The Forever stamp price increases from $0.78 cents to $0.82 cents on July 12, 2026, a 4-cent rise across USPS mailing services.
Why USPS Raised The Price
USPS filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission on April 9, 2026, proposing an average 4.8 percent increase across mailing services. The new rates include a 4-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from $0.78 cents to $0.82 cents, and this was approved by the governors of the Postal Service before being sent to regulators for review, according to USPS Newsroom. USPS
The Financial Pressure Behind The Increase
In fiscal 2025, the USPS recorded a $9 billion loss. For fiscal year 2025, USPS costs rose by $1.8 billion, while revenue increased by only $1 billion. The Postal Regulatory Commission approved the rate hike in May, though it flagged concerns with the agency’s financial situation, its delivery performance and shrinking mail volumes, based on reporting from CBS News. USPS to raise the price of a Forever stamp to 82 cents on Sunday. Here’s what to know. – CBS News +2
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What Postal Leadership Has Said
Postmaster General David Steiner said in March that first-class stamps should be raised to between 90 cents and 95 cents to help stabilize the USPS financially. He also warned lawmakers that the USPS was at risk of running out of cash in 12 months, though he noted that a higher stamp price near 95 cents would largely fix the agency’s controllable losses, according to CBS News. CBS NewsCBS News
Other Mail Prices Changing On The Same Date
The Forever stamp is not the only price going up. Domestic postcards will cost 65 cents, up from 61 cents, and international postcards and letters will run $1.75, up from $1.70. The additional-ounce price for single-piece letters stays the same at 29 cents, according to USPS Newsroom. CBS News
Full Rate Comparison Table
| Mail Item | Old Price | New Price (July 12, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class Forever Stamp | $0.78 cents | $0.82 cents |
| Additional Ounce (letters) | $0.29 cents | $0.29 cents (no change) |
| Domestic Postcard | $0.61 cents | $0.65 cents |
| International Postcard/Letter | $1.70 | $1.75 |
How Forever Stamps Work
A Forever stamp is always valid for the first ounce of First-Class postage, no matter when it was purchased. This means stamps bought at the current 78-cent price will still cover a one-ounce letter after July 12, even though the posted rate rises to $0.82 cents. USPS created this system to save customers time and money, especially when first-class mail prices change, according to About USPS. Market RealistOnlineshippingcalculator
A Look At Past Price Increases
Forever stamp prices have climbed steadily since they were introduced. The USPS issued the first Forever Stamp in 2007 at just $0.41 cents. In 2021, the Forever Stamp reached $0.58 cents, and in 2022 it increased to 60 cents. In 2023, the stamp saw two price increases, a three-cent hike in January and another in July, bringing it to $0.66 cents. In January 2024, the price rose to 68 cents, and then to $0.73 cents in July of that year. In July 2025, it went to 7$0.8 cents, based on data from Market Realist. Market RealistMarket Realist
Why Mail Volume Keeps Declining
First-class mail, historically the postal service’s most profitable product, has dropped dramatically, falling from about 220 billion pieces in 2006 to roughly half that amount in recent years. The USPS has reported cumulative losses of about $118 billion since 2007, according to Yahoo Finance. Yahoo FinanceYahoo Finance
Should You Buy Stamps Before The Increase
Buying Forever stamps before July 12 locks in the current 78-cent rate, since those stamps remain valid for postage regardless of future price changes. This applies only to standard one-ounce First-Class letters, since heavier or oversized mail still needs extra postage on top of a single stamp, according to Fast Company.
FAQ: USPS Forever Stamp Price Increase 2026
Q: How much will Forever stamps cost in 2026?
A: Starting July 12, 2026, the price of a USPS First-Class Forever stamp will rise from 78 cents to 82 cents, a jump of 4 cents. CBS News
Q: Why is USPS raising Forever stamp prices?
A: USPS points to ongoing financial pressure. In fiscal 2025, the USPS recorded a $9 billion loss, and the agency’s operating expenses are rising faster than its revenue. For fiscal year 2025, USPS costs rose by $1.8 billion, while revenue increased by only $1 billion. USPS to raise the price of a Forever stamp to 82 cents on Sunday. Here’s what to know. – CBS News +2
Q: When exactly does the new stamp price take effect?
A: The 4-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 78 cents to 82 cents takes effect on July 12, 2026. USPS
Q: Will stamps I already bought still work after the price increase?
A: Yes. Any lower-cost Forever stamps purchased before July 12 will continue to work after that date, since a Forever Stamp always represents the current price of a one-ounce First-Class Mail postage, no matter when it was bought. CBS NewsCBS News
Q: Are other postage products increasing too?
A: Yes. Domestic postcards will cost 65 cents, up from 61 cents, and international postcards and letters will run $1.75, up from $1.70. CBS NewsCBS News
Q: How much has the Forever stamp price gone up in recent years?
A: Over the past five years, the agency has raised the price of a first-class stamp six times, increasing the cost 34% from 58 cents in 2021 to 78 cents before this latest hike. CBS News
Q: Will prices keep going up after 2026?
A: Likely yes. Postmaster General David Steiner said in March that first-class stamps should be raised to between 90 cents and 95 cents to help stabilize the USPS financially, and also told a House panel that the USPS was at risk of running out of cash in 12 months. CBS NewsCBS News
Q: Should I buy stamps now before the price increase?
A: It can save you money. Since Forever stamps never expire and are always valid for one-ounce First-Class postage, buying at 78 cents before July 12, 2026 locks in the lower rate — you won’t need to add extra postage later even as prices rise.
Q: Is this the only price change in 2026?
A: No — this is the third USPS pricing action of 2026, though it’s the first to affect First-Class Mail prices this year. 3PL
