USPS Stamp Prices Are Increasing Yet Again Next Week
The cost of sending mail will soon be increasing as the U.S. Postal Service raises the price of Forever stamps from 78 cents to 82 cents starting this Sunday. This 4-cent hike was approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission in response to the ongoing challenges faced by the USPS, including declining mail volumes, service issues, and financial pressures. The agency has been increasing postage prices in recent years to offset operating costs after experiencing significant losses in fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
Since 2021, the price of a Forever stamp has risen from 58 cents to 82 cents, marking a 41% increase. Despite this, Forever stamps purchased in the past never expire and can still be used to mail letters at the current rate. In addition to the increase in Forever stamp prices, other USPS postage products will also see price hikes starting July 12. These include:
– Postage for 1-ounce metered letters: rising from 74 cents to 78 cents
– Postage for domestic postcards: increasing from 61 cents to 65 cents
– Postage for international postcards: going up from $1.70 to $1.75
– Postage for 1-ounce international letters: increasing from $1.70 to $1.75
The additional-ounce price for letters will remain at 29 cents, as it was raised by 1 cent last July. While USPS has not announced any further stamp price increases beyond July, it is likely that more hikes will be necessary in the future. Postmaster General David Steiner has suggested that first-class stamp prices may need to reach 90 cents to 95 cents to improve the agency’s financial position. A recent financial analysis by the regulatory commission also highlighted the USPS’s decade-long trend of operating in the red.
As stamp prices continue to rise, it is important for consumers to stay informed about these changes and plan accordingly when sending mail. Keep in mind that Forever stamps provide a convenient and cost-effective option for mailing letters, as they retain their value regardless of future price increases. Stay tuned for updates on USPS pricing and be prepared for potential changes in the coming months.
