When Does the Price of Postage Stamps Go Up?

If you’ve noticed your mailing costs climbing in recent years, you’re not alone. The price of USPS postage stamps has increased regularly, and understanding when these changes happen can help you plan ahead and manage your mailing budget effectively.

Key takeaways

Bottom Line: USPS raises stamp prices twice a year (January and July). The current cost is 78 cents as of July 2025—up from just 55 cents in 2020.

• Current stamp price: 78 cents (as of July 13, 2025)
• When stamps go up: Expect increases in January and July each year through at least 2027
• How much prices have risen: Stamps cost 42% more than they did five years ago
• Why prices keep rising: Mail volume has dropped 68% since 2007, while operating costs continue to increase
• How to save money: Use Stamps.com to print NetStamps at discounted rates (save up to 88% vs. retail) and get exact postage every time

The Smart Move: Don’t let rising stamp prices eat into your budget. Stamps.com offers commercial rates, accurate postage calculation, and on-demand printing—so you save money and time on every piece you mail.

Understanding the postage stamp price change schedule

USPS typically raises postage rates twice annually as part of its Delivering for America 10-year plan. This pattern has become more frequent in recent years, with stamp prices adjusting in both January and July to address operational costs and inflation pressures.

When does the price of postage stamps go up? Based on current USPS practices, you can expect potential increases in:

• January: Prices usually change between January 19-21
• July: Mid-summer price changes (typically around July 13)

These increases represent a significant shift from historical patterns. Between the 1970s and 2000, rates increased just three to four times per decade. Now, we’re seeing rate adjustments approximately twice per year.

Current USPS stamp price and recent increases

What is the current cost of a stamp?

As of July 13, 2025, the current USPS stamp price for a First-Class Mail Forever stamp is 78 cents. This represents a 5-cent increase from the previous price of 73 cents and marks the seventh rate increase since January 2021.

Are postage stamps going up again?

Yes, postage stamp prices are expected to continue rising. USPS has outlined plans for twice-yearly increases through at least 2027, with proposed adjustments scheduled for:

• January 2026
• July 2026
• January 2027
• July 2027

Each increase needs approval from two groups: the Postal Service’s Board and the Postal Regulatory Commission. In practice, most increases get approved as requested.

USPS Forever Stamps price increase history

The Forever Stamp has seen significant price growth in recent years. Here’s a snapshot of the USPS Forever Stamps price increase trajectory:

• 2020: $0.55 (no increase)
• January 2021: $0.55 (unchanged)
• August 2021: $0.58
• July 2022: $0.60
• January 2023: $0.63
• July 2023: $0.66
• January 2024: $0.68
• July 2024: $0.73
• July 2025: $0.78

That’s a 42% increase over just five years. If current trends continue, experts project that the cost of first class stamps could reach $1.19 by 2030.

USPS postage rates history: A broader perspective

Looking at USPS postage rates history reveals an accelerating pattern of increases. The Forever Stamp was introduced in 2007 at just 41 cents. Over nearly two decades, the price has nearly doubled.

U.S. stamps still cost less than stamps in most other countries. A 2024 study by the USPS Office of Inspector General found that the United States had lower stamp prices than 26 out of 30 comparable countries. Between 2018 and 2023, while U.S. stamp prices increased by 26%, the average increase across comparable countries was 55%.

When do stamps go up in 2025?

The most recent postage stamp price change occurred on July 13, 2025, when First-Class stamps increased from 73 cents to 78 cents. This USPS stamp rate increase 2025 represented a 7.4% jump in mailing services, tying the record as one of the highest stamp increases ever implemented.

What does this mean for a book of stamps? Based on the current price of 78 cents, a standard book of stamps (20 stamps) now costs $15.60. That’s up from $14.60 before the July increase. For frequent mailers, these costs add up quickly. Learn more about the cost of a stamp book and how to save.

Beyond First-Class stamps, other postal products also saw increases:

• Domestic postcards: 56 cents to 62 cents
• Additional ounce for letters: 28 cents to 29 cents
• International postcards: $1.65 to $1.70
• International letters (1 oz.): $1.65 to $1.70

Next stamp increase timeline

When will the price of stamps go up again? Based on USPS’s filed plans with the Postal Regulatory Commission, the next stamp increase is expected in January 2026, with another anticipated in July 2026.

Why are the prices of postage stamps increasing?

Several factors drive the ongoing cost of stamps increase:

1. Declining mail volume: Since 2007, the number of mailed items has decreased by 68% as digital communication has replaced traditional mail. With fewer pieces of mail generating revenue, rates must rise to cover fixed operational costs.
   
2. Inflation pressures: Rising costs for labor, transportation, fuel, and other operational expenses mean prices also go up.
   
3. Infrastructure modernization: USPS is investing in network improvements and facility upgrades as part of its 10-year transformation plan.
   
4. Financial sustainability: As an independent federal establishment mandated to be self-financing, USPS relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund operations.

Smart strategies to manage rising postage costs

While you can’t control when the price of postage stamps goes up, you can take proactive steps to minimize the impact on your budget:

1. Purchase Forever Stamps before increases

Forever Stamps maintain their value regardless of future price increases. Buying stamps before the next stamp increase can lock in current rates for future use.

2. Use digital postage solutions

This is where Stamps.com transforms the mailing experience. Rather than standing in line at the post office to buy stamps at full retail prices, Stamps.com offers:

• Discounted postage rates: Save up to 88% compared to retail pricing
• Accurate postage calculation: Get the exact postage for every piece, down to the very last ounce, so you never overspend
• On-demand printing: Print NetStamps whenever you need them, from wherever you are
• Multi-carrier access: Access UPS, USPS, FedEx, and other carriers from one simple platform

3. Leverage NetStamps technology

NetStamps through Stamps.com allow you to print official USPS postage directly from your computer or device. This means:

• No more trips to the post office
• No more waiting in line
• No more running out of stamps at critical moments
• Complete visibility into your mailing activity and expenses for bookkeeping and billing

With NetStamps, you’re always prepared for postage stamp price change events. Your account automatically updates with current rates, and you benefit from commercial pricing that saves money even as retail rates increase.

4. Optimize your mailing practices

Stamps.com helps you streamline operations by:

• Detailed reports help you plan your budget and track spending.
• Expert phone, chat, and email support answer your questions.
• Integration with practice management systems allows for seamless workflow.
• Get the exact postage amount every time. Never overpay again.

A smarter, cheaper way to handle rising stamp prices

When does the price of postage stamps go up? The answer is increasingly frequent. But with the right tools, you can stay ahead of these increases and save money in the process.

The cost of mailing a letter continues to rise, but Stamps.com helps businesses of all sizes save money on postage. Stamps.com gives you three key benefits: accurate postage, discounted rates, and easy printing. Together, these turn your rising postage costs into predictable, manageable expenses.

Rather than worrying about the next USPS stamp price increase date or how much stamps will cost, focus on what you can control. A Stamps.com solution puts you in charge of your mailing operations with:

• Cost savings: Pay less on every piece you mail with our special negotiated rates
• Time savings: Print postage anytime, anywhere, without post office visits
• Accuracy: Get exact postage calculations so you don’t overpay
• Visibility: See all your mailing costs in one place for easy tracking and accounting
• Support: Expert assistance whenever you need it

Planning for future increases

Understanding USPS stamp price chart trends helps you prepare for what’s ahead. While specific amounts for future increases aren’t confirmed until filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission, you can expect:

• Continued semi-annual adjustments
• Increases roughly in line with inflation (often 4-8%)
• Larger percentage increases for First-Class mail compared to commercial bulk rates

The secret? Use a system that updates prices automatically and helps you save money.

Take control of your mailing costs

When does the price of postage stamps go up? Regularly. But you don’t have to feel the full impact of every increase. Stamps.com offers a smarter way to handle your mailing needs, combining convenience, accuracy, and significant cost savings.

With NetStamps and Stamps.com’s comprehensive platform, you’ll always have access to current rates, discounted pricing, and the tools you need to mail efficiently. Whether you’re sending a single letter or hundreds of pieces per day, Stamps.com helps you save time and money while staying ahead of postage increases.

Start a risk-free 30-day trial of Stamps.com today and discover how easy it is to print your own postage, access discounted rates, and take control of your mailing operations—no matter when the next price increase arrives.

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