Another Postage Stamp Increase Coming This July — Here's What You Need to Know

DEXRobinHood · 2026-01-20T21:10:34+00:00

The U.S. Postal Service plans to raise Forever stamp prices from 73 to 78 cents to address financial pressures and ensure stability. This increase is part of a series of planned hikes through 2027 amid ongoing operational challenges and substantial net losses.

DEXRobinHood

2026-01-20 21:10:34

Abstract generation in progress

The U.S. Postal Service announced a new price hike for Forever stamps, marking the latest in a series of recurring fee adjustments. Set to take effect on July 13, the proposed increase would bump the cost of Forever stamps from 73 cents to 78 cents — a 6.8% jump. This move requires approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission.

The Forever stamp has experienced price adjustments 19 times since 2000, yet USPS maintains that these stamps remain comparatively affordable globally. The last postage stamp increase happened in July 2024, when prices rose from 68 cents to 73 cents.

Why Another Price Increase Now?

The Postal Service attributes the necessity for higher rates to financial pressures and the need to maintain “financial stability.” The agency is working toward goals outlined in its 10-year Delivering for America initiative. Interestingly, stamp prices remained unchanged in January as the USPS reported that previous increases had generated additional revenue. However, ongoing operational costs have forced the agency to reconsider its pricing strategy.

The current proposal represents just one of five planned postage stamp increase phases scheduled through 2027, signaling that customers should expect continued adjustments ahead.

What Else Is Getting More Expensive?

Beyond the Forever stamp, multiple postage services face increases:

1-ounce metered letters: rising from 69 cents to 74 cents
Domestic postcards: climbing from 56 cents to 62 cents
International postcards: moving from $1.65 to $1.70
1-ounce international letters: increasing from $1.64 to $1.70
Additional-ounce surcharge: going up from 28 cents to 29 cents

One bright spot: postal insurance rates are declining by 12%, offering minor relief to users seeking that service.

USPS Faces Mounting Challenges

The price increase announcement emerges during turbulent times for the Postal Service. The agency reported a $9.5 billion net loss during fiscal year 2024, significantly worse than the $6.5 billion loss from the previous year. Leadership transitions and discussions about operational privatization have added uncertainty. The USPS has operated as an independent government entity since 1971, and any structural changes remain subject to ongoing policy debates.

The combination of financial pressure and the need to modernize operations explains why postage stamp increase proposals continue appearing regularly.

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