Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON / AFP / Getty Images
The United States Postal Service (USPS) plans to increase the cost of a Forever Stamp to 82 cents starting Sunday (July 12), pending approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission. This marks a four-cent rise from the current price of 78 cents. The USPS has proposed these changes as part of efforts to address its financial challenges.
In addition to the Forever Stamp, other mailing services will see price hikes. Domestic postcards will increase from 61 cents to 65 cents, while international postcards and letters will rise from $1.70 to $1.75. These adjustments represent an average rate increase of 4.8% for market-dominant products, including First-Class Mail. According to the USPS, these changes are necessary to manage rising operational costs and continue fulfilling its universal service obligation.
The USPS, which operates without tax dollars, relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations. The organization has been facing a severe financial crisis, prompting these pricing adjustments. The Charlotte Observer reports that the Postal Regulatory Commission will review the proposed changes before they take effect.
Despite the increases, the USPS maintains that its mailing prices remain among the most affordable globally. More details about the price changes can be found on the Postal Explorer website.