2025 Postage Stamp Increase: Proposed New USPS Rates

If you’re wondering when the next USPS postage stamp increase takes effect—or how much a Forever stamp will cost in 2025—you’re not alone. After raising rates in January, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has now proposed another, larger price increase set for July. Here’s what to know about the proposed 2025 USPS postage rate increases, why they’re happening, and how they could affect your mailing costs this year.

When Is the Next USPS Postage Stamp Increase?

The next USPS postage stamp increase is scheduled for July 13, 2025. This marks the second price jump within a single year as USPS continues to adjust rates in response to inflation and operational demands. 

July 2025: USPS Postage Price Change Details

On April 9, 2025, USPS filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) about upcoming price changes for Mailing Services, scheduled to take effect July 13, 2025. These adjustments, if approved, will impact almost every sender, from small businesses to everyday mailers.

Key July 2025 Price Changes

First-Class Mail Forever Stamp: 73¢ → 78¢ (a 5-cent jump)


Letters (metered, 1 oz): 69¢ → 74¢


Domestic Postcards: 56¢ → 62¢


International Postcards & Letters (1 oz): $1.65 → $1.70


Additional Ounce (single-piece letters): 28¢ → 29¢

Postal Insurance: 12% reduction in cost

For the complete list of new prices across all USPS services, visit the Postal Explorer Price Change page.

Why Is USPS Raising Postage Rates Again?

If you’re asking why is the postage stamp price going up in 2025, the answer is rooted in USPS’s ongoing Delivering for America 10-year plan. The Postal Service is mandated to be self-sustaining, so rising operational costs, ongoing inflation, and shifts in mailing volume have made regular rate adjustments necessary.

What About USPS Shipping Services and Insurance?

While the biggest changes are for Mailing Services, USPS is also reducing postal insurance rates by 12% in July 2025, offering some savings for shippers needing extra coverage.

How Much Will a Forever Stamp Cost in 2025?

After July 13, 2025, a Forever stamp will cost 78¢—up from 73¢ previously, and just 68¢ in 2024. If you want to lock in lower rates, consider purchasing Forever stamps before the increase takes effect.

USPS Postage Rate Table: July 2025

For the complete list of new prices across all USPS services, visit the Postal Explorer Price Change page.

Where to Buy Stamps and Postal Products

You can buy USPS stamps and supplies:

Online: usps.com/shopstamps


By phone: 844-737-7826


By mail: Through USA Philatelic


At any Post Office location


On Amazon: For officially licensed USPS products

USPS at a Glance

USPS is an independent federal entity, funded by the sale of postage, products, and services. It delivers to over 169 million addresses, six or seven days a week, and is overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors.

The ongoing Delivering for America plan is behind these latest increases, aiming to modernize the postal network and ensure long-term financial stability.

What About Marketing Mail and Package Services?

In response to regulatory directives, USPS filed two sets of rates for Marketing Mail and Package Services, pending approval. Only one set will go into effect July 13, but additional updates may follow as the Postal Regulatory Commission reviews proposals, including the potential elimination of Bound Printed Matter and expansion of Marketing Mail.

USPS Rate History: 2024–2025

In July 2024, USPS raised the First-Class Forever stamp from 68¢ to 73¢ as part of its Delivering for America plan (read our July 2024 Postage Rate Increases article). Earlier this year, a smaller set of price changes took effect in January 2025, including adjustments to First-Class Mail and shipping services. Read our January update for a full analysis of the January 2025 USPS rate increases affecting Priority Mail, Ground Advantage and Parcel Select. These back-to-back hikes are part of USPS’s ongoing efforts to maintain long-term financial stability while continuing to provide reliable nationwide service.

Partner with 3PL Center for All Your Shipping Needs

At 3PL Center, we know how rate increases can affect your business’s bottom line. That’s why we constantly monitor postal and carrier price changes, negotiate the best possible rates for our clients, and help you find the most efficient, cost-effective fulfillment solutions—even when the industry raises prices.

What sets us apart?

Expert rate shopping: We compare your rates with our discounted carrier options, including USPS, to make sure you always pay the lowest possible price.


Dedicated account support: Our team stays on top of USPS changes so you don’t have to, providing updates and guidance as new rates take effect.


Seamless, flexible fulfillment: Whether you ship locally or globally, we help you adapt quickly to market shifts and carrier adjustments.

Stay Ahead of the 2025 Postage Stamp Increase.

USPS’s proposed July 2025 postage stamp increase is a reminder of how quickly shipping costs can change. Staying informed and proactive helps both businesses and individuals plan ahead and avoid surprises. At 3PL Center, we’re here to help you make sense of these changes and find cost-effective ways to manage your shipping needs, no matter what the market brings.

Want to get ahead of these upcoming rates or have questions about your shipping strategy? Reach out to our team—we’re ready to help you save and ship smarter in 2025 and beyond.

2025 USPS Postage Rate Increase FAQs

What are the new prices for First-Class Mail after the July 2025 USPS rate increase?
The First-Class Mail Forever stamp will increase from 73¢ to 78¢. Metered 1 oz. letters go from 69¢ to 74¢, and domestic postcards will rise from 56¢ to 62¢. International postcards and letters (1 oz) will increase from $1.65 to $1.70. The additional-ounce rate for letters rises from 28¢ to 29¢.

How much will a Forever stamp be after the USPS postage stamp increase?
A Forever stamp will cost 78¢ starting July 13, 2025.

Did USPS raise rates in January 2025 as well?
Yes, there was a smaller set of adjustments in January 2025. The July 2025 increase is more significant, following a pattern of twice-yearly reviews and changes.

Will USPS Ground Advantage or Flat-Rate shipping prices change with the July 2025 rate adjustments?
At this time, the July 2025 rate change primarily affects Mailing Services. Always check the USPS Postal Explorer for the latest on Ground Advantage and flat-rate shipping prices.

Are there any USPS price decreases in July 2025?
Yes—a notable exception is a 12% reduction in the cost of postal insurance for mailing items, offering some savings for shippers who need extra coverage.

Why does USPS keep raising postage rates?
USPS is mandated to be self-funding and must adapt to rising operational costs, inflation, and shifting mail volumes. These changes are part of the “Delivering for America” 10-year plan to ensure financial sustainability while modernizing postal operations.

How can I calculate my new shipping costs with the updated USPS rates?
Use the USPS Postage Price Calculator or check the updated price tables at the USPS Postal Explorer website.