The US Postal Service will raise the price of Forever stamps by 5 cents starting Sunday, bringing the cost to 82 cents per stamp. This marks a cumulative increase of 41% since 2021, when a Forever stamp cost 58 cents.
The price hike is part of a broader rate adjustment. The cost for mailing a one-ounce letter will also rise to 82 cents. Postcard stamps will increase to 55 cents, up from 53 cents. International letters will cost $1.70, a 10-cent jump.
The USPS cited rising operational costs and the mandate to become financially self-sufficient as reasons for the increase. The agency has not posted a profit in over a decade.
Analysts expect more increases. Forever stamps getting pricier this weekend — and it’s likely not the last price hike. The USPS Board of Governors has approved rate hikes through 2026, with another increase projected for next July.
The compounding effect is reshaping mailing habits. Businesses, which account for the bulk of mail volume, are shifting to digital invoices and electronic billing. Consumer mail volume has declined 30% since 2021, according to industry data.
| Year | Forever Stamp Price | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $0.58 | — |
| 2022 | $0.60 | +3.4% |
| 2023 | $0.63 | +5.0% |
| 2024 | $0.73 | +15.9% |
| 2025 | $0.77 | +5.5% |
| 2026 | $0.82 | +6.5% |
The Forever stamp, which retains its value regardless of future rate changes, remains a hedge against inflation. But the 41% cumulative increase since 2021 dwarfs the 18% cumulative CPI inflation over the same period.
For small businesses, the math is stark. A company sending 10,000 first-class letters per year now pays $8,200 annually for postage, versus $5,800 in 2021. That’s an extra $2,400 in costs.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the new price of a Forever stamp in 2024?
- A: The price of a Forever stamp rose to 82 cents, a 5-cent increase from 77 cents, effective Sunday.
- Q: How much has the Forever stamp price increased since 2021?
- A: Since 2021, the Forever stamp price has increased by 41%, from 58 cents to 82 cents.
- Q: Why is the USPS increasing stamp prices?
- A: The USPS cites rising operational costs and a mandate to become financially self-sufficient as the primary reasons.
- Q: Are more stamp price hikes expected?
- A: Yes, the USPS Board of Governors has approved rate hikes through 2026, with another increase projected for next July.
- Q: How is the price increase affecting mailing habits?
- A: Businesses are shifting to digital invoices and electronic billing, and consumer mail volume has declined 30% since 2021.
- Q: Does the Forever stamp still protect against inflation?
- A: Yes, the Forever stamp retains its value regardless of future rate changes, but its 41% cumulative increase since 2021 outpaces the 18% cumulative CPI inflation over the same period.
Extended Reading
The USPS continues to implement price increases under the “Delivering for America” 10-year plan. The agency reported a $2.6 billion net loss in fiscal 2025. Package delivery volumes have grown 8% year-over-year, partially offsetting the decline in letter mail.
