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Cc: and BCc: Reply Expectations

ByJudith Hours Posted on Hours Updated: Comments Reading Time: 3 minutes
Business Email Etiquette Cc: and BCc: proper use.

Cc: stands for a courtesy copy. Back in the day, it indicated carbon copy — when carbon paper had to be used between sheets of paper to create copies of a typewritten document. Archaic, right?

BCc: means a blind copy. BCc is used when there is no indication on the original document that anyone else was copied. But they were.

So it is easy to see how blindly copying others without the recipients being aware could cause problems and even ethical issues. That said, there are times when using BCc makes sense.

Many wonder what is expected when your name appears in the Cc: field or when you are BCc’d on an email.  This is a topic that I get contacted about, so you are not alone!

Cc: and BCc: Reply Basics:

  • Cc: invites your comments, if applicable; otherwise, it is just an FYI. Only add those who need to be in the know when using Cc. Then a response is required only when you have something to add or when it is relevant to the original message. When you respond, only reply to those who need to be aware of your comments. If the others in the Cc: field will not benefit or do not need to know the content of your reply, remove their email addresses before replying.
  • If you are Cc‘d, Reply To All is rarely prudent. In many cases, comments will not apply to all involved. Things like a one-word reply, saying thank you, or confirming info that only applies to you. There are times when it is not necessary for “all” to be aware of your response. Also, refrain from using Reply to All to CYA. This approach can give the impression that you are not a team player, be seen as trivial, and backfire.
  • BCc: notes you are being FYI’d without the knowledge of those noted in the To: and Cc: fields (and there may be others in the BCc:).  No reply is necessary or expected. Always think twice before using BCc, and only do so with proper intentions. Using BCc to expose others to unrelated or sensitive emails without the recipient’s knowledge is not the sign of a true professional. Instead, you will appear to be an email tattle-tale (eTattler). This can reflect poorly on your professionalism in the workplace.

Copying with Discretion

Discretion means “the ability or power to decide responsibly.” If you think about it, just about everything to do with business success has to do with discretion. Using your discretion in your email activities will make you perceived more favorably.

Minimize email volume by replying only to and sending to those necessary to the conversation at hand. This will help ensure your communications are taken more seriously and minimize others’ unnecessary email volume.

These efforts will also help you be viewed as a courteous, efficient, and professional communicator. Which will be appreciated by all you work with.

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