No January Stamp Price Increase, but USPS Shipping Costs Increase
Unlike other years, the United States Postal Service, or USPS, has decided not to raise the price of the ubiquitous Forever stamp in January 2026, providing rare good news for everyday mailers.
But while the cost of a 78-cent stamp for 1-ounce First Class Mail will remain unchanged, other postage and handling costs will. there is will go up this month. And that could put pressure on households and small businesses that are already struggling with rising costs.
In September, USPS leadership confirmed that the Postal Service’s governors accepted Postmaster General David Steiner’s recommendation to end price increases for Permanent Stamps and other market-dominating postal products in January. This is notable because the Postal Service has raised stamp prices for five consecutive Januarys from 2020 to 2024. (Last year, the agency broke that “custom” but introduced a price increase in July.)
The decision not to raise the price of stamps this month is linked to the agency’s ongoing Supply Chain, a 10-year strategy aimed at modernizing jobs, controlling costs and stabilizing finances.
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“We constantly strive to balance our pricing approach both to meet the revenue needs of the Postal Service and to deliver affordable offerings that reflect market conditions,” Steiner said in the USPS announcement.
The suspension of stamp price increases will be welcome news to households, non-profits and anyone who still relies on physical mail for bills, contact cards or seasonal cards. The cost of postage has risen dramatically over the past few years, with multiple increases per year, making even the smallest reduction noticeable to consumers.
When the Forever stamps were introduced in 2007, they cost just 41 cents – more than 62% below current costs.
Another Postal Service price increase in 2026
The reprieve in Eternal Seals tells us only half the story. As of Jan. 18, USPS is raising prices for several competitive shipping services. These changes affect Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select.
According to filings with the Postal Regulatory Commission, Priority Mail rates are expected to increase by about 6.6%, while Priority Mail Express will increase by 5.1%. USPS Ground Advantage shipping costs will increase by 7.8%. Parcel Select rates will receive an increase of approximately 6%.
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The Postal Service said the increase was made to reflect market conditions and rising transportation and operating costs while keeping the agency competitive with private carriers. Unlike regular mail, package delivery operates in a competitive market, giving the USPS more flexibility — and incentive — to adjust prices.
The agency stressed that it receives no taxpayer funding for the operation and must cover postage and service fees. USPS has reported improvements in efficiency in recent years but continues to face long-term financial pressures tied to delivery obligations, infrastructure improvements and labor costs.
For consumers, the takeaway is mixed. Sending a letter in early 2026 won’t cost more than it did in December — at least, not yet. But anyone who delivers packages, whether for small business or personal reasons, should expect higher prices.
The Postal Service typically updates stamp prices again in the middle of the year, meaning more changes could come as late as 2026.
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