Current First-Class Stamp Price
The United States Postal Service raised the price of a first-class stamp to $7.00 for a single ounce, effective April 2025. This increase is part of the USPS annual rate adjustment, which typically takes effect in January and is implemented in phases through the spring. The new rate applies to standard white rectangular envelopes and letters up to one ounce in weight. Additional ounces are charged at a lower incremental rate, currently $0.24 per ounce for the first two additional ounces. For the most recent official rate tables, refer to the USPS Price Change page here.
The 2025 rate change is the latest in a series of annual increases driven by rising operational costs, inflation, and declining mail volume. The USPS is a self-funded agency, meaning it relies on stamp and postage revenue to cover its expenses. The price of a first-class stamp in 2025 reflects these ongoing financial pressures and the agency's need to modernize infrastructure. Industry analysts track these changes closely, as they impact direct mail marketing, personal correspondence, and small business shipping costs. The current rate places the U.S. among the higher-cost postal systems in the developed world, though it remains below rates in countries like Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Comparison with Other Services and Historical Trends
Compared to the 2024 rate of $6.80, the 2025 first-class stamp price represents a roughly 2.9% increase. This is slightly below the average annual increase over the past decade, which has been around 3.5%. The USPS also offers additional services at different price points, including Certified Mail, Registered Mail, and Priority Mail, which start at higher base rates. For international letters, the Global Forever stamp remains at $1.45, though this rate applies only to specific international destinations. The price of a first-class stamp is distinct from the cost of sending a postcard, which remains at $0.40 for domestic mail.
Historically, the price of a first-class stamp has risen steadily since the 1970s, when a stamp cost just $0.08. The 2025 rate of $7.00 represents a significant jump from the $0.68 price in 2018 and the $0.55 price in 2014. This long-term trend reflects broader economic factors, including labor costs, fuel prices, and the declining share of revenue from traditional mail. The USPS has attempted to offset these challenges through modernization efforts, including expanded package delivery services and digital tracking. The agency's financial outlook remains a subject of debate in Congress and among postal policy experts.
How to Buy and Use Stamps at the Current Rate
Consumers can purchase first-class stamps at the current 2025 rate through multiple channels, including the USPS website, post office counters, and authorized retail partners. The USPS online store sells books of 20 stamps at the current price, and customers can also print postage directly from their home computers using approved services. The Forever stamp, which remains valid for first-class mail regardless of future rate increases, is still available at the current rate of $7.00. Using a Forever stamp purchased before the rate change will not result in a surcharge, but it will not provide additional value if purchased at a lower historical rate.
Businesses that send large volumes of mail can take advantage of commercial pricing through the USPS, which offers lower rates for bulk mailings. The Commercial Base pricing for letters under one ounce is currently $0.63, a significant discount from the retail stamp price. To access these rates, businesses must use a permit imprint or a postage meter and meet specific mailing standards. The USPS also offers online tools and calculators to help