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Current Price of a Forever Stamp is: $0.63

USPS One Ounce Forever Stamp

 

(rates manually verified by site administrator on January 23, 2023 to ensure accuracy)

Latest Increase was JAN 22, 2023

The recent increase in price for the One Ounce Forever Stamp occurred Sunday January 22, of 2023. The rate changed to $0.63.

If you missed out on buying stamps before the increase and would like to be notified next time, you can sign up to my notification email list slightly lower on the page (blue box).

Current Values:

As of January 22, 2023, the current Forever Stamp Rates are:

  • Forever Stamp One Ounce: $0.63
  • Additional Ounce Forever:  $0.24
  • Two Ounce Forever Stamp: $0.87
  • Three Ounce Forever Stamp: $1.11
  • Postcard Forever Stamp: $0.48
  • Global Forever Stamp: $1.45
  • One Ounce Metered Mail: $0.60

 

4 Week Trial and $100 value: Print Your Own Postage at Discounted Rates

Whether you are working from home or an office, if you need to mail letters or ship packages via the Postal Service but like to avoid going to the Post Office: sign up for a no-cost 4-week trial of Stamps.com (and get $100 in bonus postage and a free scale: use code “STAMPS100”) Not only can you print your own postage, but First Class stamps are discounted $0.03 so the cost is only $0.57 per stamp. Priority Mail rates are also discounted (up to 40% discounts).

Make sure to use code STAMPS100 and click my link for the no-cost 4-week trial (you can cancel your account anytime) and ongoing accounts are $17.99 per month.

 

There is much more info on this page if you keep scrolling!

To save the hassle of scrolling, here are some “jump to” links to popular resources:

A Few Ways to Support This Site Via Amazon Trials

July 2022 Forever Stamp Price Increase

In July of 2022 the Forever Stamp price increased from $0.58 to $0.60. The Additional Ounce Forever Stamp had a very significant increase (20%), going from $0.20 up to $0.24.

January USPS 2021 Price Increase

The standard First Class Forever Stamp value stayed at $0.55 and did not increase during the January 24, 2021 rate adjustments.

However, the Additional Ounce Forever Stamp increased from $0.15 to $0.20 – which also impacted the Two Ounce and Three Ounce Forever Stamp values.

 

USPS 2020 Price Increase

First Class Forever Stamps stayed at $0.55 and did not increase during the January 26, 2020 rate increase – despite other postage rates (media mail, Priority Mail, etc.) increasing.

Previously, in 2019, the Post Office had the largest-ever increase in the price of a stamp (from $0.50 to $0.55). The increase was challenged in the courts as being excessive – and the courts agreed. This is why there was not an increase in the price of stamps in 2020.

USPS 2019 Postage Increase

Historically the Post Office has been limited to raising the cost for stamps according to the official inflation rates (note: that was changed in November of 2020). At the end of 2018 the Post Office received regulatory approval to raise the price of postage “inflation + 2%”. Instead of the 2019 rate increase being “inflation +2%” (which would have been an increase from $0.50 to $0.52 or $.053) the increase in 2019 was from $0.50 to $.55!

The way the Postal Service was able to get the $0.05 increase approved without special permission was to raise rates for other services less, so that the average, across-the-board increase, was within their approved percentages. However, they ran into legal trouble (next paragraph).

Three Ways to Save Money on Postage

Looking to spend less on postage? Here are three ways to save money on postage, presented in no particular order:

  • The obvious idea is to make a phone call, send a TXT or email instead of sending a letter. Granted, this technically isn’t saving money while sending a letter (it’s avoiding sending a letter), but it’s still a way to save on your postage. Yet, on the other hand, there are times when we need to mail a letter or it simply represents a good value (when was the last time you mailed someone a little note of appreciation?).
  • Buy stamps before price increases.
  • Print your own postage. For small business/home office users, I recommend Stamps.com. Use code “STAMPS100” to get $45 in postage, a digital scale, and $5 in supplies. Also, save $0.03 on First Class postage, and help support this site when you sign up for a no-cost 4-week trial from (which can be cancelled at anytime). For an ongoing account, Stamps.com is 17.99/month.

LEGAL CHALLENGE to 2019 rate increase

A non-practicing lawyer (Douglas Carlson), filed a lawsuit against the USPS alleging that the 10% price increase in 2019 was not justified. On September 13, 2019, a federal appeals court sided with the plaintiff and ruled AGAINST the USPS. Meaning, the little guy won. Additional information available here: GovExec.com,  Jurist.org and USA Today.

USPS Forever Stamp Historical Prices

Date:Price:
January 22, 2023$0.63
July 10, 2022$0.60
August 29, 2021$0.58
January 24, 2021$0.55
January 26, 2020$0.55
January 27, 2019$0.55
January 21, 2018$0.50
January 22, 2017$0.49
April 10, 2016$0.47
January 26, 2014$0.49
January 27, 2013$0.46
January 22, 2012$0.45
May 11, 2009$0.44
May 12, 2008$0.42
April 12, 2007$0.41
Visit the United States Post Office web site for additional rules, regulations, and mailing options.

Quick Reference: First Class STANDARD SIZE Rates for over One Ounce*

Weight:Postage:Some Options:
2 oz.$0.87- A single "Two Ounce Forever Stamp"
- Or one regular Forever stamp + one Additional Ounce Forever Stamp
- Or one regular Forever Stamp + $0.24 misc. postage
3 oz.$1.11- A single "Three Ounce Forever Stamp"
- Or one regular Forever stamp + two Additional Ounce Forever Stamps
- Or one regular Forever Stamp + $0.48 misc. postage

*Note: must be rectangular, cannot be square, rigid, or an odd shape.

The above chart answers the questions:

  • How many stamps do I need for 2 ounces?
  • How many stamps do I need for 3 ounces?

 

Quick Reference: First Class OVERSIZED Letter Rates**

Weight:Postage:Some Options:
1 oz.$1.26- Two regular Forever Stamps
- Or one Forever Stamp + 2 additional ounce stamps +$0.15 misc postage
- Or one Forever Stamp + 3 additional ounce stamps (overpays by $0.09)
2 oz.$1.50- Two regular Forever Stamps + one Additional Ounce Forever Stamp
- Or One regular Forever Stamp + 3 Additional Ounce Stamps + $0.15 in misc postage- Or One regular Forever Stamp + 4 Additional Ounce Stamps (overpays by $0.09)
3 oz.$1.74- Two regular Forever Stamps + two Additional Ounce Forever Stamps - Using three regular Forever Stamps overpays by $0.15.
4 oz.$1.98- Two regular Forever Stamps + three Additional Ounce Forever Stamps
**Note: must be rectangular or square, and must not be rigid or contain items that cause more than 1/4″ variation in thickness.

Additional Questions and Answers about Postage Stamps and Rates

How much do additional ounces cost when mailing a letter?

In 2023 the cost for each additional ounce of postage is 24 cents ($0.24). The USPS offers an “Additional Ounce” type of Forever Stamp.

What is a Forever Stamp?

Forever Stamps are a special type of stamp created by the United States Post Office that will always be worth one First Class stamp. When they were initially created in 2007 a Forever Stamp cost only $0.41 (click for current value). Their value has increased since then and they are now worth significantly more. Remember how you used to have buy $0.01 or $0.02 stamps to cover postage cost increases? That is a thing of the past with Forever Stamps!

How much is a First Class Stamp?

The cost of a first class stamp varies, with the price being adjusted (typically once every year or so) by the Post Office. The current rate is $0.63 (careful, Google often displays outdated info, my site is always-up-to-date and has a manually verified rate). By purchasing a “Forever Stamp”, the stamp’s value will adjust to match whatever the then-current postage rate is for a one ounce stamp.

How much weight can be put with an International Forever Stamp?

An International Forever Stamp is a 1 ounce stamp.

Which countries can you mail to using a USPS International Forever Stamp?

Practically any country on earth. Over 190 at last count. However, it’s always best to double-check before you use an International Forever Stamp. View the full list of International Forever Stamp approved destination countries.

Does the Post Office Have an Online Postage Calculator?

Yes, they do. It’s available here: USPS Postage Price Calculator. Around May of 2017 the calculator was updated to try and make it easier to use, but, WOW, for calculating postage for letters/envelopes it became MUCH more difficult to use. For example, every person using the calculator sees two checkbox option about shipping live animals or day-old poultry. I wonder how many people that message applies to? But, yes, what do you expect: it’s a government-created web site 🙂 All kidding aside, other than being a bit complex, once you’ve been through it a few times it works quite well for Priority mail and packages. If you are looking up the price for a letter, on the first screen, make sure you select the icon titlted “Calculate price based on Shape and Size”.

How much does it cost to mail a postcard?

8n 2023 the cost to mail a standard size postcard is 44 cents ($0.48). The postcard can be no larger than 6 inches by 4.25 inches. The United States Postal Service offers “Postcard Forever Stamps”. An oversized postcard (no larger than 11.5×6.125 is $0.58

Do Forever Stamps Expire?

Forever Stamps never expire and will always be the equivalent value of whatever the corresponding postal rate is – for example, a one-ounce First Class stamp for a regular Forever Stamp (that’s why I created this site: to keep track of the current postage rate which regular changes).

The Post Office offers a variety of Forever Stamps: Regular (one ounce), Additional Ounce Forever Stamp, Two Ounce Forever Stamp, Three Ounce Forever Stamp, Non-Machinable Surcharge Forever Stamp (would be used for odd sized letters), Postcard Forever Stamp, and the Global Forever Stamp.

Was the United States the first to issue Forever Stamps?

Forever Stamps are a type of “non-denominated postage”. While I do not know for sure which country was first, I do know that the United Kingdom began issuing non-denominated postage stamps back in 1989. The United States Postal Service launched “Forever Stamps” in 2007. In addition, the USPS had been issuing generic stamps close to rate changes that could be used before and after the rate change starting back in the 1970’s. The practice continued in more recent years with stamps that began with a letter: A, B, or C, and continued up through the letter H.

How are postage price increases handled?

Prior to 2017, the Post Office was only allowed to increase the price of stamps according to official inflation rates – unless special approval was requested and provided. At the end of 2017 the Post Office received regulatory approval to for increases that would be “inflation + 2%”. The January 2018 increase was already planned at “inflation”, and was left as such.

The 2019 first class postage increase was the largest ever at 10%!

As to specifics, the Postal Service first receives approval from theri internal “Governors of the Postal Service” and then must receive approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission.

 

Where is the best place to buy postage?

You have quite a few options for puchasing postage online. The obvious option is to buy stamps directly from the Post Office. They do charge $1-$2 for shipping/handling your order.

Another option (which helps support this site) is to sign up for a free trial account at Stamps.com. This allows you to print your own postage (at discounted rates). Trial accounts can be cancelled anytime; ongoing accounts cost $17.99/month.

You can also buy stamps from Amazon.com (which helps support this site). The Post Office is actually one of the stamp sellers at Amazon.com. If you buy stamps at Amazon.com you will likely pay a little bit more than if you bought them directly from the post office, but if you are a member of Amazon Prime (free trial available), you won’t have to pay the $1 shipping and handling fee that the Post Office charges if you order directly from the USPS.

Be careful buying stamps from other sources (especially eBay). You might end up with counterfeit stamps.

Helpful? the best way to support this site is sign up for a free Stamps.com trial account. The trial can be cancelled anytime and you can print postage at discounted rates.

Or, you can help out by clicking an Amazon product link below (don’t worry, you don’t have to actually buy something):

How does clicking an Amazon link help this site?

By clicking any Amazon link above (a new window will open), any product you order from Amazon within 24 hours (doesn't matter what the product is) will generate a small referral credit back to my site. You may not think simply clicking a link helps, but it does. Thank you for your support.

2020 Stamp Frequently Asked Questions

Will Forever Stamps Increase in Price in 2021?

On October 9, 2020, the USPS announced their January, 24, 2021 planned rate increases. The rate increase package leaves the One Ounce Forever Stamp price unchanged at $0.55. Note that Forever Stamp Additional Ounces will increase from $0.15 per additional ounce to $0.20 per additional ounce. Visit page for additional details.

How much are stamps 2020?

US First Class Forever One Ounce stamps have a value/price/cost of $0.55 in 2020. There was no price increase in 2020. Visit page for additional details.

What is the current postage rate for 2020?

The 2020 current US Postage Rate for Stamps is $0.55. The rate did not increase in the year 2020 due to the very significant (largest ever) increase in 2019. The increase was challenged in court and the court ruled against the Postal Service (meaning, the courts said the 2019 large increase was not justified). As a result of the lawsuit, rates did not increase in 2020.

How much is a postage stamp?

The 2020 postage stamp price is $0.55. Any regular forever stamp is now worth $0.55. The web page has a chart showing historical values along with always-up-to-date current value.

Are postage stamps going up in 2020?

No, rates stayed the same in 2020 (price of a stamp = $0.55). While the Postal Service, in the fall of 2019, initially indicated that they would be raising rates in 2020, about that time the courts ruled against the postal service regarding the 2019 incrase lawsuit (filed against the Postal Service due to how large the 2019 increase was). The Postal Service then announced that First Class Forever Stamp value would remain the same in 2020 (at least the beginning of 2020).

Are postage stamps going up in 2021?

Due to not increasing the price is 2020, combined with the massive impact on COVID-19 on the US economy and the postal system in particular, I anticipate a postage increase in 2021 of $0.03 to $0.05. There is the possibility that the increase will occur in the latter part of 2020. Any updates will be posted to this web site.

Is the forever stamp still good in 2020?

An unused Forever Stamp is always valid. Forever Stamps were introduced in 2007 and cost $0.41: yet today (the year 2020) they have a value of $0.55. If you buy Forever Stamps now, you can use them at any time (now or in any year in the future) and they will be worth whatever the then-current cost of a US First Class Stamp is.

How much is a forever stamp worth?

A Forever Stamp is worth $0.55 in 2020. The rate did not change at the beginning of 2020, although I would not be surprised if it changed later in 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19 on the US economy in general and Postal Service in particular. If rates do not change in 2020 you can be sure they will in early 2021.

Should You Stockpile Stamps, Perhaps as a Hedge Against Inflation?

Because the value of a Forever Stamp increases with the rate of inflation (and might even at a higher rate than inflation in the future), the question arises: should you buy more stamps than you will be using to mail letters as an asset diversification strategy and hedge against inflation?

You’re welcome to do so, and there are other online financial resources that discuss doing do so. However, in this space, I want to share a few considerations to keep in mind should you be contemplating such a strategy:

Notification Prior to Any Increases

If a future increase is going to be significant, there will be time to purchase any stamps that you’ll need (even a multi-year supply) before the rates increase. Signing up for my notification list is one way to be notified.

Steady Decrease in First Class Mail Volume

Anytime you are looking to invest into a particular asset, you want to keep in mind the principles of supply and demand. The greater the demand and the lower the supply – the more your asset will increase in value. First Class Mail Volume has been steadily decreasing for years. Think about how many bills you used to pay via mail that are now electronically paid, and how many letters you used to mail to stay in touch with friends or relatives? First Class mail volume has steadily decreased over the past twenty years and will likely continue to do so.

Selling Forever Stamps is Harder Due to Counterfeits

There are currently many counterfeit Forever Stamps readily available at a discount to the full price of genuine stamps. If you invest significant resources into Forever Stamps, while, yes, you “cash out” your investment one stamp at a time when you mail a letter, selling a larger volume of stamps:

  • will require you to prove to the buyer that your stamps are genuine
  • will more than likely require you to sell at a discount to whatever the current rate is (because a buyer could always buy their stamps directly from the Post Office)
  • and, when you sell at at discount, you will be, in a way, “competing” against counterfeit stamps in relation to price (counterfeit stamps are not generally marketed as being counterfeits, but are instead marketed as being genuine)

The Value of Stamps is Tied to the Postal Service

Some who are investing in stamps as a currency hedge are doing so in the event that extreme economic challenges may occur in our society, or that societal disruption or upheaval will some day occur. While no one wants that to occur, there is always the possibility that those events may occur. If the Postal Service and the US Government cease to exist as we know them, I believe the value of Forever Stamps will significantly decrease, perhaps to the point of being worthless. While, yes, delivery services of some sort will always exist, who is to say that they will accept a USPS Forever Stamp as a form of payment. If you are investing in Forever Stamps and are concerned that society, as we know it, may cease to exist, keep in mind that the value of Forever Stamps is primarily contingent on the Postal Service continuing to function.

My Advice

I recommend you buy one year’s worth of stamps before any regular stamp price increase. If a significant stamp price increase is announced my recommendation will be to consider buying multiple years’ worth of stamps at that time/before that increase. You’re welcome to stockpile stamps now, and it may well even prove to be a great inflation “hedge” — just make sure you consider all of the various related factors.