Mailing a letter is about to become more expensive, but there’s still time to buy new stamps and delay the impact of the rate increase. The United States Postal Service is raising the cost of its Forever First-Class stamps. Starting July 9, the cost of a Forever stamp, or mailing a one-ounce letter, will increase by 3 cents. The Postal Regulatory Commission’s approval was announced in the Postal Bulletin this month.
The cost of Forever Stamps, the postage stamps that remain good for mailing a 1-ounce letter, regardless of rate increases, will climb 3 cents, from 63 cents to 66 cents. Once the rate increase takes effect, a book of 20 Forever Stamps will cost 60 cents more than it does today. The increase will raise the First-Class Mail prices by approximately 5.4%, to offset the rise in inflation, according to the postal service.
Since Forever Stamps, which do not carry a value on them, are good forever, customers can stall the impact of the rate increase by buying at the current rates. Even when the cost rises to 66 cents a letter, the Forever Stamp purchased for 63 cents will remain valid.
Other mail services will also increase. Here’s a full breakdown:
– Mailing a one-ounce letter — increase from 63 cents to 66 cents.
– Mailing a metered one-ounce letter — an increase from 60 cents to 63 cents.
– The price of a postcard — increases from 48 cents to 51 cents.
– One-ounce letter mailed to another country — an increase from $1.45 to $1.50.
– Postcard mailed to another country — an increase from $1.45 to $1.50.
– Additional ounces for letters will remain at 24 cents.
In addition to the rate increase, the U.S. Postal Service is also changing its package shipping services. On July 9, USPS Ground Advantage will launch nationwide to offer a faster, more affordable shipping option. Packages will arrive in two to five business days across the continental U.S., and customers will have the option of free pick-up at home or in-office. The service will be cheaper than previous options, though the savings are minimal.
The Postal Service is seeking price adjustments for special services products as well, including Certified Mail, Post Office Box rental fees, money order fees, and the cost to purchase insurance when mailing an item.
In other news, a new John Lewis Forever Stamp will be available in July. The stamp commemorates former Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon who served in Congress for over three decades. Lewis was best known for his involvement in the Bloody Sunday march in Selma, Alabama and his participation in the 1963 March on Washington. The stamp features a photograph of Lewis taken by Marco Grob and can be used to mail a one-ounce letter regardless of when it is purchased or used.
As the cost of mailing a letter increases, customers are encouraged to purchase Forever Stamps at the current rate to save money in the long run. The rate increase will go into effect on July 9, so time is running out to take advantage of the current prices.