Quick Answer: As of November 2025, a U.S. First-Class U.S. Postage Stamps Forever costs 78¢, a 2 oz letter costs $1.07, and a postcard costs 61¢. USPS raised prices in July 2025 as part of its Delivering for America plan, aiming for financial stability. No changes will occur until July 2026, but steady increases are expected afterward About.usps.com American Forest and Paper Association CBS News.
U.S. Postage Stamps may look small, but they carry weight—financially and emotionally. Every holiday card, wedding invitation, or business mailing begins with that square of trust. And right now, the number to remember is 78 cents.
But why do prices keep climbing? And how much could you save if you buy in advance? Let’s break it down.
📌 Why USPS Keeps Raising Stamp Prices
The U.S. Postal Service has raised stamp prices seven times since 2021. The July 2025 increase (from 73¢ to 78¢) was part of a 7.4% overall hike across mailing services About.usps.com American Forest and Paper Association CBS News.
Reasons include:
- Delivering for America Plan (DFA): A 10-year roadmap to financial stability. USPS projects $160 billion in losses without reform American Forest and Paper Association.
- Inflation & labor costs: Rising wages, fuel, and transportation expenses.
- Declining mail volume: Fewer letters mean higher costs per piece.
- Infrastructure modernization: Investments in sorting machines, vehicles, and digital tracking.
Former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy warned customers to expect “uncomfortable” hikes CBS News.
📈 Five-Year Price History (2021–2025)
1 oz Letter (Forever Stamp)
| Year | Price |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 55¢ |
| 2022 | 58¢ |
| 2023 | 63¢ |
| 2024 | 73¢ |
| 2025 | 78¢ |
2 oz Letter
| Year | Price |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 75¢ |
| 2022 | 78¢ |
| 2023 | 87¢ |
| 2024 | $1.01 |
| 2025 | $1.07 |
Postcard
| Year | Price |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 36¢ |
| 2022 | 44¢ |
| 2023 | 48¢ |
| 2024 | 56¢ |
| 2025 | 61¢ |
🔮 Future Price Forecast (2026–2028)
| Year | 1 oz Letter | 2 oz Letter | Postcard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (Jan) | 78¢ | $1.07 | 61¢ |
| 2026 (Jul est.) | 82¢ | $1.12 | 64¢ |
| 2027 (Jan est.) | 85¢ | $1.16 | 66¢ |
| 2027 (Jul est.) | 89¢ | $1.21 | 69¢ |
| 2028 (Jan est.) | 92¢ | $1.25 | 71¢ |
💰 Cost Calculation: Why Buying Ahead Matters
Imagine you’re a small business mailing 2,000 letters per year.
- Buying now (2025 at 78¢):
2,000 × $0.78 = $1,560 per year - If you wait until 2028 (92¢ est.):
2,000 × $0.92 = $1,840 per year
That’s a $280 annual difference. Over three years, you’d spend $840 more.
- Buying in bulk now (say 6,000 stamps for 3 years):
6,000 × $0.78 = $4,680 - Buying year by year at future rates:
2,000 × (78¢ + 85¢ + 92¢) = $5,100
Savings: $420 just by stocking up today.
🛒 Buying Advice for 2026
- Avoid scams: Any site offering 50%+ discounts (Temu, Shein) is selling fakes. USPS rejects them.
- Safe channels: Amazon, eBay (top-rated sellers), Costco, Walmart, and authorized dealers like Forever Stamp Store, or Flag Stamp Shop.
- Design picks:
- Floral stamps: Wedding Roses, Garden Delights—timeless for invitations and notes.
- Flag stamps: 2014 and 2019 editions—patriotic, versatile, and always appropriate.
✨ Final Thoughts
Stamps are more than postage—they’re a promise. USPS raises prices to survive, but for everyday Americans, the Forever Stamp is a hedge against uncertainty. Buying ahead isn’t just smart finance—it’s peace of mind.
Former USPS clerk with 25 years of service, now retired in Florida. She writes about Forever Stamps for the website, offering reliable insights on postal changes, discount opportunities, and practical mailing solutions for households.
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