How Much Will a Stamp Cost in 2024?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) recently announced upcoming pricing changes for 2024, including a hike in First-Class Mail Forever stamp prices from 66 cents to 68 cents. For anyone wondering “how much will a stamp cost in 2024?”, read on for a full breakdown of the USPS postage rate increases coming next year.

The price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp will rise to 68 cents on January 22, 2024, a 2 cent increase approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission. This and other postal price adjustments for 2024 aim to help provide the USPS with much-needed revenue to cover higher operating costs.

In this article, we’ll outline the new 2024 USPS postage rates for important mailing services like stamps, postcards, Priority Mail, and more. Read on to find out how much your postage will cost for all USPS mail classes in the new year.

Key Takeaways on 2024 Postage Rate Increases:

• Forever stamps will cost 68 cents starting January 22, 2024, up from 66 cents currently.
• Postcard stamps will increase to 46 cents next year, a 2 cent hike.
• Priority Mail rates will also rise approximately 4.5% across all package sizes.
• Most other USPS mail classes and extra services will see similar price hikes around 2.5%.
• Stock up on Forever stamps now to beat the 2024 increase.
• Explore USPS discount programs and online postage providers to help minimize the impact of higher rates.

USPS 2024 Postage Rate Increases

Here are the newly approved USPS postage prices effective January 22, 2024:

• Forever stamps - Increasing from 66 cents to 68 cents
• Metered letters - Rising from 53 cents to 55 cents
• Postcards - Increasing from 44 cents to 46 cents
• Letters (metered 1 oz.) - Rising from 53 cents to 55 cents
• Letters (1 oz.) - Increasing from 63 cents to 65 cents
• Flats/large envelopes (1 oz.) - Rising from $1.48 to $1.50
• First-Class Package Service - Increasing approximately 4.5%

The governors of the Postal Service approved these rate hikes in mid-2022 based on the Consumer Price Index and other inflationary pressures. All mailing services and postage rates will see around a 2.5% increase.

This continues a series of steady postage price rises in recent years, aimed at helping USPS cover higher operating costs. First-Class Mail Forever stamp prices also went up in 2022 to 66 cents and were 63 cents in 2021.

Stamps.com notes that the cost of a one-ounce First-Class Mail® stamp is $0.66 at the Post Office, or $0.63 if you buy and print stamps online using Stamps.com.

USPS.com provides a list of various stamp prices, including the cost of a Forever 66¢ stamp, a Forever 68¢ stamp, and a $1.50 International stamp.

Why Are Stamp Prices Increasing in 2024?

Here are some key reasons USPS continues raising postage rates each year:

• Inflation - Like consumers, the Postal Service faces higher costs for fuel, goods/services due to record inflation.
• Lower mail volume - First-Class Mail volume has declined over 40% since peak levels, reducing USPS revenue.
• Higher employee costs - USPS spends billions on employee healthcare and pensions annually.
• Operating deficits - USPS has run billions in net losses recently and faced insolvency risks.
• Infrastructure costs - Outdated facilities, networks, vehicles require continual investment and upgrades.

To help cover these rising expenses amid declining mail volume, the Postal Service says it must implement these postage rate increases approved by its governing board.

What Was the Price of Stamps and Postage in 2023?

To understand the scope of the coming 2024 USPS price changes, here is a quick look back at 2023 postage rates:

• Forever stamps - 66 cents
• Postcard stamp - 44 cents
• Metered letter (1 oz) - 53 cents
• First-Class letter (1 oz) - 63 cents
• Flat/large envelope (1 oz) - $1.50

So the 2024 adjustments will tack on around 2-3 additional cents to most key consumer mailing prices. Postage went up just 2 cents between 2022 to 2023 as well.

Will Forever Stamps Increase in Price?

Yes, the ubiquitous Forever stamp that consumers use for 1-ounce letters will increase from 66 cents to 68 cents in 2024. Forever stamps are always valid for mailing 1 oz. letters, regardless of when you purchased them or future price hikes.

So you can stock up on Forever stamps at the current 66 cent price to beat the 2024 increase. But expect another small bump up in the years ahead as USPS continues adjusting rates.

How Much Will It Cost to Mail a Postcard in 2024?

The postage stamp price will also rise in 2024 from 44 cents currently to 46 cents. Postcards consist of heavier cardstock paper compared to normal letters.

You might also like our articles about the cost of mailing a postcard, getting a PO box, or buying a postage meter.

If you have custom designs, you can create postcards through providers like VistaPrint and USPS will deliver them within the U.S. with proper postcard postage. Expect to pay 46 cents per postcard come 2024.

Will the Price to Mail a Letter Increase in 2024?

Under the new 2024 USPS postage rates, sending a standard letter will cost more next year.

• The 1 oz. metered mail commercial rate will rise from 53 cents to 55 cents.
• The 1 oz. retail First-Class Mail letter stamp price will increase from 63 cents to 65 cents.

So the cost to mail a 1-ounce letter will go up 2 cents in both cases. Forever postage stamps can substitute for the First-Class version. Companies using US Postal Service postage meters will also pay slightly more per piece.

How Much Will Priority Mail Shipping Cost in 2024?

Most USPS Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express services will also see rate hikes of around 4.5% in 2024.

But in general, Priority Mail lets you ship packages faster than ground services, with expected delivery in 1-3 days based on distance. So it costs more than USPS ground shipping.

Some current 2023 Priority Mail rates for reference:

• Small Priority Mail box - $9.45
• Medium Priority Mail box - $16.10 (≈1.1 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour)
• Large Priority Mail box - $21.50 (≈1.4 hours of labor required at $15/hour)
• Priority Mail Express envelope - $26.95 (≈1.8 hours at the office earning $15/hour)

Be prepared for each of these common Priority Mail products to cost roughly 4-5% more come 2024.

Will Other Mailing Services Increase in 2024?

The approved 2024 pricing adjustment applies to most USPS mailing services, so additional products will also see rate hikes. However, the exact changes for specialty services haven't been finalized yet.

You can expect price increases in 2024 for:

• USPS Ground economy shipping
• International mail
• PO Box fees
• Certified mail
• Return receipts
• Additional services like tracking

Basically, anything you purchase directly from the Postal Service will incur slightly higher rates in 2024. The governors cited rising worker pay and transportation contracts as drivers of the latest increases.

How Can You Save on Postage in 2024?

Here are some tips to minimize the impact of USPS price hikes on your mailing costs:

• Stock up on Forever stamps now before the 2-cent increase hits.
• Consider using discounted bulk mailing options like Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) to save on marketing mailings.
• Compare rates between USPS Priority Mail vs. Ground shipping to find the most cost-effective option for packages.
• Print postage online through providers like Stamps.com to get discounted commercial rates vs. retail post office prices.
• Use USPS free shipping supplies like Priority Mail boxes to avoid additional packaging costs.
• Weigh your letters and packages carefully - going slightly over higher weight tiers results in big rate jumps.
• Talk to a USPS representative about qualifying for nonprofit, military, senior, or other postal discounts.

Final Words

The bottom line is USPS postage rates are rising across the board in 2024 to help fund operations and offset inflationary costs. Carefully weigh your mailing options and use cost-saving tactics to keep your postage budget under control.

While postage rate hikes may feel frustrating, they are necessary for the Postal Service to continue providing reliable and universal delivery services for all. Careful planning can help cushion the impact of rising USPS pricing on both business and residential customers.