The Updated Cost Of Mailing: How Much Is A Stamp In 2025? (7 Key Prices You Need To Know)

Knowing the exact cost of a stamp is crucial for anyone sending mail today, and the prices have recently changed. As of December 18, 2025, the price of a standard First-Class Mail Forever stamp is $0.78, following the most recent rate adjustment by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that took effect in July 2025. This increase is part of the USPS's ongoing strategy to adjust to rising operating costs and maintain service standards across the nation's vast delivery network.

The term "how much the stamp" is no longer a simple, single answer; it depends entirely on what you are mailing—a standard letter, a heavy envelope, a postcard, or an international shipment. To ensure your mail is delivered without delay, it’s essential to use the correct postage amount, especially for items that fall outside the standard 1-ounce letter category.

The Complete 2025 USPS Stamp Price Guide

The United States Postal Service (USPS) implemented its latest price changes on July 13, 2025, affecting various mailing services. This comprehensive guide breaks down the most current and essential stamp prices for domestic and international mail, helping you budget for your personal and business correspondence.

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Here is a list of the most important stamp and postage rates as of late 2025:

• First-Class Mail Forever Stamp (1 oz. Letter): $0.78
• First-Class Mail Metered Letter (1 oz.): $0.74
• Additional Ounce for First-Class Mail: $0.29
• Domestic Postcard Stamp: $0.61
• First-Class Mail Flat/Large Envelope (1 oz.): $1.63
• Global Forever Stamp (International Letter/Postcard): $1.70
• Certified Mail Fee (Does not include postage): $4.40 (Note: This is an extra service fee, not a stamp)

Understanding these specific rates is the key to efficient mailing. The Forever stamp is your safest bet for a standard letter, as its value is tied to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce rate, meaning you never need to add extra postage when the price increases.

Why Did the Stamp Price Increase to $0.78? Exploring the Rate Hike

The increase of the Forever stamp from 73 cents to 78 cents—a jump of approximately 6.8%—is part of the USPS’s strategy to achieve financial stability. These rate adjustments are not arbitrary; they are governed by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) and are often implemented twice a year.

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The Financial Drivers Behind Rising Postage Costs

Several economic and operational factors contribute to the consistent rise in postage prices, which impacts everything from the standard First-Class stamp to specialized services like Priority Mail and Ground Advantage. The USPS, unlike many government agencies, must cover its operating costs primarily through the sale of postage and services.

Key drivers for the 2025 rate increase include:

• Inflationary Pressures: Like every business, the USPS faces higher costs for fuel, transportation, and utilities, which are passed on to consumers through postage rates.
• The Delivering for America Plan: This ten-year plan involves significant investments in modernizing the postal network, including new processing equipment and facility upgrades, which are funded in part by the revenue from rate increases.
• Declining Mail Volume: As more communication shifts to digital channels, the volume of First-Class Mail (letters) continues to decline. To maintain the universal service obligation with fewer letters, the price per piece must increase.
• Labor Costs: Maintaining a massive workforce for delivery six days a week across all of the United States requires substantial and rising labor costs.

The price for a metered letter also saw an increase, moving from 69 cents to 74 cents. This metered rate is a slight discount offered to businesses and individuals who print postage directly rather than using physical stamps, encouraging the use of more efficient, pre-sorted mailing methods.

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Beyond the Letter: Postcard, International, and Heavy Mail Rates

Not all mail is a standard 1-ounce letter, and understanding the postage for other common mail types is essential for ensuring your correspondence reaches its destination. Overlooking the weight or size of an envelope is the number one reason for mail being returned as "Insufficient Postage."

Postcard and International Mailing Costs

If you enjoy sending postcards from your travels or sending holiday cards abroad, you’ll need to pay close attention to these specific rates:

• Domestic Postcard: The rate for a standard-sized, rectangular postcard is currently $0.61. This is a dedicated, lower rate than a full First-Class letter because postcards are smaller and lighter.
• Global Forever Stamp: To send a 1-ounce letter or a postcard anywhere in the world from the U.S., you need one Global Forever stamp, which is currently priced at $1.70. This stamp is an excellent investment for international correspondence, as it simplifies the complex international zone rates.

It is important to note the size restrictions for postcards: they must be between 3-1/2 inches high and 5 inches long, and no more than 4-1/4 inches high and 6 inches long. Anything outside these dimensions will be charged the full First-Class letter rate.

Postage for Heavier and Larger Mail

If your letter or envelope weighs more than the standard one ounce, you must add extra postage. This is where the "Additional Ounce" stamp comes into play.

• Additional Ounce: Each ounce over the initial one-ounce limit costs an extra $0.29. For example, a 2-ounce letter would cost $0.78 (for the first ounce) + $0.29 (for the second ounce) = $1.07.
• First-Class Mail Flat (Large Envelope): A large envelope, often called a "flat," which is non-rigid and exceeds the dimensions of a standard letter, starts at $1.63 for the first ounce. This is a significantly higher starting price due to the increased handling required for non-standard mail.

To avoid postage due fees or delays, always weigh heavier mail on a kitchen or postal scale. If you are uncertain, it is always better to add an extra stamp or visit a local post office to ensure the correct postage is applied.

Tips for Saving Money on Postage in 2025

While stamp prices continue to rise, there are a few strategies you can employ to minimize your mailing costs and ensure you are getting the best value for your postage dollar.

1. Buy Forever Stamps Now: The most effective way to lock in a lower rate is to purchase Forever stamps in bulk before a scheduled price increase. Since they are always valid for the current First-Class 1-ounce rate, buying them at $0.78 today means you save money the next time the price goes up, making them a great postal investment.

2. Use Metered Mail for Business: If you send a large volume of mail, using a postage meter or an online service like Stamps.com offers a discounted rate for the first ounce—$0.74 instead of the $0.78 retail stamp price. This 4-cent saving per letter can quickly add up for businesses.

3. Check Dimensions Carefully: A simple mistake in envelope size can drastically increase your cost. Ensure all your letters adhere to the standard dimensions (no thicker than 1/4 inch, and not too rigid) to avoid being charged the higher "flat" or "package" rate.

4. Consolidate Your Mailings: Whenever possible, combine multiple letters or documents into a single, larger envelope or package, as the cost of sending one 5-ounce package is often significantly less than sending five separate 1-ounce letters.