Stamp prices are going up again—here’s what to know
- Replies 0
If you still enjoy sending birthday cards, handwritten notes, or the occasional check by mail, you may want to circle a date on your calendar—and check your stamp drawer.
Starting July 13, the cost of postage is getting another bump, marking one of the largest hikes in recent years.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is adjusting rates across a range of services, and while a few cents may not seem like much, they can add up quickly for regular mailers.
This latest change is part of a larger plan to help stabilize the USPS’s financial future.
So if you’ve been meaning to stock up on stamps, now might be the time.
What’s changing—and by how much
The price of a first-class Forever stamp will rise from 73 cents to 78 cents—a 5-cent jump that may feel steep to longtime mail users.
This rate applies to the standard 1-ounce letter and represents one of the more noticeable increases in recent memory.
Forever stamps remain valid even after a price hike, so if you bought them before July 13, you’ll still be able to use them later at no extra cost.
Here’s a closer look at the upcoming changes:
Whether you're writing to someone across town or overseas, expect to pay a little more to get your message there.
Also read: USPS leadership change draws attention amid questions about future service
Why are stamp prices rising again?
You’re not imagining it—these hikes have become more frequent.
According to the USPS, the changes are part of its 10-year strategy known as “Delivering for America.”
The goal is to make the postal service more financially stable after years of mounting costs and declining mail volume.
The plan includes raising prices, improving delivery times, and modernizing the system.
The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) signed off on this latest round of increases after evaluating the USPS’s financial needs and overall market trends.
The new prices will increase overall mailing product costs by roughly 7.4%—a necessary adjustment, the agency says, to keep operations sustainable.
Also read: USPS plans changes to improve efficiency, with potential effects on mail delivery
How do US stamp prices stack up globally?
It’s easy to feel frustrated by rising costs, but USPS maintains that American postage is still a bargain compared to many other countries.
As USPS Senior Public Relations Representative Marti Johnson told USA TODAY, “letter prices [are] still significantly lower than other comparable foreign posts.”
The agency points to this as part of its rationale for the recent increases, aiming to keep prices reasonable while addressing financial needs.
Also read: Think twice before opening that package—USPS flags major privacy risk
A quick history of stamp prices
For some, 78 cents may seem unthinkable compared to what a stamp used to cost.
Take a look at how rates have climbed over the years:
While the pace of change was slow for decades, recent years have seen more frequent increases.
Also read: Are mysterious packages showing up at your door? Here’s what USPS wants you to be aware of
Tips for saving on postage
For those who still send mail often—whether for personal or professional reasons—there are a few simple ways to cut back on costs:
The USPS remains an essential service, especially for older adults and rural communities who rely on it for medication deliveries, Social Security checks, or simple connections with loved ones.
Still, the agency faces serious headwinds—from declining mail volume to stiff competition from private delivery services.
Its long-term plan includes infrastructure upgrades and service improvements, but those efforts will likely come with more cost adjustments in the future.
Read next: USPS cuts popular program and customers are furious over late bills and fees!
How do these price hikes affect your mailing habits? Are you planning to stock up on Forever stamps before the deadline?
Or maybe you’ve already gone mostly digital and haven’t noticed the changes much at all? Share your thoughts—and your favorite USPS memories—with the community.
Starting July 13, the cost of postage is getting another bump, marking one of the largest hikes in recent years.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is adjusting rates across a range of services, and while a few cents may not seem like much, they can add up quickly for regular mailers.
This latest change is part of a larger plan to help stabilize the USPS’s financial future.
So if you’ve been meaning to stock up on stamps, now might be the time.
From bills to birthday cards, mailing costs are going up this summer. Image Source: Pexels / Ekaterina Belinskaya.
What’s changing—and by how much
The price of a first-class Forever stamp will rise from 73 cents to 78 cents—a 5-cent jump that may feel steep to longtime mail users.
This rate applies to the standard 1-ounce letter and represents one of the more noticeable increases in recent memory.
Forever stamps remain valid even after a price hike, so if you bought them before July 13, you’ll still be able to use them later at no extra cost.
Here’s a closer look at the upcoming changes:
- Domestic postcards: Increasing from 56 cents to 62 cents
- Metered letters (1 oz): From 69 cents to 74 cents
- Stamped letters (1 oz): From 73 cents to 78 cents
- Each additional ounce (single letters): From 28 cents to 29 cents
- International postcards and letters (1 oz): From $1.65 to $1.70
Whether you're writing to someone across town or overseas, expect to pay a little more to get your message there.
Also read: USPS leadership change draws attention amid questions about future service
Why are stamp prices rising again?
You’re not imagining it—these hikes have become more frequent.
According to the USPS, the changes are part of its 10-year strategy known as “Delivering for America.”
The goal is to make the postal service more financially stable after years of mounting costs and declining mail volume.
The plan includes raising prices, improving delivery times, and modernizing the system.
The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) signed off on this latest round of increases after evaluating the USPS’s financial needs and overall market trends.
The new prices will increase overall mailing product costs by roughly 7.4%—a necessary adjustment, the agency says, to keep operations sustainable.
Also read: USPS plans changes to improve efficiency, with potential effects on mail delivery
How do US stamp prices stack up globally?
It’s easy to feel frustrated by rising costs, but USPS maintains that American postage is still a bargain compared to many other countries.
As USPS Senior Public Relations Representative Marti Johnson told USA TODAY, “letter prices [are] still significantly lower than other comparable foreign posts.”
The agency points to this as part of its rationale for the recent increases, aiming to keep prices reasonable while addressing financial needs.
Also read: Think twice before opening that package—USPS flags major privacy risk
A quick history of stamp prices
For some, 78 cents may seem unthinkable compared to what a stamp used to cost.
Take a look at how rates have climbed over the years:
- 1974: 10 cents
- 1981: 18 cents
- 1995: 32 cents
- 2007: 41 cents
- 2019: 55 cents
- 2023: 66 cents
- 2024: 73 cents
- 2025: 78 cents
While the pace of change was slow for decades, recent years have seen more frequent increases.
Also read: Are mysterious packages showing up at your door? Here’s what USPS wants you to be aware of
Tips for saving on postage
For those who still send mail often—whether for personal or professional reasons—there are a few simple ways to cut back on costs:
- Forever stamps bought before July 13 still work at the new rate, so those who planned ahead can save a bit.
- Go digital when possible: Many bills, updates, and even greetings can be handled online.
- Consolidate mailings: If sending multiple items to the same address, combine them into one envelope.
- Ask about discounts: Some post offices or senior centers offer special rates or mailing programs that could help you save.
The USPS remains an essential service, especially for older adults and rural communities who rely on it for medication deliveries, Social Security checks, or simple connections with loved ones.
Still, the agency faces serious headwinds—from declining mail volume to stiff competition from private delivery services.
Its long-term plan includes infrastructure upgrades and service improvements, but those efforts will likely come with more cost adjustments in the future.
Read next: USPS cuts popular program and customers are furious over late bills and fees!
How do these price hikes affect your mailing habits? Are you planning to stock up on Forever stamps before the deadline?
Or maybe you’ve already gone mostly digital and haven’t noticed the changes much at all? Share your thoughts—and your favorite USPS memories—with the community.
