Abstract: A method for communicating a re-keying message from a postage meter to a registration authority includes the steps of determining at the postage meter that a current key needs to be replaced with a new key; generating in the postage meter the new key; creating in the postage meter the re-keying message, the re-keying message including at least a device identifier and the new key; using the postage meter for printing the re-keying message in a machine-readable form on a recording medium; and mailing the recording medium to the registration authority.

Abstract: A data center for a postage meter resetting system includes a computer that receives a postage refill request to electronically add a postage refill amount to a postage meter; structure for determining at the computer a rebate value associated with the postage refill request; and apparatus for sending the rebate value to a designated location.