The U.S. Postal Service raised the price of Forever stamps to 82 cents today, July 12, 2026, marking the eighth postage increase since 2021 and pushing the cost of mailing a first-class letter up 4 cents from the previous 78-cent price.
The overall rate adjustment represents a 4.8% increase across mailing services, according to the USPS. Other postage products also rose: domestic postcards increased from 61 cents to 65 cents, and metered first-class letters went from 74 cents to 78 cents.
Since Forever stamps debuted in 2007 at 41 cents, the price has climbed 100% in 19 years. The cumulative increase from August 2021—when stamps cost 58 cents—to today’s 82-cent rate represents a 41% jump in less than five years, according to reporting from CBS News and NBC New York.
Financial Strain Drives Repeated Rate Hikes
The Postal Service pointed to mounting financial losses as the impetus for the increase. In a May 21 financial analysis report, the Postal Regulatory Commission noted that USPS recorded a net loss of $2.7 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, according to USA Today.
The commission added that the agency has operated at a loss over the past decade. “Losses sustained over the past 10 years have weakened the Postal Service’s financial position, resulting in a significant gap between assets and liabilities,” the commission stated in its report.
In a statement when it filed for the rate increase on April 9, the Postal Service framed the adjustment as essential to its survival. “In the midst of the severe financial crisis facing the Postal Service and continued rising operational costs, the Postal Service is using all available tools, including available regulatory pricing authority, to ensure we can continue to fulfill our universal service obligation and serve the American public,” the agency said, per USA Today.
The Postal Regulatory Commission approved the price changes on May 27, clearing the way for the July 12 implementation. Stamps purchased at the old 78-cent rate or lower remain valid for mailing standard one-ounce letters even after the increase, meaning consumers who stockpile before today face no loss.
Sources
- USA Today — reported the 82-cent price, 4.8% overall rate increase, $2.7 billion loss figure, and USPS statement on financial crisis
- CBS News — confirmed the 41% cumulative increase from 2021 and noted postal officials have signaled prices may rise further
- NBC New York — reported the eighth price increase since 2021 and the 41% cumulative rise
- USPS Official Statement — announced the July 12 effective date and new rates
- The Hill — reported this as the eighth price hike since 2021
