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USPS Forever Stamps Price Guide 2026: Rates, History, and Bulk Savings
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) raises postage rates roughly once or twice per year, and Forever Stamps automatically adjust to cover the new rate. This 2026 guide tracks current Forever Stamp prices, recent rate history, and practical tips for saving money by buying Forever Stamps in bulk.
Current Forever Stamp Price (July 2026)
The current USPS First-Class Mail one-ounce letter rate is $0.73 per Forever Stamp as of July 2026. Every Forever Stamp you buy at this rate remains valid for First-Class Mail forever, even after future rate increases.
| Format | Typical Use | Approximate Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet of 20 Forever Stamps | Home, small mailing | $14.60 retail |
| Booklet of 20 Forever Stamps | Home, gifting | $14.60 retail |
| Roll of 100 Forever Stamps | Office, small business | $73.00 retail |
| 500-stamp bulk lot | Wedding, bulk mailing | Volume discount |
| 1,000-stamp bulk lot | High-volume mailers | Largest discount |
Forever Stamp Rate History (2020 to 2026)
Forever Stamp prices have increased modestly each year. The table below shows recent USPS First-Class Mail rate changes:
| Effective Date | First-Class Rate (1 oz) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| January 26, 2020 | $0.55 | — |
| January 24, 2021 | $0.58 | +$0.03 |
| July 10, 2022 | $0.60 | +$0.02 |
| January 22, 2023 | $0.63 | +$0.03 |
| July 9, 2023 | $0.66 | +$0.03 |
| January 21, 2024 | $0.68 | +$0.02 |
| July 14, 2024 | $0.73 | +$0.05 |
| January 26, 2025 | $0.73 | No change |
| July 13, 2025 | $0.73 | No change |
| January 18, 2026 | $0.73 | No change |
| July 12, 2026 | $0.73 | No change (current) |
Sources: USPS Newsroom and the USPS Price Change Notice archive.
How Forever Stamp Pricing Works
When USPS announces a rate increase, the price of newly printed Forever Stamps rises to the new First-Class Mail rate. But every existing Forever Stamp you already own automatically becomes worth the new higher rate. This is the key value of Forever Stamps: you lock in the price at the time of purchase and never pay extra later.
For example, if you bought 100 Forever Stamps at the January 2024 rate of $0.68, those stamps are now worth $0.73 each, saving you $5.00 versus buying new stamps today.
Bulk Pricing on Forever Stamps
Buying Forever Stamps in bulk offers significant savings compared to single-sheet purchases at the post office. Bulk Stamps US provides volume pricing on 100-stamp, 500-stamp, and 1,000-stamp lots:
- 100-stamp pack: Lower per-stamp cost than a sheet of 20 bought separately
- 500-stamp bulk lot: Best value for weddings, small businesses, and mid-volume mailers
- 1,000-stamp bulk lot: Maximum savings for high-volume mailers like real estate agents and non-profits
Browse current bulk pricing on our Forever Stamps and bulk stamp lots category pages.
Why USPS Raises Postage Rates
USPS is an independent agency that funds its operations primarily through postage revenue. The Postal Service raises rates to keep pace with inflation, transportation costs, and the rising expense of maintaining a national delivery network. The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) reviews and approves every USPS rate change before it takes effect.
Sources: Postal Regulatory Commission, USPS Leadership.
When to Expect the Next Rate Increase
USPS typically announces rate changes twice per year, with effective dates in late January and mid-July. The next expected USPS rate change is January 2027, though USPS has held rates steady through 2025 and 2026 due to operational changes. Bulk Stamps US updates our pricing the same day USPS announces a new rate.
Other USPS Forever Stamp Variants
Beyond the standard domestic Forever Stamp, USPS offers several specialized versions:
- Global Forever Stamp: For international First-Class Mail. Currently $1.65 each.
- Forever Stamp Denominations: Additional ounce Forever Stamps worth $0.24 each for overweight letters.
- Non-Machinable Surcharge Forever Stamp: $1.69 each for square or unusually shaped envelopes.
- Postcard Forever Stamp: $0.20 each for postcards.
Forever Stamp Value for Wedding Planners
Wedding planners benefit most from buying Forever Stamps 6–12 months in advance. If USPS raises rates during that window, your stamps still cover the new rate. Bulk Stamps US recommends a 100-stamp or 500-stamp pack for most weddings, with the larger pack offering better per-stamp value.
Forever Stamp Value for Small Businesses
Small businesses that send 100+ letters per month should consider 500-stamp or 1,000-stamp bulk lots. The lower per-stamp cost translates to meaningful annual savings, especially when combined with rate-lock protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Forever Stamp worth in 2026?
Every Forever Stamp is worth the current USPS First-Class Mail one-ounce letter rate of $0.73 in July 2026. Forever Stamps purchased before any USPS rate increase automatically gain the new value.
Are Forever Stamps tax-deductible?
Postage is generally a deductible business expense for self-employed individuals and businesses that send mail for commercial purposes. Consult a tax professional for specific guidance.
Do Forever Stamps expire?
No. Forever Stamps remain valid for First-Class Mail indefinitely, regardless of USPS rate changes or how long you store them.
Can I trade in old Forever Stamps for new ones?
USPS does not have a trade-in program. Since Forever Stamps never expire and always cover the current rate, there is no need to trade them.
Where can I buy Forever Stamps in bulk?
Bulk Stamps US offers 100-stamp packs, 500-stamp lots, and 1,000-stamp lots at volume pricing. All orders ship free within the U.S.
Sources
- USPS Business Price List – current First-Class Mail rates
- USPS Newsroom – National Releases
- USPS Price Change Archive
- Postal Regulatory Commission
Last updated: July 8, 2026. Reviewed monthly against USPS announcements.