Sending mail will not be more expensive in 2026. That is what USPS has announced after so many rumors that prices were going to rise. And even though we have had several increases, no, stamps will continue to cost $0.78 (first class up to one ounce), at least it will remain that way until mid-year.
The decision has been recommended by the Postmaster General, David Steiner, and he wants to give stability to those who still use postal mail in the middle of inflation, after all, it is a public service that should not suffer the effects of inflation like absolutely everything else in this country.
A pause after years of increases
Since January 2023, USPS had been raising rates almost like clockwork, twice a year (in January and July), each increase, no matter how small it seemed, was noticeable in the pockets of those who depend on mail: regular consumers, small businesses, offices that still use checks and paper invoices… Many citizens. Now, after years of consecutive increases, they will not continue rising (thank goodness) so we can take advantage before they change their mind next July.
What USPS said
“We have decided, at this time, to forgo a price change for first class mail and other market dominant services until mid-2026.”
Steiner and the agency want to find a middle ground between raising enough to keep the institution alive but not making a hole in the pockets of those who really need the service.
The price of the stamp
The price of stamps in the United States has always gone up (even if we sound like a grandmother), in 1863 it cost barely 3 cents!!
In 2006, sending a letter cost 0.39 dollars. In 2014 it was already 0.49, and in the last decade the figure has increased 29 cents to reach the current 0.78, it seems little but for those who need to use the postal service they see how each month is quite a lot of money they “lose.” And yes, we know that inflation and management changes make the postal service rise, but that much????
Why freeze it now
For now they want to maintain a balance between efficiency and accessibility, they continue working to cut costs and increase productivity (like musk likes), and remember that only a few countries in the world offer lower prices to send domestic letters.
And then…
This probably has an expiration date. USPS already notified the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) that it will raise prices again in July 2026 and January 2027, they will give advance notice of the increases so users can plan their shipments.
“The operational decisions of the Postal Service are aimed at ensuring profitability, improving service reliability and increasing overall productivity,” the statement said. “In addition, we remain committed to keeping costs low and ensuring that our products and services remain accessible. Our approach to pricing is very measured, and it is worth noting that very few countries in the world offer lower rates to send an individual domestic letter.”
It is good news for millions of people and small businesses, even if it will only last a few months. Enjoy this saving until July, and then we will see what happens!