Current answer for when do postage stamps go up in 2026? (exact date + new price)
Reviewed August 25, 2026. This section separates current facts from historical prices, archived promotions, and issue-year information elsewhere in the article.
Current-use note: An ordinary domestic Forever stamp now has an 82-cent postage value for a qualifying one-ounce First-Class Mail letter. The issue year does not expire the stamp; the finished mailpiece still has to meet current USPS size, weight, and machinability rules.
The current ordinary Forever rate is 82 cents, effective July 12, 2026. Mentions of 73 or 78 cents are historical unless a passage explicitly says otherwise. Verify live rates with the USPS letter and postcard guide.
This page is informational. If the exact issue is not present in the live catalog, use the related Forever stamps for sale collection to compare an available earlier or similar issue.
SaleForeverStamps ordering facts
- No active coupon code and no separate bulk-pricing tier.
- Free shipping to U.S. addresses; orders are processed within 3 business days.
- Orders may ship with USPS, UPS, or GFO and include tracking.
- Returns are accepted within 30 days. Contact service@saleforeverstamps.com for return instructions.
Every year USPS adjusts postage rates, and knowing the exact date and new price helps you plan purchases instead of overpaying after the change goes live. This guide covers the July 2026 increase, explains how the new price affects common mail types, and compares your buying options so you can choose the best path for your household, small business, or event mailing needs.
July 12, 2026: The Exact Date Stamps Go Up
The Postal Regulatory Commission reviewed the rate filing under Docket R2026-1 and approved the new pricing schedule. Starting July 12, 2026, every First-Class Mail Forever stamp costs $0.82 at face value. The increase applies to stamps purchased at post offices, on USPS.com, and through licensed retail channels.
Because Forever stamps are accepted at whatever the current First-Class rate is at the time of mailing, any stamps you buy before July 12 at $0.82 still cover a one-ounce letter after the rate change. That makes the weeks before the increase a practical window to stock up if you send mail regularly.
Current vs. New Stamp Prices at a Glance
| Product | Previous price (before July 12, 2026) | New Price (July 12, 2026) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Forever Stamp | $0.78 | $0.82 | $0.04 |
| Book of 20 Forever Stamps | $15.60 | $16.40 | $0.80 |
| Roll of 100 Forever Stamps (face value) | $78.00 | $82.00 | $4.00 |
The per-stamp increase is four cents, but for households that mail holiday cards, wedding invitations, invoices, or customer correspondence throughout the year, those cents add up. A book of 20 jumps eighty cents, and a full roll of 100 costs four dollars more at face value.
Why Does USPS Raise Stamp Prices?
USPS operates under a rate-setting framework overseen by the Postal Regulatory Commission. Price adjustments reflect rising costs for transportation, labor, fuel, and facility operations. Unlike many private carriers, USPS is required to deliver to every U.S. address at uniform rates, which means periodic increases help fund that universal service mandate.
In recent years, USPS has moved to smaller, more frequent rate adjustments rather than one large annual hike. That means shoppers who pay attention to each scheduled increase have regular opportunities to buy at the lower rate before the change takes effect.
What the Increase Means for Common Mail Types
Standard Letters (Up to 1 oz)
A single Forever stamp covers a standard one-ounce letter sent First-Class Mail anywhere in the United States. After July 12, 2026, that stamp costs $0.82. Letters weighing more than one ounce require additional postage regardless of the rate change.
Greeting Cards and Invitations
Most flat greeting cards and wedding invitations that weigh under one ounce and meet standard letter dimensions are covered by one Forever stamp. Oversized, square, or unusually thick cards may be classified as non-machinable and require extra postage. If you plan a large mailing for weddings or holidays, confirm the card specifications with USPS or a postage calculator before buying.
Postcards
Postcard rates are separate from letter rates and are typically lower. The July 2026 adjustment may also affect postcard pricing, so check the USPS rate schedule if postcards make up a significant share of your mail.
Additional Ounces and Nonstandard Mail
Each additional ounce beyond the first currently adds a set surcharge. Packages, large envelopes, and nonstandard shapes fall into different rate categories. A Forever stamp alone does not cover these mail types; additional postage is always required.
Where to Buy Stamps Before the Increase
other online stamp sellers: An Independent Online Option
If you want to stock up before the July 12 increase without paying full face value, comparing the online price against post office and retail pricing is a practical step.
How Much Can You Save by Buying Early?
The savings depend on how many stamps you use over the course of a year. Here is a simple way to think about it:
- 50 letters per year: Buying 50 stamps before July 12 saves you $2.00 compared to buying them after the increase (50 × $0.04).
- 200 letters per year: Early purchase saves $8.00 at face value. If you buy at a discount from an independent seller, the combined savings can be even greater.
- A full roll of 100: You save $4.00 in avoided price increase alone. Purchasing that same roll below face value through a discount seller extends the per-stamp savings further.
For households that mail holiday cards, birthday cards, thank-you notes, and occasional bills, a book of 20 or two may cover several months of postage. Small businesses sending invoices, customer thank-yous, or direct mail pieces often go through multiple rolls per year and benefit the most from planning purchases around rate change dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Forever stamps still work after the price goes up?
Can I use multiple Forever stamps for heavier mail?
You can, but it may not be the most cost-efficient approach. For mail that exceeds one ounce, the additional-ounce surcharge is less than the price of a full Forever stamp. Combining a Forever stamp with a smaller-denomination stamp or using an online postage calculator helps you pay the exact amount required rather than overpaying.
Does the price increase affect all stamp types?
The July 2026 adjustment affects First-Class Mail rates, including the standard Forever stamp. Other stamp categories—such as Priority Mail, postcards, international mail, and additional-ounce stamps—may also see rate changes on or around the same date. Check the full USPS rate schedule for details on the category relevant to your mail.
Is it worth buying stamps in bulk before the increase?
If you mail regularly, buying a book or roll before July 12 locks in the lower rate and saves you the four-cents-per-stamp increase. For occasional mailers who use fewer than 20 stamps a year, the dollar savings are modest, so it comes down to personal preference and whether you want to avoid a post-office trip later.
Where can I check future USPS rate changes?
USPS publishes proposed and approved rate changes through the Postal Regulatory Commission docket system. You can also check USPS.com for official announcements or follow stamp-buying guides that track upcoming increases and buying strategies.
What to Do Before July 12, 2026
The July 12, 2026 stamp price increase is straightforward: four cents more per Forever stamp, adding up to $0.80 per book of 20 and $4.00 per roll of 100 at face value. Whether you buy from a post office, a local retailer, a warehouse club, or an independent online stamp store, the key is to match your purchase quantity to your real mailing needs and choose the channel that offers the best combination of price, convenience, and design selection for you.
Browse stamp designs and compare options to find the right fit for your next mailing—whether it is a stack of holiday cards, a round of wedding invitations, or a year’s worth of small-business correspondence.