Should the Return-Path domain be different from the From domain in email headers?

Email marketer from SparkPost shares that using a different Return-Path domain is common when utilizing dedicated sending infrastructure. This allows for separate tracking and management of bounces, improving deliverability.

Marketer from Email Geeks adds the clarification that it is best if the return path domain is from the same organisation domain as the header from.

Email marketer from Reddit explains that having a different Return-Path domain can sometimes cause DMARC alignment issues if not configured properly. The user recommends ensuring SPF and DKIM are set up correctly for the Return-Path domain to avoid deliverability problems.

Email marketer from Stack Overflow explains that using a separate domain for the Return-Path allows for better separation for handling bounce email issues away from standard customer queries.

Email marketer from Mailjet explains that using a separate domain for the Return-Path allows for better bounce handling and prevents potential reputation damage to the primary sending domain. It's recommended to use a subdomain for this purpose.

Email marketer from GlockApps explains that a different Return-Path domain is often used to handle bounces and feedback loops separately from regular email. This helps maintain a clean sender reputation and ensures important notifications aren't missed.

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that the custom username format in the Return-Path is VERP (Variable Envelope Return Path) and is commonly used for tracking which specific email message bounced to whom.

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that it's common practice to have a different domain in the Return-Path but ideally the best practice is to use your domain for both the header From and the Return Path if your provider allows it.

Expert from Email Geeks shares that using a different return path domain is a best practice, especially for bulk mail, as it allows you to send bounces to a dedicated bounce handling machine separately from responses.

Expert from Spamresource.com explains that SPF failures are often caused by the Return-Path being different from the From domain, especially when forwarding email. They emphasize the importance of understanding SPF alignment and potential issues with forwarding.

Expert from Email Geeks explains that a different hostname in the return-path is typical for asynchronous bounces, which should go to a dedicated bounce handler, ideally within the same organizational domain for aesthetic and DMARC alignment purposes.

Expert from Wordtothewise.com shares that the Return-Path is specifically used for bounce processing and that it is therefore recommended that a seperate domain is used to handle those incoming messages.

Documentation from AuthSMTP answers that it is a common practice to use different domains for the Return-Path, especially when employing SPF. This is done to manage bounces effectively, without interfering with regular email traffic. The Return-Path is where bounce messages are sent, and a separate domain allows for easier processing.

Documentation from DMARC.org shares that for DMARC to pass, the domain in the Return-Path (also known as the Envelope From or MAIL FROM) must align with the domain used to sign the message with SPF or DKIM. This doesn't necessarily mean they must be the same, but alignment is required.

Documentation from RFC Editor explains that the Return-Path header field is added by the delivery system to indicate the destination to which undeliverable mail should be returned. It's distinct from the From header, which indicates the author.