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The U.S. Postal Service raised the price of a first-class Forever stamp by 5 cents, from 73 cents to 78 cents, on July 13. A first-class stamp covers the cost to mail a 1-ounce letter; the cost of an additional ounce rose from 28 cents to 29 cents.
Many of the post office’s smorgasbord of services became more expensive, too.
Metered letters now cost 74 cents, up from 69 cents. Domestic postcard prices also went up, rising to 62 cents from 56 cents, while international postcards increased from $1.65 to $1.70. You’ll pay a nickel extra for outbound international letters: They now cost $1.70, up from $1.65.
What did a first-class postage stamp cost?
- Jan. 22, 2017: 49 cents
- Jan. 21, 2018: 50 cents
- Jan. 27, 2019: 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
- July 13, 2025: 78 cents
Source: Historian, U.S. Postal Service
What is a Forever stamp?
A Forever stamp sends a 1-ounce letter to any U.S. address. You don't have to add additional postage. In fact, you can use an original 41-cent Forever stamp you bought 18 years ago to mail a first-class letter today without additional postage.
Forever stamps, introduced in 2007, are always equivalent to the current price of a first-class stamp. Since 2011, virtually all first-class stamps sold are Forever stamps.
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