Why The Cost of Sending Letters Just Increased Again!

Forever Stamps Price Went Up Again: USPS Postage Rates 2025–2026

If you feel like every time you blink, stamps cost more — you’re not wrong. On July 13, 2025, the price of a First‑Class Mail Forever stamp jumped from 73¢ to 78¢. That’s the seventh increase since 2021, and it won’t be the last.

📊 USPS Price Increases: A Timeline of “Again and Again”

Source: USPS Newsroom

💰 Why the Prices Keep Rising (Past vs. Now)

• Earlier explanations (2021–2024): USPS said hikes were needed to offset declining mail volumes and rising delivery costs. They pointed to billions in projected losses and the need to modernize trucks, sorting machines, and delivery routes.
• This year (2025): The official line is sharper. USPS reported a $9.5 billion net loss in FY2024, and leaders argue that without steady increases, the agency cannot sustain universal service. They also highlight inflation in labor and fuel costs as a direct driver.
• Government stance: The Postal Regulatory Commission has approved these hikes under the “Delivering for America” 10‑year plan, which aims to close a projected $160 billion deficit by 2030.

🗣️ Public Reaction: Frustration and Shrugs

• Households: Many families complain that holiday cards and wedding invitations are becoming a “luxury tradition.” Social media is full of jokes like “Forever stamps? More like Whenever stamps — whenever USPS feels like charging more.”
• Small businesses & nonprofits: Groups that rely on bulk mailings (schools, charities, Etsy sellers) say rising postage eats into already thin margins. Some are cutting back on physical mail campaigns.
• General sentiment: While some shrug it off as “just a nickel,” others point out that over millions of letters, the cost adds up fast.

📰 Media Commentary

• Reuters frames the hikes as a necessary evil, noting USPS’s structural financial problems.
• AP News highlights consumer frustration, especially around holiday seasons when mailing spikes.
• Washington Post argues that without deeper reforms, semiannual hikes risk alienating the very public USPS depends on.

📈 Real-World Effects

• Holiday 2025: Families sending 100 Christmas cards will now pay $78 instead of $73 — a noticeable jump.
• Nonprofits: A school PTA mailing 5,000 letters for fundraising now spends $250 more than last year.
• Businesses: Some firms are shifting to digital invoices and newsletters, accelerating the decline in mail volume — ironically making USPS’s problem worse.

🔮 Looking Ahead to 2026

Brace yourself: USPS has already signaled two more increases per year — in January and July 2026. By next summer, Forever Stamps could easily cross the 80¢ mark.

Experts warn that unless Congress intervenes with structural reforms, the cycle of “increase again and again” will continue through 2027.

🛒 Where to Buy Discount Stamps (Safely)

• USPS.com remains the safest option.
• Big-box retailers like Costco or Sam’s Club sometimes offer small bulk discounts.
• Third-party sellers: Some legit, but beware — counterfeit stamps are a growing issue. Always check reviews and credibility.

Steven Harris

Currently working at USPS in Chicago, he has more than 15 years of experience in bulk mailing and logistics. His columns focus on Forever Stamp trends, helping businesses and individuals make cost‑effective mailing decisions.