Current US Stamp Price
As of February 2026, a standard Forever stamp for First-Class Mail in the United States costs 78 cents. This price, set after a 5-cent increase in July 2025, has remained unchanged into early 2026, providing stability for everyday letter mailing.

Why No Change in 2026?

The USPS announced it would hold First-Class Mail stamp prices steady through at least mid-2026, breaking from typical biannual hikes.

Postmaster General David Steiner cited this as a strategic pause under the "Delivering for America" plan to balance finances without immediate consumer impact.

While other services like Priority Mail saw proposed increases (e.g., Regular Flat Rate Envelope from $9.70 to $10.30), the basic stamp stayed put.

Quick Facts on Stamps

  • Forever Stamp Value : Always covers 1 oz First-Class Mail, regardless of future hikes—buy now to lock in 78¢ value long-term.
  • What It Covers : Standard letters up to 1 oz, envelopes under 3.5x6.125 inches, and under 0.25 inches thick (no squares or rigid items).
  • Add-Ons : Extra ounce costs ~28¢; non-machinable (e.g., square envelopes) jumps to $1.27.

Mail Type| Current Price (2026)| Notes 17
---|---|---
Forever Stamp (1 oz letter)| 78¢| Unchanged early 2026
Additional Ounce| ~28¢| For heavier letters
Postcard| ~56¢| Separate rate
Global Forever (Intl)| $1.65| One stamp for intl letters

Trending Context & Tips

Online forums and news buzz about this "surprise freeze" as a win amid rising shipping costs—many stock up on Forever stamps now.

Pro Tip : Weigh letters at home; rigid items (keys, cards) trigger surcharges. Drop off early to avoid postmark delays from new 2026 rules.

Stockpiling pays off historically—stamps bought today retain value forever, even as rates climb (e.g., from 49¢ in 2011 to 78¢ now).

TL;DR : A US Forever stamp is 78¢ in Feb 2026, unchanged from mid-2025, with no hike until midyear at earliest.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.