If you have a drawer full of Forever Stamps and you’re wondering whether they’ve expired, here’s the short answer: no, Forever Stamps do not go bad. An unused, genuine Forever Stamp purchased years ago still covers the full cost of a standard 1-ounce First-Class letter today — even though the price of new stamps has risen to $0.82.
This is true regardless of when you bought them. Whether your stamps are from 2007 (when the Forever Stamp program launched) or last month, they carry the same mailing value. That’s the entire point of the “forever” name.
Understanding this rule is the first step toward smarter postage planning. Below, we’ll explain why the price keeps rising, what the actual mailing rules are, and how to make Forever Stamps work for your household or small business over time.
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Why Forever Stamp Prices Keep Rising
One reason this question comes up so often is that stamp prices have climbed steadily — and recently, quite quickly. The table below shows how the First-Class Forever Stamp price has changed since 2020.
That’s a 49% increase in six years. USPS has reported significant financial pressures — including cumulative losses reported in the tens of billions since 2007 — driven largely by declining First-Class mail volume. The agency’s “Delivering for America” restructuring plan relies in part on rate adjustments to stabilize revenue.
For everyday mailers, the practical takeaway is this: every price increase makes previously purchased Forever Stamps more valuable, not less. A roll of 100 stamps bought at $0.55 each in 2020 now covers $82 worth of mailing at today’s rate — a 42% value gain you didn’t have to do anything to earn.
Want to dig deeper into rate trends? See our guide on the Forever Stamps price increase in 2026 or learn how much a Forever Stamp costs in 2026.
How Forever Stamps Actually Work: Rules You Should Know
Forever Stamps don’t expire, but they do have mailing rules. Here’s what matters for everyday use.
| Scenario | Stamps Needed | Cost at $0.82 |
|---|---|---|
| Standard letter, 1 oz or less | 1 Forever Stamp | $0.82 |
| Letter, 2 oz | 1 Forever + $0.29 add’l | $1.07 |
| Letter, 3 oz | 1 Forever + $0.58 add’l | $1.40 |
| Standard postcard | 1 postcard stamp | $0.65 |
| Square envelope (6″×6″) | Non-machinable surcharge | $1.31 |
A few details trip people up regularly:
- Square and oversized envelopes cost more. A square greeting card (6″×6″ or similar) isn’t machinable, so it requires $1.31 in postage — not just one Forever Stamp. This matters a lot for wedding invitations.
- Weight adds up. Each additional ounce beyond 1 oz costs $0.29. A thick holiday card or a letter with photos inside can easily tip over the 1-ounce limit.
- Condition matters. Stamps must be unused and in reasonable condition. A stamp that’s already been through a canceling machine — with ink marks or perforations — cannot be reused.
For households that mail holiday cards, birthday cards, or occasional letters, one book of 20 Forever Stamps ($16.40 at today’s price) covers a lot of ground — and every stamp remains usable indefinitely.
Common Forever Stamp Misconceptions — Corrected
Here are a few other misunderstandings worth clearing up:
- Myth: Old stamps lose value over time. They don’t. A Forever Stamp purchased at $0.55 still covers a 1-ounce letter today at $0.82. Its value increases automatically with each rate change.
- Myth: You need a stamp from the same year as the current price. No. USPS does not “invalidate” older Forever Stamps. If it’s a genuine, unused Forever Stamp, it works.
- Myth: Large online discounts are always a good deal. The U. S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) has noted that discounts of 20–50% or more on stamps can be a sign of counterfeits. A modest discount from a verified source is reasonable; an extreme discount warrants caution.
For a broader look at where savings are realistic, see our discount Forever Stamps guide or our article on where to buy postage stamps.
Planning Ahead: How to Get Forever Stamps at a Better Price
Since Forever Stamps never expire and prices only go up, buying ahead is a straightforward way to save on postage you’ll use anyway. Here are the most common options:
| Source | Typical Price (100 stamps) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USPS.com | $82.00 (face value) | Full price; ships direct |
| Costco | $77.75 | Members only; rolls of 100 |
| Buy Discount Stamps.com | $66–$70 (est. 10–15% off) | Independent verified retailer |
| Cashback credit cards | 1–5% back on USPS.com orders | Varies by card |
A roll of 100 stamps at today’s price costs $82 face value. If you mail 2–3 letters per week, that roll lasts roughly a year — and every stamp in it will still work if prices climb again in 2027 or beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Forever Stamps go bad?
No. Forever Stamps do not expire or go bad. An unused, genuine Forever Stamp is always valid for a standard 1-ounce First-Class letter, no matter when it was purchased. Stamps bought at $0.55 years ago still cover today’s $0.82 rate — and will cover the $0.82 rate after July 12, 2026.
Do Forever Stamps expire?
Forever Stamps never expire. The “forever” designation means the stamp covers the current First-Class Mail letter rate for a 1-ounce envelope, regardless of when you bought it or what you paid. There is no expiration date printed on a Forever Stamp because none applies.
Where is the cheapest place to buy stamps?
Costco sells rolls of 100 Forever Stamps for $77.75 for members, slightly below face value. Buy Discount Stamps.com offers stamps at roughly 10–15% off. Cashback credit cards can add another 1–5% in rewards on USPS.com purchases. Be cautious with discounts much larger than 15–20%, as the U. S. Postal Inspection Service has flagged steep discounts as a potential counterfeit indicator.
What is the current USPS one-ounce letter rate?
USPS rates effective July 12, 2026 are $0.82 for a stamped one-ounce letter, $1.11 for 2 ounces, $1.40 for 3 ounces and $1.69 for 3.5 ounces. The additional-ounce amount is $0.29 and the letter nonmachinable surcharge is $0.49.
Sources and update note
Use the linked primary record for the exact issue, rule or current condition. Prices, availability and platform features can change and should be checked at the time of use.