Forever stamp prices are going up this weekend. How much will first-class stamps cost?

Gary T. Mills, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union
Updated ·2 min read
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For the second time this year, the United States Postal Service is raising the cost to mail a letter, greeting card or credit card payment.

On Sunday, July 14, the cost of First-Class Forever stamps will increase to 73 cents — an increase of more than 7% — one of several new rate increases for mail and shipping services.

That’s seven cents more than it cost to mail a letter a year ago, when the USPS raised the rate from 63 cents to 66 cents, and 13 cents more than the price of a Forever Stamp in July 2022.

The increases are part of the Postal Services' 10-year Delivering for America plan, enacted in 2021 by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. The plan was "absolutely necessary to put the Postal Service on the path to service excellence and financial stability," he told a U.S. House committee in May 2023, USA TODAY reported.

2023 stamp prices increase: The cost to mail a letter is going up – again. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to mail a letter in 2024?

The price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp will increase to 73 cents from 68 cents.

When does the postage increase take place?

The price hike goes into effect on Sunday, July 14, 2024.

Beginning Sunday, July 14, the cost to mail a letter will increase to 73 cents.
Beginning Sunday, July 14, the cost to mail a letter will increase to 73 cents.

Why is the U.S. Postal Service increasing postage rates?

“As changes in the mailing and shipping marketplace continue, these price adjustments are needed to achieve the financial stability sought by the organization’s Delivering for America 10-year plan. USPS prices remain among the most affordable in the world,” USPS said in a press release.

What about postcards and metered letters?

  • Letters (1 ounce): 73 cents, up from 68 cents

  • Letters (metered, 1 ounce): 69 cents, up from 64 cents

  • Domestic postcards: 56 cents, up from 53 cents

  • International postcards: $1.65, up from $1.55

  • International letter: $1.65, up from $1.55

When did the USPS start using Forever Stamps?

The first Forever Stamp, featuring an image of the Liberty Bell, went on sale in April 2007, according to the USPS, at a cost of 41 cents.

How much have Forever Stamps increased?

According to the website postageonlinenow.com, the cost of Forever Stamps has increased more than 20 cents since they were first introduced. Here is a breakdown of pricing since 2007:

  • April 12, 2007: 41 cents

  • May 12, 2008: 42 cents

  • May 11, 2009: 44 cents

  • Jan. 22, 2012: 45 cents

  • Jan. 27, 2013: 46 cents

  • Jan. 26, 2014: 49 cents

  • April 10, 2016: 47 cents

  • Jan. 22, 2017: 49 cents

  • Jan. 23, 2018: 50 cents

  • Jan. 30, 2019: 55 cents

  • Jan. 29, 2020: 55 cents

  • Aug. 29, 2021: 58 cents

  • July 10, 2022: 60 cents

  • Jan. 22, 2023: 63 cents

  • July 9, 2023: 66 cents

  • Jan. 21, 2024: 68 cents

  • July 14, 2024: 73 cents

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: How much is a Forever stamp? USPS raising cost of postage again