How much does postage cost in 2024?
The latest postage stamp increase will raise the price of “forever stamps,” starting June 14, 2024 — so it will cost 73 cents to mail a letter in the second half of 2024.
Here’s a reminder: The latest postage stamp price increase goes into effect on July 14, 2024. The cost to mail a letter using a First Class Stamp will go up from 68 cents to 73 cents. That’s an increase of roughly 7.8%.
If you remember, we just saw a price increase in January.
Well, this is another increase.
But there’s a way to beat inflation in this case!
You can stock up on postage stamps NOW.
You’ll buy them now for 68 cents each, and then continue to use them after the July postage increase raises the price to 73 cents.
That’s because virtually all postage stamps sold in the U.S. today are “forever stamps” — a type of non-denominated stamp that works as first-class postage in perpetuity, regardless of future price increases.
The “forever” in their name means you can continue to use any forever stamp you ever bought — even if you still have some of the original Liberty Bell forever stamps that sold for 41 cents back in 2007. This is why you can buy stamps in bulk now, to avoid paying more after the price increase.
The last day to buy forever stamps at the current price of 68 cents is July 13, 2024.
Other prices you may need to know:
A first-class forever stamp covers the cost to mail a one-ounce letter.
For an additional ounce, you’ll need an extra 28 cents of postage.
The price to mail a postcard will go from 51 cents to 53 cents.
Visit the US Postal Service FAQ page for this price increase
Where to buy forever stamps
At your local post office, you can buy forever stamps in any quantity you choose at the counter, or in books of 20 from the vending machines located in the self-serve lobby.
You can also buy forever stamps online, at usps.com, where you’ll find more than 40 different designs to choose from. Just pick a design, and add it to your cart. You can checkout as a guest, or by signing into your usps account.
NOTE: online orders have a $1.50 fee added. So a book of 20 stamps will cost you a little more — but the stamps will be delivered right to your mailbox!
You can also order by phone — just call 1-800-STAMP-24 (1-800-782-6724).
Facts about forever stamps
This info comes from a press release by the U.S. Postal Service
- The first forever stamp went on sale in April 2007 and it featured an image of the Liberty Bell.
- In 2011, nearly all first-class one ounce stamps became forever stamps — with the exception of stamps in coils of 500, 3,000, and 10,000.
- As the name suggests, forever stamps can be used to mail a one-ounce letter regardless of when the stamps are purchased or used, and no matter how high prices go in the future.
- Forever stamps are always sold at the same price as a regular First-Class Mail stamp.
- The Postal Service developed the forever stamp for consumer convenience during price hikes.
- You can also use a forever stamp for international mail, but you’ll have to attach additional postage to make up the price difference.
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