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Buy Stamps, ASAP. Here's What to Know About USPS' Price Increase
You can expect postage stamps to be getting a bit pricier this summer.
Postage stamps are about to get more expensive.
Stamps are going to be getting a bit more expensive this summer. On April 9, the US Postal Service announced that the organization had filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission to change the price of several mailing services, including a 5-cent increase to the price of a First Class Forever Stamp.
According to the USPS' announcement, these price changes are due to continued changes in the mailing and shipping market and that "these price adjustments are needed to achieve the financial stability sought by the organization's Delivering for America 10-year plan."
This is the most recent of several price hikes that have hit the cost of postage over the last few years. Read on to find out how this will affect your mailing and shipping habits.
For more, here's what to know about shrinkflation and how to return your Amazon packages.
How much is the price of stamps going up?
The price increase depends on which postal service you are seeking. The USPS has announced price increases for at least six postal services, with more that have yet to be announced. So far, the new prices are:
US Postal Service price changes
| Product | Current prices | Planned prices |
|---|---|---|
| Letters (1 oz.) | 68 cents | 73 cents |
| Letters (metered 1 oz.) | 64 cents | 69 cents |
| Domestic postcards | 53 cents | 56 cents |
| International postcards | $1.55 | $1.65 |
| International letters (1 oz.) | $1.55 | $1.65 |
| Single-piece letters | 24 cents | 28 cents |
The USPS indicated that it was seeking a price change for "Special Services products, including Certified Mail and money order fees" although it did not indicate what those price changes would be. P.O. Box rental fees will remain the same.
The April 9 press release indicated no changes were being made to any shipping rates, but we'll update this story if the USPS releases more pricing changes.
Where can I buy stamps?
You can buy stamps at any post office, the USPS website, via mail through USA Philatelic or by calling the USPS at 844-737-7826.
Additionally, you can buy stamps and stamp-themed merchandise (yes, merchandise) from the USPS' licensed collection on Amazon.
When will this change take effect?
If you want to get stamps or send mail at the current price, you will need to do so before July 14, 2024. So, you have just under three months to fulfill your postage needs before prices increase this summer.
For more, here's what to know about the recent inflation jump and how to maximize your savings in 2024.