## Your Mailbox Bill Is Growing: What USPS Price Increases Mean for You This Summer

Here's something that'll hit your wallet: the price of stamps going up again. The U.S. Postal Service is pushing for another rate hike on its Forever stamps, set to jump from 73 cents to 78 cents starting July 13 — that's roughly a 6.8% bump. If regulators approve it, this marks the first stamp price increase since July 2024.

The USPS has now raised Forever stamp prices 19 times since 2000, yet the agency continues to claim they remain competitive globally. The Postal Service justified the move by citing the need for "financial stability" and alignment with its Delivering for America 10-year recovery plan. But there's a catch: this July increase is just the opening act. According to the agency, five separate rate hikes are scheduled through 2027, so expect more sticker shock ahead.

## More Than Just Stamps: A Full Menu of Rate Increases

Stamps aren't alone in the price of stamps going up this year. The USPS has proposed changes across their entire postage portfolio:

- **1-ounce metered letters**: climbing from 69 cents to 74 cents
- **Domestic postcards**: rising from 56 cents to 62 cents
- **International postcards**: inching up from $1.65 to $1.70
- **1-ounce international letters**: bumping from $1.64 to $1.70
- **Additional-ounce surcharge**: moving from 28 cents to 29 cents

One bright spot? Postal insurance is getting a 12% discount. Small victories, right?

## Why Now? Understanding the Financial Pressure Behind the Price Hike

The timing of these increases reveals deeper trouble. In November, USPS reported a staggering $9.5 billion net loss for fiscal year 2024 — worse than the prior year's $6.5 billion shortfall. The agency, operating as an independent government entity since 1971, faces mounting operational costs while mail volume continues its long-term decline.

The Postal Service is banking on price increases to stabilize finances, but there's a gamble embedded in this strategy: will higher costs push more customers toward digital alternatives? For everyday mailers, the price of stamps going up means reconsidering how and whether to send physical mail. For businesses relying on bulk mail services, these cumulative increases compound operational expenses.

## What This Means for Your Mailing Habits

If you're a casual stamp user, you'll notice the difference most on holiday cards and occasional payments sent by mail. Bulk mailers and small businesses feel it harder. The proposed changes suggest the Postal Service sees rate increases as the primary lever for generating revenue in an increasingly digital world.

Pending regulatory approval, consumers should expect these July increases to take effect as planned — making this a timely moment to stock up on current Forever stamps if you're a regular mail sender.