You've probably heard the rumors. Maybe you saw a headline or a quick blurb on the local news about the post office hiking prices again. It feels like every time we turn around, a Forever stamp costs more. But honestly, the situation with current usps rates stamps in 2026 is a bit weirder than the usual "everything is getting more expensive" narrative.
For the first time in a while, there is a split in the road. If you are just mailing a birthday card or a wedding invitation, you might actually catch a break. If you’re shipping a box to your cousin across the country? Well, that’s a different story.
Let’s get into the weeds of what’s happening right now at the local counter.
The Big Question: What Do Current USPS Rates Stamps Cost Right Now?
Here is the bottom line: As of January 2026, the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp remains $0.78.
That might surprise you. After the steady climb from 66 cents to 73 cents and then to 78 cents in July 2025, many experts (and frustrated customers) expected another jump this month. However, Postmaster General David Steiner and the USPS Board of Governors decided to hold steady on "Market Dominant" products—that’s the technical jargon for stamps and envelopes—for the start of this year.
They are basically giving our wallets a breather until mid-2026.
If you are standing at the kiosk, here is what you are looking at for basic mail:
A standard 1-ounce letter is 78 cents. If your letter is a bit chunky and hits the 2-ounce mark, you’re looking at an extra 29 cents for that additional ounce. Metered mail (if you have one of those machines in your office) is slightly cheaper at 74 cents. Postcards are still the bargain of the bunch at 61 cents, and those big, flat envelopes—the ones you use for documents—start at $1.63.
Wait. There is a catch.
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While the stamps for your letters haven't moved, the cost to ship packages just did. On January 18, 2026, the USPS implemented a significant price hike for shipping services. We are talking about an average 7.8% increase for Ground Advantage and 6.6% for Priority Mail. So, while the stamp on the envelope stayed the same, the label on the box definitely didn't.
Why the sudden split in pricing?
It comes down to competition. The USPS has a monopoly on your mailbox for letters, but they are fighting tooth and nail with FedEx and UPS for your packages. They claim these increases are necessary to keep up with "market conditions." In reality, the Postal Service is still trying to dig its way out of a massive financial hole—they reported a $9 billion loss in the 2025 fiscal year.
By keeping stamp prices flat for a few months, they are likely trying to avoid further public outcry while they overhaul their entire delivery network under the "Delivering for America" plan.
Navigating the January 2026 Shipping Hikes
If you run a small business or just sell old clothes on eBay, the current usps rates stamps and shipping labels are going to bite a little harder this week.
Priority Mail Express, the fast stuff, went up about 5.1%. If you need a Flat Rate Envelope for something urgent, expect to pay around $33.25 at the retail counter. Commercial rates (what you get through sites like Stamps.com or Pirate Ship) are always lower, sitting around $28.80, but the gap is still there.
Let's talk about Ground Advantage. This is the service that replaced First-Class Packages a while back. It’s now the "go-to" for most people. A 4-ounce small package starts around $7.30 at retail now. If your package is heavy—say, over 10 pounds—the price changes are actually quite complex. In some specific zones, the rates actually stayed competitive or saw very minor adjustments to keep people from switching to UPS Ground.
The New "Hidden" Fees
One thing people often miss is the "Nonstandard Fee." If you ship something that is longer than 22 inches, the USPS just increased those surcharges. For example, a box longer than 30 inches could see a surcharge of $15.00 on Priority Mail. They also doubled the "Dimension Noncompliance Fee" to $3.00 if you don't get your measurements right when you buy your label online.
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It’s basically a penalty for being "close enough."
Also, since the penny was officially retired in late 2025, the USPS has a new rounding policy for cash. If you owe 78 cents and pay with a dollar, and they don't have nickels, they round. Change ending in 1, 2, 6, or 7 cents gets rounded down. Ending in 3, 4, 8, or 9 gets rounded up. It’s a tiny thing, but it’s a sign of the times.
What’s Coming in Mid-2026?
Don't get too comfortable with that 78-cent stamp. The USPS has already signaled that another price increase is likely coming in July 2026. While they haven't announced the exact number, the pattern suggests we could see the Forever stamp hit 82 or even 85 cents by the end of the year.
This is why people are still hoarding Forever stamps.
The beauty of the Forever stamp is exactly what it says on the tin. If you buy a sheet today at 78 cents, and the price jumps to a dollar next year, your stamp still works. You don't have to add those annoying 1-cent or 2-cent stamps to make up the difference. If you have a wedding coming up in late 2026 or 2027, honestly, buy your stamps now. You’re essentially locked into the "low" rate.
New Stamp Designs to Watch For
It’s not all about the math. The 2026 stamp lineup is actually pretty cool.
- Muhammad Ali: Released in mid-January, featuring an iconic 1974 photo.
- Bruce Lee: Coming in February, showing his famous flying kick.
- Lunar New Year: The Year of the Horse stamp drops in early February.
- Deep Space: My personal favorite, featuring high-res images from the James Webb Space Telescope.
These are all Forever stamps. Even though they look fancy, they cost the exact same 78 cents as the boring ones.
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Practical Steps for Saving Money
If you want to stay ahead of the current usps rates stamps and shipping costs, you have to be a bit proactive.
First, stop buying postage at the retail counter if you can avoid it. Using online shipping software can save you up to 87% on certain package rates. For letters, just keep a "book" of stamps in your drawer. If you see a news report in June that prices are going up in July, that is your cue to go to the grocery store and buy five more books.
Second, watch your packaging. Since the 7.8% hike hit Ground Advantage, the weight and dimensions of your box matter more than ever. A box that is one inch too long can trigger a surcharge that costs more than the shipping itself.
Lastly, check your international mail. While domestic letters stayed at 78 cents, International First-Class letters are currently $1.70. These didn't go up in January either, which is a rare win for those of us with friends overseas.
Keep an eye on the calendar for late June. That's when the Postal Regulatory Commission will likely approve the next round of "inflation-based" hikes for stamps. Until then, enjoy the 78-cent stability while it lasts.
Next steps for you:
Check your current stamp supply and calculate if you have enough for any planned mailings through June. If you're a frequent shipper, update your shipping software to reflect the January 18th rate changes to avoid underpaying and having packages returned.