The cost of mailing a letter is about to go up once again. Beginning Sunday, July 13, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will implement its latest postage rate increase, raising the price of a first-class Forever stamp from 73 cents to 76 cents. The three-cent hike marks the fifth price increase in just over two years and continues a broader trend of rising mailing costs across multiple USPS services.
In addition to the Forever stamp, which covers the cost of sending a standard one-ounce letter, rates for postcards, metered mail, and international mail will also increase. For example, the price of a domestic postcard will rise from 53 cents to 56 cents, while international letters will now cost $1.65, up from the previous rate of $1.55. Metered one-ounce letters, often used by small businesses and organizations, will increase from 69 cents to 73 cents.
The USPS has stated that these increases are necessary to offset rising operational costs, including transportation, labor, and fuel expenses. The agency also cites its ongoing efforts to achieve long-term financial sustainability, particularly as traditional mail volume continues to decline in the digital age. While package delivery remains a growing area of business, first-class mail—USPS’s primary revenue source—has steadily decreased over the past decade, placing increased financial pressure on the service.
This latest rate adjustment was approved earlier this year by the Postal Regulatory Commission, the federal body that oversees USPS pricing. The agency typically announces price changes several months in advance to give customers and businesses time to prepare. USPS maintains that the current rate structure remains among the most affordable in the industrialized world, even with the latest increase.
For customers, the looming change presents a final opportunity to purchase Forever stamps at the current 73-cent price before the adjustment takes effect. Forever stamps retain their value regardless of future increases, meaning stamps purchased now will still be valid for mailing letters even after the new rates are in place.
The repeated rate hikes have sparked concern among consumers and businesses alike, particularly small enterprises and nonprofit organizations that rely heavily on direct mail for outreach and marketing. Critics argue that continuous price increases could further discourage the use of mail, accelerating the decline in volume and placing even more strain on USPS revenue.
Supporters of the rate increases counter that they are a necessary step toward modernizing and sustaining a postal system that provides critical services to every corner of the United States, especially rural and underserved communities where private delivery options may be limited or unavailable.
As USPS continues to navigate its evolving role in the modern economy, consumers are advised to monitor upcoming changes and consider stocking up on Forever stamps ahead of Sunday’s increase. Whether mailing a birthday card, a bill payment, or business correspondence, each stamp will soon cost just a little more—adding up over time for frequent mailers.
For the public, the clock is ticking. July 13 marks the last day to take advantage of the current rates before the new pricing officially takes effect.