How much is a stamp?
Quick answer
A First-Class Forever stamp costs 82 cents in the US, a price that took effect on July 12, 2026 (up from 78 cents). A postcard stamp costs 65 cents, and a stamp for an international letter costs $1.75.
US postage prices usually change once or twice a year, so it helps to know which stamp you need and what it costs right now.
Current US stamp prices
| Stamp | Price (since July 12, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Forever stamp (1 oz letter) | 82¢ |
| Postcard stamp | 65¢ |
| International letter or postcard (Global Forever) | $1.75 |
A standard Forever stamp covers a regular letter weighing up to 1 ounce. Heavier letters, large envelopes and odd shapes cost more, so check the price at a post office or on usps.com if you’re unsure.
Do Forever stamps expire?
No, and that’s the point of them. A Forever stamp is always worth the current price of a 1-ounce First-Class letter, whatever you paid for it. A Forever stamp bought years ago for less still mails a letter today without extra postage.
Stamps with a number printed on them, such as a 5¢ stamp, are only worth that face value, but you can combine them to make up the full price.
How many stamps do you need?
| What you’re mailing | Stamps needed |
|---|---|
| A regular letter, up to 1 oz | 1 Forever stamp |
| A greeting card in a square envelope | Usually extra postage, because square envelopes are harder to machine-sort |
| A letter abroad | 1 Global Forever stamp |
Will stamp prices go up again?
Likely. In 2026, the Postmaster General said First-Class stamps should rise to 90 to 95 cents over time, as the Postal Service deals with financial pressure. Prices are typically announced months before they take effect.
Mailing documents for a passport? Here’s how to renew a US passport, online or by mail.
Sources
Still curious?
Jump to a random question from the archive.