WASHINGTON D.C. – The cost of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp increased by five cents to 78 cents on Sunday, July 13. This change is part of a broader 7.4% average increase across most mailing services, enacted by the United States Postal Service (USPS) as part of its “Delivering for America” 10-year plan.
The strategic plan aims to modernize USPS operations and achieve long-term financial sustainability. As an independent federal establishment, the Postal Service relies entirely on the sale of postage, products, and services for its daily operations, receiving no tax dollars.
In addition to the Forever stamp, several other postal rates also saw adjustments:
- Domestic postcards increased from 56 cents to 61 cents.
- Metered 1-ounce letters rose from 69 cents to 74 cents.
- The cost for an additional ounce on single-piece letters went from 28 cents to 29 cents.
- International postcards and 1-ounce letters increased from $1.65 to $1.70.
Despite these price hikes, the USPS stated in an April press release that its prices “remain among the most affordable in the world.”
In a move to benefit package senders, the Postal Service is also reducing postal insurance costs by 12%. Furthermore, USPS is filing new price sets for Marketing Mail and Package Services, responding to a pending Postal Regulatory Commission proposal to eliminate Bound Printed Matter and expand Marketing Mail options.
Customers can purchase stamps and access other postal services online at the Postal Store, by calling 844-737-7826, through USA Philatelic mail service, or at any Post Office location nationwide.
