The price of a Forever stamp is now 78 cents, up from 73 cents.
USPS stamps are making headlines this July as the United States Postal Service implements new price increases, impacting millions of Americans who rely on traditional mail. As of July 13, 2025, the cost of sending a letter or postcard has changed, and these updates are crucial for both casual senders and businesses.
USPS Stamps Price Changes Take Effect
The Postal Regulatory Commission has officially approved a new round of USPS stamp price increases, impacting both individual consumers and businesses across the country. The most significant adjustment is the cost of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp, which has risen from 73 cents to 78 cents. While a 5-cent increase may seem small on the surface, it represents a meaningful jump when considered over millions of mailings nationwide. This latest change also stands out as the seventh rate hike since 2021, underscoring the financial pressures the Postal Service continues to face.
These price adjustments are not arbitrary. They are part of a broader strategy outlined in the USPS Delivering for America 10-year plan, which aims to stabilize the organization’s finances, reduce debt, and modernize its services. Rising fuel prices, higher labor costs, and declining mail volume due to the shift toward digital communication have all made it necessary for USPS to raise rates more frequently than in past decades.
In addition to Forever stamps, the new rates affect a wide range of mailing products. Metered one-ounce letters, domestic postcards, and international letters or postcards have all seen increases. For businesses that rely heavily on direct mail campaigns or bulk mailing, these changes could influence long-term strategies and budget planning. For everyday consumers, the impact will be felt in the small but steady rise in the cost of sending letters, bills, and greeting cards.
Key Points Summary
- The price of a Forever stamp is now 78 cents, up from 73 cents.
- This is the seventh increase since 2021.
- Other USPS products, such as postcards and metered mail, have also seen price hikes.
- The average increase across mailing services is 7.4%.
- The changes took effect on July 13, 2025.
USPS Stamps Rate Table for July 2025
To help you quickly reference the new rates, here’s a table highlighting the most common USPS stamps and mailing products:
These increases affect both retail and commercial customers. If you print postage at home or use metered mail, be sure to check the updated rates to avoid underpayment.
Why Are USPS Stamp Prices Increasing?
USPS stamp prices have been rising more frequently in recent years, largely driven by the ongoing financial challenges faced by the Postal Service. To address these issues, the organization introduced its Delivering for America 10-year plan, which is designed to restore long-term financial stability. Regular price adjustments play a central role in this strategy.
Several factors contribute to the latest increases:
- Rising inflation and operating expenses – Higher fuel, labor, and transportation costs continue to put pressure on USPS operations.
- Declining mail volumes – With more people and businesses turning to digital communication, the demand for traditional mail services has steadily dropped.
- Infrastructure and service investments – USPS must modernize its facilities, delivery network, and technology to improve efficiency and ensure reliable service for customers.
Despite these adjustments, the Postal Service points out that the cost of mailing a letter in the United States remains among the lowest in the world when compared to other major postal systems.
For Detail Read : Why Are USPS Stamps Prices Increasing?
Details of the July 2025 Increase
The latest round of USPS price adjustments officially took effect in July 2025, bringing noticeable changes to the cost of mailing for both consumers and businesses. At the center of these updates is the price of the First-Class Mail Forever stamp, which increased from 73 cents to 78 cents. This 5-cent jump represents one of the larger recent single-step increases and highlights the Postal Service’s ongoing efforts to align revenue with rising expenses.
In percentage terms, the overall rate change averages about 7.4% across mailing services. This includes not just Forever stamps but also other common categories. For example, the cost of a First-Class metered one-ounce letter rose from 69 cents to 74 cents. Sending a domestic postcard now costs 61 cents, up from 56 cents, while the price for international postcards and one-ounce letters moved from $1.65 to $1.70. Even the charge for each additional ounce on a letter went up slightly, from 28 cents to 29 cents.
These adjustments became effective in mid-July 2025, forming part of the Postal Service’s long-term strategy to strengthen its finances and modernize operations. For households, it means paying a little more each time a letter or card is mailed, while for businesses that rely on large mailing volumes, the changes will be felt more significantly in their budgets.
Impact on Consumers and Businesses
For everyday consumers, rising USPS stamp prices translate into higher costs for sending letters, greeting cards, and bills. While a 5-cent increase may appear minor, the added expense can accumulate quickly for individuals who mail items frequently, especially those without easy access to digital alternatives.
Businesses, particularly those that rely on bulk mailing, direct marketing, or customer billing through traditional mail, are likely to feel an even greater impact. The average 7.4% rise in mailing service prices could strain budgets, forcing companies to reevaluate their mailing strategies. Some may scale back physical mail campaigns, shift toward digital communication, or adjust pricing structures to offset the added costs.
Ultimately, these price adjustments may change how both households and businesses approach mailing, reinforcing the broader shift toward digital communication while also highlighting the continued value of USPS for essential and reliable delivery.
For Detail Read: Impact of USPS Stamp Price Increases on Consumers and Businesses
Tips for Managing the Increases
While USPS stamp price hikes are unavoidable, consumers and businesses can take practical steps to lessen the impact:
- Stock up on Forever Stamps – These stamps maintain their value regardless of future price increases, making them a smart way to save over time.
- Review and adjust mailing habits – Limit non-essential mailings and take advantage of digital options for bills, statements, and correspondence whenever possible.
- Leverage business savings opportunities – Companies can reduce expenses by exploring USPS commercial discounts, bulk mailing programs, and automation tools that streamline processes and cut costs.
By adopting these strategies, both individuals and organizations can manage rising mailing costs while continuing to benefit from the reliability and reach of the U.S. Postal Service.
Looking Ahead: More USPS Stamps Increases Possible
The July 2025 increase is not expected to be the last. USPS has indicated plans for regular, twice-yearly price reviews through at least 2027, meaning further adjustments could be on the horizon. Staying informed about these changes will help consumers and businesses adapt and plan ahead.
Conclusion
The latest USPS stamps price increases reflect ongoing efforts to ensure the Postal Service’s long-term sustainability. Whether you’re a casual letter writer or a business owner, understanding these changes is essential. Have thoughts on how these increases affect you? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates as they happen.