Whether you mail one letter a month or send hundreds of holiday cards each winter, knowing the current Forever Stamp price helps you plan postage costs and decide when to stock up. Below you will find today’s price, the upcoming increase, common quantity breakdowns, and practical tips for buying stamps at the best value.
Current USPS letter rates
As of September 13, 2026, USPS Notice 123 lists $0.82 for an eligible stamped domestic letter up to 1 ounce, $1.11 for 2 ounces, $1.40 for 3 ounces and $1.69 for 3.5 ounces. The additional-ounce increment is $0.29, and a qualifying nonmachinable letter adds $0.49. The schedule took effect July 12, 2026.
These prices apply only after the finished piece is classified correctly. Postcards, flats, packages, international mail and added services use different rules.
Current Forever Stamp Price Breakdown
A single Forever Stamp currently costs $0.82The U. S. Postal Service sets this price to cover the postage on a standard First-Class letter weighing one ounce or less, sent anywhere in the United States. Because Forever Stamps never expire, the one you buy today will still be valid for mailing a letter years from now — even after future rate increases take effect.
Stamps are sold in several standard quantities. Here is how the numbers add up at today’s price:
| Quantity | Cost at $0.82 | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 1 stamp | $0.82 | Single letter, bill payment, RSVP card |
| Book of 20 | $16.40 | Household mailing for a few months |
| Roll of 100 | $82.00 | Small business, wedding invitations, holiday cards |
If you mail a handful of letters each month — bills, thank-you notes, or greeting cards — a book of 20 typically lasts two to four months. If you are planning a wedding mailing or run a small business that sends invoices by mail, a roll of 100 keeps you supplied for a longer stretch and often brings the per-stamp cost down slightly depending on the seller.
Price Increase Coming July 12, 2026
The ordinary Forever stamp rate increased from $0.78 to $0.82 on July 12, 2026. The $0.82 rate is already in effect.
That may sound small on a single stamp, but the difference adds up quickly if you buy in bulk or mail frequently:
How to Think About Buying Before the Increase
- Household mailer (2–5 letters per month): Two books of 20 — 40 stamps at $31.20 — should cover you for many months. After the increase, those same 40 stamps would cost $32.80. You save $1.60 by buying early.
- Wedding planner (150 invitations + 150 thank-you cards): 300 stamps at $0.82 equals $234. At $0.82 that same order costs $246 — a $12 difference. Buying before the increase lets you redirect that $12 toward envelopes, favors, or other wedding costs.
- Small business (100+ letters per month): A roll of 100 bought at today’s price saves $4.00 compared to the new rate. Over a year of monthly purchases, that adds up to $48 in avoided postage cost.
The key point is this: the stamps themselves do not change. Only the price you pay today changes. Once you own them, they carry full mailing value permanently.
Where to Buy Forever Stamps
Forever Stamps are available through several channels. Each has its own trade-offs in price, convenience, and product variety:
| Channel | Typical Price per Stamp | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USPS.com / Post Office | $0.82 (face value) | Full design catalog, official source |
| Costco (roll of 100) | ~$0.82 ($77.75 per roll) | Members-only, small bulk discount |
| Independent online stores | Varies; often 10–15% below face | Convenience, design variety, door delivery |
An independent online store like BuyUSPSStamps.com offers unused valid Forever Stamps shipped to your door, often at a lower per-stamp cost than buying at the post office. This can be especially helpful if you need a large quantity for a wedding, holiday mailing, or business correspondence and want to lock in value before a rate increase without making a special trip.
What “Forever” Really Means
The Forever Stamp was introduced in 2007 so that customers would not need to buy one- or two-cent denomination stamps every time USPS adjusted rates. Today, nearly all First-Class letter stamps sold by USPS carry the Forever designation. If you have older stamps that show a specific dollar amount — like a $0.41 or $0.55 stamp — they are still valid but only for the face value printed on them. You would need to add postage to reach the current $0.82 rate.
Common Questions
Do Forever Stamps expire?
No. A Forever Stamp purchased at any point since 2007 remains valid for one ounce of First-Class postage regardless of when it was bought or what it cost at the time. There is no expiration date and no need to add extra postage after a rate increase.
Can I use a Forever Stamp on a large envelope or package?
A Forever Stamp covers one ounce of First-Class letter postage. Large envelopes (flats) and packages have different rate structures based on weight and size. You can use Forever Stamps toward the total postage on a flat or package, but you will likely need additional stamps or postage to cover the full amount. Check the current USPS rate card for flats and parcels.
How many Forever Stamps do I need for a two-ounce letter?
Each Forever Stamp currently covers one ounce. A two-ounce letter requires two Forever Stamps or one Forever Stamp plus an additional-ounce stamp (currently $0.29). Using two Forever Stamps for a two-ounce letter slightly overpays — you pay $1.56 in stamp value for $1.11 in required postage — but the letter will still be delivered.
USPS rates effective July 12, 2026 should be treated as current, not as a future buying deadline.
What is the cheapest way to buy Forever Stamps?
The lowest per-stamp cost typically comes from buying in larger quantities from independent sellers. At BuyUSPSStamps.com, for example, stamps are often priced 10–15% below face value. Buying a roll of 100 from such a seller can save $8–$12 compared to purchasing 100 individual stamps at the post office. Just make sure you are buying unused, valid Forever Stamps from a seller that ships genuine postage.
Summary: Planning Your Next Stamp Purchase
Browse Forever Stamps and order unused valid stamps shipped to your door →
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.