The 2025 Forever Stamp Price Shock: 5 Things You Must Know About Current USPS Rates
The question of "how much is a Forever Stamp" is more critical now than ever, as the United States Postal Service (USPS) continues its pattern of mid-year price adjustments. As of today, December 23, 2025, the official price for a single First-Class Mail Forever Stamp is $0.78 (seventy-eight cents). This rate is the result of the most recent price increase that took effect on July 13, 2025, raising the cost by five cents from the previous $0.73 rate. This change impacts virtually every piece of standard mail sent across the nation, making it essential for individuals and businesses to understand the current postage landscape.
The Forever Stamp remains the most popular and convenient way to mail a standard 1-ounce letter, but the continuous price hikes are a clear signal from the USPS about the rising costs of mailing services. To maintain topical authority, this article breaks down all the new rates, explains the unique value of the Forever Stamp, and provides actionable tips on how to mitigate the impact of these ongoing adjustments.
The Current Cost of a Forever Stamp: Your Essential 2025 Rate Guide
The USPS rate changes that took effect in July 2025 not only affected the standard Forever Stamp but also adjusted the cost for other common mailing services. Understanding these entities is key to correctly calculating your postage, especially when mailing heavier or non-standard items.
Key USPS First-Class Mail Rates (Effective July 13, 2025):
- Forever Stamp (Standard 1 oz. Letter): $0.78
- Metered Mail (1 oz. Letter): $0.74 (A slight discount for postage printed at home or office).
- Each Additional Ounce: $0.29 (Used for letters weighing between 1 oz. and 3.5 oz.).
- Postcard Stamp: $0.62 (For standard-sized postcards).
- Global Forever Stamp (International Letter): $1.70 (Used for a 1 oz. letter or postcard sent anywhere in the world).
- First-Class Flat/Large Envelope (1 oz.): $1.63
The primary benefit of the Forever Stamp—its non-expiring value—remains. If you purchased a stamp before the July 2025 increase, it is still valid for the full $0.78 postage rate. This is the core concept that makes the Forever Stamp a unique and valuable tool for consumers.
What Exactly is a Forever Stamp and Why Do Prices Keep Changing?
The Forever Stamp is a revolutionary concept introduced by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to simplify the process of mailing a standard letter, regardless of future price changes. The key to its value lies in its non-denominated nature.
The History and Concept of the Non-Denominated Stamp
The first Forever Stamp was issued on April 12, 2007, featuring the iconic Liberty Bell. At the time, the price of a First-Class Letter was $0.41. The USPS introduced the concept to allow consumers to buy stamps in bulk and avoid having to purchase "make-up" stamps every time postage rates increased. A Forever Stamp is effectively worth the current price of a 1-ounce First-Class Letter, forever. This means a stamp purchased for $0.41 in 2007 is now worth the current $0.78 rate.
The Driving Force Behind USPS Price Increases
The frequent price increases—often happening twice a year—are primarily driven by the USPS’s need to maintain financial stability and cover rising operational costs. The Postal Service is an independent agency that does not receive taxpayer funding for its operating expenses. The main factors influencing the price changes include:
- Inflation and Operating Costs: Increases in fuel, transportation, and labor costs directly impact the price of mailing services.
- Declining Mail Volume: As more communication shifts to digital platforms, the volume of First-Class Mail letters has steadily decreased, forcing the USPS to raise prices to cover fixed costs.
- Statutory Rate Authority: The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) allows the USPS to adjust prices based on an inflation-linked cap, which the service often utilizes to shore up its finances.
These adjustments are necessary for the USPS to continue providing universal service across the country, but they require consumers to stay vigilant about the current rates to avoid under-postage.
3 Expert Tips to Save Money on Postage and Maximize Your Stamps
The rising cost of a Forever Stamp means that strategies for efficient mailing are more valuable than ever. By understanding the nuances of the postage rate structure, you can significantly reduce your annual mailing expenses.
1. Buy in Bulk from Wholesale Clubs (The Costco/Sam's Club Hack)
The most straightforward way to get a discount on the $0.78 Forever Stamp is to purchase them in bulk from major wholesale retailers. Stores like Costco and Sam's Club frequently sell rolls of 100 or more stamps at a slight discount to the face value. For example, in December 2025, Costco was offering a roll of 100 Forever Stamps for a price that works out to a few cents less per stamp, offering immediate savings on a high-volume purchase.
2. Utilize the Non-Machinable Surcharge for Irregular Mail
If you are mailing a square envelope, a wedding invitation with a wax seal, or an envelope that is rigid or unusually shaped, you must pay the Non-Machinable Surcharge in addition to the standard First-Class postage. This surcharge is currently around $0.44 to $0.49, depending on the specific class and piece. To avoid this steep extra fee, always use standard, rectangular envelopes that are uniformly thick. If you must use a non-machinable piece, ensure you add the correct surcharge amount to the $0.78 base rate.
3. Stock Up Before the Next Announced Price Increase
Given the trend of frequent price changes, the best long-term strategy is to treat Forever Stamps as an investment. Since their value is tied to the current First-Class Mail rate, buying a large supply of stamps now will lock in today's price of $0.78, saving you money on every letter you mail after the next price hike. The USPS typically announces rate changes months in advance, giving consumers a window of opportunity to stock up before the new rates take effect.
This strategy is particularly effective for small businesses, individuals who send holiday cards, or anyone who anticipates a need for a significant volume of postage in the coming year. The non-expiring nature of the Forever Stamp ensures that your investment will never lose its value for mailing a standard letter.
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