The cost of sending letters is set to rise as the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) implements new price changes. Starting July 12, 2026 the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp will increase from 78 cents to 82 cents marking the latest adjustment in postal rates.
This price hike is part of a broader 4.8% increase in mailing service prices, approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission to help the USPS address rising operating costs and longstanding financial challenges. The changes come as the postal service continues to navigate a complex financial landscape.
Key changes in postal rates
The approved price changes include:
- Domestic postcards Increasing from 61 cents to 65 cents
- Metered 1-ounce letters Rising from 74 cents to 78 cents
- International postcards Moving from $1.70 to $1.75
- International 1-ounce letters Also increasing from $1.70 to $1.75
The additional-ounce charge for single-piece letters will remain at 29 cents. These adjustments reflect the USPS’s efforts to align with its financial obligations while maintaining service quality.
Financial challenges and regulatory approval
The USPS has emphasized that these increases are necessary due to the severe financial crisis it faces, compounded by rising operational costs. The postal service relies solely on revenue from postage, products, and services, as it receives no taxpayer funding for operating expenses.
The Postal Regulatory Commission approved the rate changes, noting that the USPS has utilized nearly all available pricing authority for First-Class Mail under current regulations. The commission also expressed concerns about the postal service’s long-term challenges, including declining mail volumeservice performance issues and a deteriorating financial outlook.
Despite these challenges, the commission found no legal basis to reject the increase, as it complies with current law. The USPS continues to explore ways to fulfill its universal service obligation while addressing these financial pressures.
Impact on consumers and Forever stamps
Consumers who have purchased Forever stamps before the price increase can rest assured that these stamps will remain valid for mailing a standard one-ounce letter, regardless of when they are used. This feature of Forever stamps provides a measure of convenience and cost certainty for customers.
The USPS has also implemented measures such as a hiring freeze to cut costs, reflecting the broader efforts to streamline operations. However, the decline in demand for first-class mail presents ongoing challenges for the postal service’s financial stability.
As the USPS navigates these financial hurdles, the latest price changes aim to ensure the continued provision of essential mailing services to the American public.
