Postcard vs Email Verification

[jrobbins]

Does anyone know what prompts G to request a Postcard vs Email Verification? Why one is required for some while the other is for others????

 

[ElizabethRule]

There are a number of reasons Google may require an email vs postcard verification. My experience is that the less trust Google has, the higher the chance you get the postcard option. this can include new businesses or businesses in duress/spammy categories. Trusted businesses have more verification options for the most part

Google outlines all the verification methods here.

Edited Jan 11th to add some info and clarify that service area businesses CAN receive postcards too.