The U.S. Postal Service is once again raising the price of Forever stamps and other postal rates. If you are running low on Forever stamps, now is a good time to restock because the stamps will increase in price by 4 cents from 78 cents to 82 cents when the price increase goes into effect on July 12.

Overall, the Postal Service is raising mailing services product prices about 4.8%, according to USPS. The Postal Service raised the price of the Forever stamp from 73 cents to 78 cents in July 2025. When Forever stamps were introduced in 2007, they cost 41 cents each. That’s a 100% increase in 19 years.

Initially issued at the going price of a First-Class stamp, the “Forever” stamps were meant to help consumers with future price changes. No matter when they were purchased, the stamp would be good for sending mail. So any stamps you have now that you bought for 78 cents or less can still be used even after this latest price increase.

Here’s what to know before you go pick up your stamps.

When Is the Price of Stamps Going Up?

The Postal Service will increase prices on July 12, 2026.

How Much Will Forever Stamps Cost?

The price of Forever stamps will rise from 78 cents to 82 cents.

Other Price Increases

Other price increases include:

• Domestic postcards – 61 cents to 65 cents
• Letters (metered 1 ounce) – 74 cents to 78 cents
• Letters (1 ounce) – 78 cents to 82 cents
• International postcards – $1.70 to $1.75
• International letter (1 ounce) – $1.70 to $1.75

The additional-ounce price for single-piece letters will remain at 29 cents, according to the USPS.

Why Is the Postal Service Raising Prices?

The Postal Service filed its intent to raise prices on April 9, 2026. The Postal Regulatory Commission on May 27 approved the Postal Service’s price changes.

The price increases were needed to help the Postal Service address rising costs and other challenges, the agency said in its announcement. “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 Postal Service said at the time.

In a financial analysis report released May 21, the Postal Regulatory Commission noted the Postal Service had recorded a net loss of $2.7 billion for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025. The agency has operated at a loss over the past decade, the commission said.

“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 said in the report.

Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY.