A cover assembly for use with a postage meter includes an upper cover (102) having a display opening and a keypad opening formed in one side. The upper cover is secured to a lower cover to provide a housing or enclosure for the meter. A display assembly (640), including a character display (644), and a keypad (130) are both mounted to the inner surface (172) of the upper cover. Portions of the keypad extend through the keypad opening while the character display is visible through the display opening. A support plate (108) is mounted to the underside of the upper cover and is shaped to generally conform to the shape of the contents beneath the cover. The support plate is configured to press against the keypad and display assembly so to secure them in place. A battery (170), used to power the meter when removed from the meter base, is also supported between the support plate and the upper cover.