Americans will now pay more to send letters, postcards, and international mail, as the U.S. Postal Service raised prices again Sunday—marking the latest in a series of rate hikes aimed at stabilizing the agency’s finances.

The cost of a Forever stamp jumped from 73 cents to 78 cents, a 7.4 percent increase. Postcards now cost 61 cents, up from 56 cents, while sending a letter or card overseas will cost $1.70, up from $1.65.

The Postal Service first proposed the increase in April, citing its ongoing efforts to meet its legal obligation to remain financially self-sufficient. In a statement at the time, the agency noted that its prices “remain among the most affordable in the world.”

The latest hike arrives amid years of steady increases. Since 2012—when Forever stamps cost 45 cents—prices have risen nearly every year, with exceptions in 2015 and 2020. In both 2023 and 2024, the USPS implemented two price hikes per year, including a jump from 68 to 73 cents just last summer, the largest increase since 2019.

More increases may be on the way. In September 2024, the USPS proposed raising stamp prices five more times through 2027, with adjustments slated for every January and July. It’s unclear whether the Trump administration will continue with the plan, which was introduced under President Joe Biden.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signaled possible reforms to the USPS, prompting Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to resign the following month. No replacement has been formally announced.

While the USPS opted not to raise prices in January 2025, Sunday’s increase reinforces a trend that may continue for the foreseeable future—especially as the agency works to reduce long-term debt, modernize operations, and compete in a digital-first communications era.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)