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How do I add a custom return-path?

What is the Return-Path?

The Return-Path is the address where bounces and other email feedback are sent. It is specified by the Return-Path header in an email. The default Return-Path for emails sent through Postmark is:

Return-Path: <pm_bounces@pm.mtasv.net>

It is also described as:

  • bounce address
  • reverse path
  • envelope from
  • MAIL FROM

Why set a custom Return-Path?

A custom Return-Path helps tie your email reputation with your domain. If you have a DMARC policy for your domain, a custom Return-Path that aligns with your domain achieves SPF alignment.

If you send emails from example.com, then you can still pass SPF and DKIM authentication but since the Return-Path and From address are not using the same domain, SPF will not pass for DMARC alignment. When you set up a Return-Path domain of pm-bounces.example.com (the default hostname value for a custom return-path is "pm-bounces") and send emails from example.com then the domains will be aligned. When you send emails with a custom Return-Path, the header would look like:

Return-Path: <pm_bounces@pm-bounces.example.com>

How to set a custom Return-Path

For your Return-Path domain, you need to create a CNAME record in DNS that points to pm.mtasv.net. This is so that Postmark is still able to collect bounces and other feedback sent to that address.

How to set a custom Return-Path in Postmark?

Click on the image below to view our video collection on how to set up a custom Return-Path in various DNS providers, or follow the detailed instructions below.

How to set up a custom Return-Path in various DNS providers

  1. Add a CNAME record to your DNS that points to pm.mtasv.net
  2. While logged into Postmark, choose Signatures
  3. Select the DNS Settings link on the domain you want to add the custom Return-Path domain on
  4. Navigate to the Return-Path section and enter in your alias you used in your CNAME record you added to your DNS
Last updated March 11th, 2022

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