Stamp prices increase to 78 cents Sunday
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The price of stamps increases again on July 13, 2025. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Postage stamp prices increase by another 5 cents starting Sunday, one of the United States Postal Service's biggest price hikes.
Why it matters: This is the 20th stamp rate change since 2000 and the seventh increase since 2021.
- It comes a day before new Postmaster General David Steiner is expected to start, and as Americans continue to reduce what they send via snail mail.
When do stamp prices go up
The big picture: Sunday, July 13 is the first day of the increases, which raise mailing services product prices approximately 7.4%, USPS said.
- Rates last went up in July 2024. Postage prices also rose in July 2023, January 2023 and July 2022.
- Between the 1970s and 2000, rates increased three to four times a decade, USPS data shows.
USPS postage rates 2025
Zoom in: Postage for a 1-ounce letter increases to 78 cents, up from 73 cents.
- Metered 1-ounce letters move to 74 cents, up from 69 cents.
- Postcards sent domestically are 61 cents, up from 56 cents.
- International postcards and 1-ounce letters will be $1.70, both up from $1.65.
- The additional-ounce price for single-piece letters increases to 29 cents from 28 cents.
More stamp hikes expected
What's next: USPS outlined a plan in September for twice-yearly increases — January and July for both 2026 and 2027 — in a document submitted to the Postal Regulatory Commission.
- All increases are subject to the approval of the postal service's governors and then need to be approved by the commission.
- The commission is currently looking at a proposed rule change that could restrict rate increases to one per year.
The intrigue: Kevin Yoder, executive director of the advocacy group Keep US Posted, urged incoming Postmaster General Steiner in a letter to reconsider the price hike.
- Yoder, a former Republican congressman from Kansas, said "the price of a single stamp could be $1.19 by 2030" if price escalations continue.
Costco member benefit on Forever stamps
State of play: Costco clubs are offering members extra time to lock in prices at 73-cent per Forever stamp.
- "Current Member prices valid in Costco locations through July 28, 2025," the retailer's website says.
- Costco is selling 100 stamps for $72.75. There is a shipping fee if purchasing online.
Flashback: Since 2011, all first-class commemorative stamps have been issued as Forever stamps.
- The Postal Service first started selling Forever stamps in 2007, when they cost 41 cents.
Mailing wedding invitations
💠Kelly's thought bubble: Stocking up on stamps before a price hike is a smart move if you're throwing a big party and still sending out print invites.
- Weddings, for example, can be extremely stamp-intensive, with multiple events like bridal showers and thank-you cards.
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