Reducing AWS SES Bounce Rates

AWS SES will suspend your account if bounce rates exceed 5%. Here's how to keep them low.

Types of Bounces

Hard bounces: Permanent failures (invalid address, domain doesn't exist). Remove these immediately.

Soft bounces: Temporary failures (mailbox full, server down). Retry a few times, then remove.

Prevention Strategies

1. Use double opt-in for new subscribers
2. Validate emails at sign-up with syntax and MX checks
3. Use email verification services for bulk imports
4. Remove hard bounces immediately via webhooks
5. Implement suppression lists

Setting Up SES Notifications

Configure SNS topics for bounce notifications. Process them in real-time to update your suppression list automatically.