Sending letters, even if it’s a bit old-school, is still a thing. And not only that, stamps are still being sold. Do you know what a stamp is? (Maybe Gen Alpha doesn’t anymore). Every time something big happens or there’s a special occasion, a new line of stamps is released, which many people use or keep, yes, like trading cards. Well, now stamp prices are going up, and this is your last chance to get Forever stamps at 73 cents.
What’s going to happen with the stamps?
Starting Sunday, July 13, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is raising prices again, and this time it’s not just stamps.
Marti Johnson, press spokesperson for USPS, confirmed that this weekend a new rate adjustment goes into effect for several services, both dominant in the market and competitive ones. The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), which oversees these changes, has already approved this five-cent increase for stamps, as announced in a May press release.
According to Johnson, the price hike isn’t random. USPS has been applying “a realistic and reasonable strategy” to set rates, claiming that even with these increases, prices in the U.S. are still lower than in many other countries.
Why are stamp prices going up?
USPS explained in April that these adjustments are part of their ten-year plan called Delivering for America, aimed at stabilizing their finances. And even though it may be hard to accept, they insist their rates are still among the most affordable in the world. With the new changes, a 7.4% increase is expected in mail product prices.
When exactly does the price go up?
The new price goes into effect on Sunday, July 13, 2025. So if you’re thinking of buying stamps, it’s better to do it before then.
How much will Forever stamps cost?
They’ll go from 73 cents to 78 cents. It’s the kind of increase that seems small, but if you send letters often or run a small business, you’ll notice it.
What other products are getting more expensive?
Besides Forever stamps, other USPS products are also increasing in price. Here’s the list:
- Domestic postcards: from 56 to 61 cents
- Letters without envelope (like flyers): from 69 to 74 cents
- 1-ounce letters (the most common): from 73 to 78 cents
- Each additional ounce in letters: from 28 to 29 cents
- International postcards: from $1.65 to $1.70
- International letters (1 ounce): from $1.65 to $1.70
So if you want to save a few dollars, now’s the time to stock up. Because if USPS has taught us anything in recent years, it’s that these increases are no longer the exceptionthey’re the rule.
Is it worth buying Forever Stamps before the price hike?
Yes, definitely. Forever Stamps have that name for a reason: if you buy them today at 73 cents, they’ll still be valid even if the price goes up to 78 or whatever in the future. So if you send letters often, or just want to have a few stamps saved so you don’t have to rush to the post office, now is the time.
Who is most affected by this increase?
Even if it seems like a small change, there are people who will feel it. For example, small businesses that send invoices, thank-you cards, or physical products rely on the mail every day. It also affects older people who still prefer to send letters instead of using email, and those who live in rural areas with less access to digital services.
Will prices go up again soon?
Everything suggests they will. USPS has been raising prices every so often for years, as part of its “Delivering for America” plan to fix its finances. Since 2021, prices have been going up steadily, and even though the increases are meant to be moderate, it’s no longer unusual for rates to change every few months. So if you’re thinking of waiting… it’s probably not a good idea.
What if I just want the stamps for collecting?
Then you’re still on time to get them at the current price. Every new stamp series has themed editions (from patriotic celebrations to iconic characters), and many collectors take advantage of the moment right before a price hike to buy more without paying extra. Also, some stamps increase in value over time, especially if they’re well preserved. So yes, even for collecting, now is a good time to go for them.