💡 How-To
US Postal Service Rates: How Much is a Stamp Right Now?
USPS raises stamp prices every year. Here are the current rates for stamps, packages, and shipping services " — plus how to save on postage.
Current USPS Rates (2026)
| Service | Price | Delivery Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forever Stamp (1 oz) | $0.73 | 1-5 business days | Standard letters, greeting cards |
| Each additional ounce | $0.24 | " | Heavy letters, small packages |
| Postcard | $0.56 | 1-5 business days | Postcards, announcements |
| Flat/Large envelope (1 oz) | $1.56 | 1-5 business days | Documents, photos |
| Priority Mail (1 lb) | $8.70 | 1-3 business days | Small packages, documents |
| Priority Mail Express | $30.45 | 1-2 business days | Urgent documents, small packages |
| Media Mail (1 lb) | $4.63 | 2-8 business days | Books, CDs, DVDs |
Forever Stamp Value
- Forever stamps always work for the current first-class rate " — even if prices increase
- Buy in bulk when prices are about to go up " — they maintain their value
- Forever stamps work for any letter up to 1 ounce
- They're non-denominated " — no price printed on them
How to Save on Postage
- Use USPS.com: Print postage at home with Click-N-Ship " — save 5-10% on some services
- Buy stamps in rolls: 100 stamps for $73 " — same price, but convenient
- Use Media Mail for books: $4.63 for up to 1 lb " — cheapest shipping for media
- Use Flat Rate envelopes: $8.70 for Priority Mail " — anything that fits ships for one price
- Weight matters: Over 1 oz? Add $0.24 per ounce for letters
The bulk stamp trick: Forever stamps never expire and always hold their value. If you know a price increase is coming (USPS raises prices in January and July), buy stamps at the current price before the increase. A roll of 100 stamps costs $73 now " — next year it could be $75+.
⚠️ Common postage mistakes:
- Not enough postage " — letters get returned, costs more to resend
- Using stamps on packages " — packages need printed labels or meter postage
- Forgetting to weigh packages " — overweight packages get returned or charged extra
- Not using tracking " — always add tracking for important mail ($0 extra for Priority)
The bottom line: Current Forever Stamp price: $0.73 for 1 ounce. Priority Mail starts at $8.70 for 1 lb. Media Mail is cheapest for books ($4.63). Buy Forever stamps in bulk " — they hold their value across price increases. Print postage at home via USPS.com for convenience and occasional savings.