Full Breakdown
USPS Raises “Forever” Stamp Price to 82 Cents Effective July 12, 2026
7/12/2026, 4:13:55 AM
Price Increase Details
On Sunday, July 12, 2026 the United States Postal Service will raise the cost of a First-Class Mail “Forever” stamp from 78 cents to 82 cents, a 4.8 % increase that applies to all First-Class Mail products. The adjustment also lifts domestic postcard rates to 65 cents, metered-letter rates to 78 cents, and international postcard and letter rates to $1.75. The additional-ounce surcharge for single-piece letters remains at 29 cents. The Postal Regulatory Commission approved the changes on May 27 after the USPS filed its intent on April 9.
Financial Context and Rationale
The USPS says the hike is needed to address a “severe financial crisis” and rising operational costs. A Postal Regulatory Commission analysis released May 21 reported a net loss of $2.7 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and noted the agency has not posted a profit in the past decade. Revenue grew by roughly $1 billion in FY 2025 while costs rose by $1.8 billion, widening the gap between assets and liabilities.
Official Statements & Responses
The agency emphasized its self-financing mandate, noting it “generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.” The Postal Regulatory Commission cautioned that the USPS still faces “significant long-term challenges, including declining mail volume, service performance issues and a deteriorating financial outlook,” but found no legal basis to reject the filing.
Consumer Impact
Forever stamps purchased at 78 cents or less remain valid for standard First-Class letters, regardless of future rate changes. The increase marks a 100 % rise in the stamp’s price since its 2007 debut at 41 cents and represents the second consecutive year of a sizable hike.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In the midst of the severe financial crisis facing the Postal Service and continued rising operational costs, the Postal Service is using all available tools, including available regulatory pricing authority, to ensure we can continue to fulfill our universal service obligation and serve the American public,” — United States Postal Service statement
- “Losses sustained over the past 10 years have weakened the Postal Service’s financial position, resulting in a significant gap between assets and liabilities,” — Postal Regulatory Commission report
- “The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.” — United States Postal Service statement
