how much are postal stamps going up

June 30, 2026

The U.S. Postal Service is planning to raise a First-Class Forever stamp by 4 cents , from 78 cents to 82 cents , starting July 12, 2026. Other common mailing prices are also set to rise, including domestic postcards from 61 cents to 65 cents and domestic metered mail from 74 cents to 78 cents.

What changes

First-Class Forever stamp: 78 cents → 82 cents.

Domestic postcard: 61 cents → 65 cents.

International postcard and international letter: $1.70 → $1.75.

Domestic metered 1-ounce letter: 74 cents → 78 cents.

How big is the hike

This is roughly a 5 percent increase overall, according to the USPS filing and reporting on the change. The rate change was reported as pending final approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission in some coverage.

Timing

The new prices are scheduled to take effect on July 12, 2026. If you mail often, buying stamps before that date would avoid the higher price.

Forum-style recap

“Stamps are going up again, but it’s only a few cents per stamp.”

That’s basically the headline: a small per-stamp increase, but it adds up if you mail a lot.

Bottom line

For most people, the main number to remember is 82 cents for a Forever stamp starting July 12, 2026.