Stamp Price Increase Coming July 14, 2024 – Grab Some at the Lower Price Now!
Another 2024 stamp price increase is on its way. Here’s what you need to know.
The price of a stamp is going up AGAIN and will continue to go up every year.
On July 14, 2024, the United States Postal Service will increase the price of First-Class Forever Stamps from their current cost of 68¢ to 73¢. In addition, USPS is planning to increase the cost of metered letters, postcards, and international mail, as detailed below. The increase on these services is approximately 7.8%.
Despite the higher prices, the USPS continues to maintain that it offers some of the most affordable services in the world.
You can check out this press release on the stamp price increase for more information, but you may want to grab some stamps TODAY before the price increases. USPS has a variety of stamp sheets and books available with free standard shipping.
The proposed Mailing Services price changes include:
Additionally, the USPS has announced plans to raise the price of postage twice a year, every year. 😱 You can expect the increases to take place around each January and July.
If you’re running low on stamps, now is the best time to grab yourself some Forever Stamps while they’re still available at the lower price!
The USPS said the following about the stamp price increase:
It “intends to be judicious in the use of available pricing authority, but anticipates the prospect that, given our current financial condition, the price change for each market-dominant class may be required to apply most or all pricing authority available on the date of filing.”
If you think that statement sounds somewhat ominous, you’re not alone. An industry watchdog called The Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers declared this filing “a death spiral accelerator” for the USPS. It’s also warning its members, “We assume USPS will use the full pricing authority it has at any moment.” 😬
Which classes of mail will see the biggest postage increase?
These twice-a-year price hikes will affect first-class mail, marketing (advertising) mail, periodicals, package services, and special services. Linn’s Stamp News points out that the USPS holds a monopoly on many of these services.
So why is there a stamp price increase now?
In the past, inflation caps limited the USPS’s ability to raise the price of a stamp by keeping postage increases in line with inflation rates. But the Postal Regulatory Commission recently gave the agency additional rate authority. This means we may be about to see historical price increases while the Postal Service tries to save itself from financial ruin, so get ready for additional price increases in the future!
Looking to save on shipping?
Not all shipping services are the same! If you’re wondering how to get the best deal on shipping, we prepared a handy cheat sheet for you! See our shipping cost comparison we put together to know whether Fed Ex, UPS, or USPS best fits your needs. With inflation recently impacting shipping costs, choosing the right carrier can make a big difference!
Another way to save is to use Media Mail when eligible. Media Mail is a shipping service offered by the USPS that can be used to send non-time-sensitive, educational materials. These can include items like books, educational references, CDs, DVDs, and more.
Check the USPS website for a full list of eligible items. Media Mail packages are subject to inspection by the Postal Service, so you’ll want to ensure your items qualify, or you risk receiving an additional charge.
If your items do qualify, you’re in luck! Media Mail prices are considerably lower than other services and start as low as $4.13. Just keep in mind that in exchange for the low price, Media Mail shipments take a little longer to be delivered. The current estimate is 2-8 business days.
If you ship packages frequently, consider joining the FedEx Rewards program to snag discounts of 15% – 30% off your shipments. If you prefer UPS, the shipping service offers discounts to AAA and AARP members.
Just checked USPS. They are already selling stamps at 66 cents. 🙁
They are going up to 68 cents tomorrow
I think she meant they are already charging the new price – 68-cents. I just went to order and they are at the new rate …
Scratch that – it says the new price, but they are charging the old price. Just stocked up for all occasions this year …
Ridiculous. Mail needs to be disbanded. Very little reason for it. At the very least mail delivery should be limited to once or twice a week for residential mail.
Grandmas love to send out their greeting cards and receive them. This ruins the experiences for the elderly. Mail should not be disbanded. Not everyone does everything online. My Dad doesn’t even use a smartphone or computer. He still has a landline and does his bills via mail. The post office could probably deliver mail every other day though.
A significant part of the population does not have access to dependable internet, regardless of age.
they don’t charge shipping for stamps but the do charge a handling fee.
I noticed you didn’t include the new Ground Advantage delivery service USPS offers. We use this often for my son’s small business and it saves a lot vs Priority mail for packages. The difference is it takes a day or two longer to get to the recipient but it’s totally worth it and it has tracking. One other thought…can you, personally, drive a letter across the states for .68? I think not. I don’t like the increase either but it is what it is.
Thanks for taking a moment to share about this new delivery service, Jen! 🤗 Happy to hear this has worked better for you than shipping packages by priority mail! ❤️
Pirateship is great for discounted shipping on packages! So nice to pay online, get a discounted rate and just drop them off at the post office. No more waiting in line! I especially love using the priority mail flat rate boxes to mail items to family and the discount makes them much more affordable to ship.
Thanks for sharing about Pirateship, Katie! Good to know they offer discounted shipping and it’s so easy to use! 💞
I still send cards when someone is really sick or going through something tough or a birthday. People are so appreciative that you went to the trouble to buy a card and mail it. It lets them know you are thinking about them on a random day. Dollar Tree still has nice cards 2 for $1.00
Same here.
I saw a sign at Costco which said they’d sell stamps at the current price until February 18
Anyone have an update on Amazon starting a carrier service to compete with USPS?
There is no amount USPS can charge that will make it profitable or efficient.
USPS isn’t supposed to make an actual profit. it’s not private business. It could break even as a service. the 2006 law where they have to refund pensions for 75 years (people who haven’t even been born yet) is what hurts them.
My road didn’t get mail for 4 days because of lack of help and they want more money. 😠
I’m glad I only have one bill that only has a pay by check option. I don’t send many cards so a book of stamps last me a year.
73cents?!?! What? That’s insane! Service has gone down, sometimes I receive other people’s mail and I know the same goes the other way and now it will cost that much to mail a letter 😳 I should buy some and save them for when my kids get married 10-15 years from now because by then stamps will be $7 each and sending wedding invitations will only be a luxury
Having a wedding period is a luxury … now.
It’s sad but I 100% agree with you.
well no more mailing christmas cards and stuff for me. email it is 😂
Experienced eBay seller here. I cannot recommend the website http://www.PirateShip.com enough when shipping packages. You will get the absolute best shipping rate available there. Keep in mind, the smaller the box you can use to safely ship your item, the better. They compare rates between UPS & USPS and give you your options.
Another thing to be aware of is that the post office (USPS) offers free Priority and Express Mail shipping supplies. https://store.usps.com/store/results/free-shipping-supplies/shipping-supplies/_/N-alnx4jZ7d0v8v
The problem with the post office at least in North Carolina is very little personal mail gets delivered. My brother and a friend mailed me packages last Christmas and I never received them. Then I mailed two letters and they were never received. I placed a complaint with the post office and have never heard any response other than to take my complaint. Therefore, we no longer use US mail if it’s important.
It seems like they just went up. Gonna get a roll if forever stamps
My son sent a motorcycle engine to his father thru Fastenal. It didn’t cost much. You do have to crate or package it yourself and pick it up from them they don’t deliver.
Oh wow! Thanks for sharing how he was able to send an engine at a good price! 🙌