USPS proposes rate increases set to take effect on July 13, 2025

Download our summary of the new rates below:

Postage Rate Summary Entire USPS Price List​

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has proposed a series of postage rate increases set to take effect on July 13, 2025, pending approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). These adjustments are part of the USPS’s ongoing efforts to achieve financial stability through its 10-year “Delivering for America” plan

Proposed Rate Changes

If approved, the new rates would include:​

• First-Class Mail Forever Stamp: Increasing from 73 cents to 78 cents

• Metered Letters (1 ounce): Rising from 69 cents to 74 cents

• Domestic Postcards: Going up from 56 cents to 62 cents​

• International Letters and Postcards (1 ounce): Increasing from $1.65 to $1.70​

• Additional Ounce for Single-Piece Letters: Rising from 28 cents to 29 cents​

Additionally, the USPS plans to reduce postal insurance costs by 12% for mailed items. ​

Rationale Behind the Increase

The USPS cites the need to adapt to changing mailing and shipping markets and to secure financial sustainability as reasons for the proposed rate hikes. The agency emphasizes that, despite these increases, U.S. postage rates remain among the most affordable globally.

Future Rate Adjustments

Looking ahead, the USPS has indicated plans for additional rate increases in January and July of both 2026 and 2027. These forthcoming adjustments are also subject to PRC approval and are part of the USPS’s broader strategy to address financial challenges amid declining mail volumes. ​

Organizational Changes and Privatization Discussions

The announcement follows the resignation of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in March 2025. In the wake of his departure, discussions about potential privatization of the USPS have resurfaced. Former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency have suggested placing the USPS under the Commerce Department to address ongoing financial issues. However, these proposals have faced opposition from groups such as the National Association of Letter Carriers, who express concerns over job security and the reliability of rural delivery services. ​

Public Response and Next Steps

The proposed rate increases have sparked varied reactions among consumers and businesses. Some view the adjustments as necessary for the USPS’s financial health, while others express concern over the impact on mailing costs. The PRC will review the proposed changes before they are scheduled to take effect on July 13, 2025.​

For more information on the proposed rate changes and to access detailed pricing tables, visit the USPS’s official Postal Explorer website at pe.usps.com/PriceChange/Index.​About USPS+2Postal Explorer+2About USPS+2