Postal Service raises Forever stamp price amid financial crisis

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 10, 2026

The United States Postal Service will raise the price of a Forever stamp from 78 to 82 cents starting July 12 as part of a 4.8% overall increase in mailing rates. This adjustment aims to help the agency mitigate its ongoing financial losses, including a reported $9 billion deficit in fiscal year 2025.

The United States Postal Service announced a price increase for mailing services effective Sunday, July 12, with the cost of a Forever stamp rising from 78 cents to 82 cents. This change represents a 4.8% overall rate increase across various postal services.

The Postal Service has been facing financial challenges for several decades and reported a net loss of $9 billion in fiscal year 2025. Officials attributed the need for higher postage rates to rising operational expenses and what they described as a “severe financial crisis” within the agency.

Forever stamps, introduced in 2007 at a price of 41 cents, retain their validity regardless of price changes, meaning customers can continue to use previously purchased stamps purchased at lower rates. The recent increase in postage rates reflects ongoing efforts by the Postal Service to address its fiscal difficulties while maintaining mail delivery services nationwide.

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