026: Every Fee, Rate & Threshold Explained

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This article is for informational purposes only. Carrier rates, surcharges, and policies change frequently — always verify current terms directly with the carrier for your specific situation. Have questions? Reach out to us — we're happy to help.