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The 2025-2026 Guide: How Much Are Postage Stamps Now? (All Current USPS Rates)

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The price of a single First-Class Mail Forever Stamp is currently $0.78. This is the most important number for anyone mailing a standard 1-ounce letter within the United States. This rate is the result of the most recent price adjustment, which took effect on July 13, 2025, when the cost rose by five cents from the previous $0.73 price point. Understanding the current postage rates is crucial, as the United States Postal Service (USPS) has moved to a twice-yearly rate increase schedule, making it necessary to check for the absolute latest prices before mailing.

As of today, December 22, 2025, all domestic and international First-Class Mail rates are based on the July 2025 increase. This comprehensive guide breaks down the full spectrum of current USPS postage costs, including rates for postcards, international letters, additional ounces, and the often-missed non-machineable surcharge. Staying informed on these figures will ensure you never underpay for your mail, which can lead to delayed or returned letters.

The Complete 2025-2026 USPS First-Class Mail Rate Card

The USPS regularly adjusts its pricing structure to offset rising operational costs and inflation. These changes are reviewed and approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). The following table provides the most current and essential postage rates for sending letters and postcards, effective since the mid-year increase in July 2025. These are the key figures you need to know for your everyday mailing needs.

  • Forever Stamp (1 oz. Domestic Letter): $0.78
  • Metered Mail (1 oz. Domestic Letter): $0.74
  • Additional Ounce (Domestic Letter): $0.29
  • Domestic Postcard: $0.62
  • Global Forever Stamp (1 oz. International Letter/Postcard): $1.70
  • Non-Machineable Surcharge (Square/Odd-Shaped Envelope): $0.49

The distinction between the Forever Stamp price and the Metered Mail price is a key factor for businesses and frequent mailers. Metered mail, which is typically printed postage from a machine, often receives a slight discount compared to buying a physical stamp at the retail price. This is a small incentive for bulk and commercial mailers to streamline the postal process.

Decoding the Forever Stamp: Why the Price Doesn't Matter (Eventually)

The Forever Stamp is a unique and powerful tool for mailers. It was first introduced in 2007 and is designed to be perpetually valid for the mailing of a 1-ounce First-Class letter, regardless of how much the postage rate increases in the future.

This means if you purchased a Forever Stamp years ago for $0.44, it is still worth the current $0.78 rate today. The primary intention behind the Forever Stamp is to allow consumers to stock up on postage without worrying about needing to purchase additional "make-up" stamps every time the USPS raises its prices. This feature makes the Forever Stamp a popular choice and a hedge against future inflation in postage costs.

Essential Rates for Non-Standard and International Mail

While the standard 1-ounce letter is the most common mailing scenario, many people forget about the specific rates for heavier, international, or oddly shaped envelopes. Miscalculating these can lead to your mail being returned for insufficient postage, a frustrating and time-consuming delay.

The Additional Ounce Rate: When Your Letter is Too Heavy

A standard First-Class letter must weigh 1 ounce or less to qualify for the $0.78 Forever Stamp price. If your letter weighs between 1 and 2 ounces (e.g., a multi-page legal document or a heavy greeting card), you must add the Additional Ounce rate, which is $0.29.

For example, a 2-ounce domestic letter would cost $0.78 (First Ounce) + $0.29 (Second Ounce) = $1.07 in total postage. This $0.29 rate is a flat fee for each ounce beyond the first, up to the maximum weight limit for a First-Class letter.

The Non-Machineable Surcharge: The Square Envelope Tax

The non-machineable surcharge is one of the most frequently overlooked postage fees. If your envelope is square, vertical, lumpy, rigid, or has clasps/string, it cannot be processed by the USPS's automated sorting equipment. This requires manual handling, which incurs an extra fee.

The current Non-Machineable Surcharge is $0.49. You must add this fee to the base postage rate. Therefore, a 1-ounce square wedding invitation would cost $0.78 (Forever Stamp) + $0.49 (Surcharge) = $1.27 in total postage.

International and Global Forever Stamp Costs

Mailing a letter or postcard to any international destination outside the United States requires the international rate. The simplest way to pay for this is with a Global Forever Stamp, which costs $1.70.

Like the domestic Forever Stamp, the Global Forever Stamp will always cover the 1-ounce First-Class Mail International rate, regardless of future price increases. This single stamp can be used for any country in the world, simplifying global correspondence. For international letters weighing more than 1 ounce, you must consult the specific international rate tables on the USPS website, as the pricing is tiered by weight and destination group.

Where to Buy Postage Stamps Now (Beyond the Post Office)

While the Post Office is the official source for all stamps, there are many convenient locations where you can purchase Forever Stamps and other postage, often without the long lines.

The vast majority of retailers sell stamps in "books" or "rolls," typically in quantities of 20 or more, rather than individually. Always confirm the current price of a book of 20 Forever Stamps by multiplying the current single stamp price ($0.78) by 20, which equals $15.60.

Convenient Retail Locations for Stamp Purchases

  • Grocery Stores: Most major grocery chains (e.g., Kroger, Safeway, Publix) sell books of Forever Stamps at the customer service desk or check-out lanes.
  • Pharmacies and Convenience Stores: Drug stores like CVS and Walgreens, as well as convenience stores, frequently stock books of Forever Stamps behind the counter.
  • Big Box Retailers: Stores like Walmart and Target often have stamps available at their service counters or online marketplaces.
  • Banks and Credit Unions: Some financial institutions offer stamps as a customer service perk, though this is becoming less common.
  • The UPS Store and FedEx Office: Many franchised locations of The UPS Store and FedEx Office sell USPS postage stamps as an added convenience for shipping customers.
  • Online (The Postal Store): The official USPS website allows you to purchase all types of stamps and have them shipped directly to your home.

Future Postage Rate Changes and Topical Authority

The trend of mid-year and early-year rate increases continues to be the norm for the USPS. While the $0.78 rate is current as of today, December 22, 2025, the USPS has already announced potential rate hikes for shipping services in early 2026. These increases, if approved, will primarily affect services like Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and USPS Ground Advantage, with proposed bumps ranging from 5.1% to 7.8%.

While First-Class Mail stamp prices are typically adjusted separately, the pattern of continuous rate increases suggests that the price of a Forever Stamp may not remain at $0.78 for the entire year of 2026. Therefore, the best practice for any heavy mailer or business is to check the official USPS website quarterly for any new announcements regarding First-Class Mail and Forever Stamp price changes.

The 2025-2026 Guide: How Much Are Postage Stamps Now? (All Current USPS Rates)
how much are postage stamps now
how much are postage stamps now

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