Forever Stamp Price: How Much Do They Cost? 2025 Guide & Trends
Forever stamps have become the go-to choice for millions of Americans who want to avoid the hassle of price increases affecting their postage. A Forever stamp is always valid for mailing a standard first class stamp letter, regardless of future price changes. But with recent rate changes and proposed increases, many people are asking: exactly how much do forever stamps cost in 2025, and are they still worth buying?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down current forever stamp prices in the United States, explore the pricing history, and help you understand when and where to buy stamps for the best value.
How Much Do Forever Stamps Cost Now (2025)
As of June 2025, a single forever stamp costs 73 cents in the United States. This covers first-class mail for a standard 1-ounce letter anywhere within the United States. However, change is coming soon. The USPS has proposed increasing the price to 78 cents effective July 13, 2025, pending approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission, with the rate change announced in April 2025.
Current Bulk Purchase Options:
- Forever Stamp Booklets - Most popular for households, convenient 20-stamp format, easy to store
- Forever Stamp Rolls - Best for frequent mailers, available in 100-stamp rolls
Forever stamps are sold at post offices, retail stores, and online. The official USPS website provides up-to-date information on stamp prices and service changes.
Quality retailers source stamps directly from USPS-authorized channels, ensuring authenticity and full postage value.
Forever Stamps History: 18 Years of Price Increases
Understanding forever stamp pricing history reveals why these stamps have become such a smart investment for American consumers.
Forever stamps launched in 2007 at just 41 cents and have seen consistent price increases as the USPS has repeatedly hiked prices for mailing letters over the years to address financial challenges and inflation.
- 2007: 41 cents (launch price)
- 2012: 45 cents
- 2014: 49 cents
- 2016: 47 cents (rare price adjustment downward)
- 2017: 49 cents (price correction)
- 2018: 50 cents (broke 50-cent barrier)
- 2019: 55 cents (major price hike)
- 2021: 58 cents (post-pandemic price adjustment)
- 2023: 63 cents
- 2024 (January): 68 cents
- 2024 (July): 73 cents (current)
- 2025 (Proposed): 78 cents
These changes reflect the prices letters have faced for first class mail, as the postage rate has steadily increased over time.
This represents a 90% increase from the original price, meaning early forever stamp buyers have seen tremendous value protection through these price increases. Forever stamps remain valid for the current postage rate, regardless of when they were purchased.
Why Forever Stamp Prices Keep Rising
Several economic factors drive the consistent upward trend in forever stamp prices.
USPS Financial Struggles:
The United States Postal Service reported a net loss of $9.5 billion for its 2024 fiscal year, up from a $6.5 billion net loss the year prior. These mounting losses force the USPS to seek revenue through price increases.
Operating Expenses:
Rising fuel costs, labor expenses, and vehicle maintenance across the USPS's massive network create constant budget pressure. The postal service operates over 230,000 vehicles and employs more than 630,000 people.
Declining First Class Mail Volume:
As Americans increasingly use digital communication, traditional first class mail volume continues dropping. This forces the USPS to spread fixed infrastructure costs across fewer pieces of first class mail.
Inflation Impact:
General economic inflation affects everything from paper and ink costs to facility maintenance and transportation expenses.
What Makes Forever Stamps "Forever"?
The “Forever” in their name means that even after price increases, a forever stamp you paid less for will still send a 1-ounce letter to any U.S. address without additional postage. A Forever stamp is always worth the current first-class postage rate, regardless of when it was purchased. You only need to pay the price of a Forever stamp at the time of purchase, and you won’t have to pay extra if rates go up. This creates a powerful hedge against postal inflation.
Real-World Example: You can still use an original 41-cent forever stamp bought 18 years ago to mail a first-class letter today without additional postage. That’s like getting 73 cents of value from a 41-cent purchase, a 78% return on investment! The forever stamp worth is always equal to the current first-class rate, so you never have to pay more to send your letter.
Key Benefits:
- Price Protection: Your stamps never lose value regardless of rate increases
- Convenience: No need to buy additional postage when rates change
- Peace of Mind: Stock up before increases and avoid post office trips
Best Places to Buy Forever Stamps
Official USPS Channels:
- Post Office Locations: Guaranteed authentic stamps at face value
- USPS.com: Convenient online ordering with free shipping over $50
Authorized Retailers:
- Major Chains: CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Safeway typically sell at face value
- Specialty Retailers: Authorized stamp dealers often provide better convenience with extended hours, faster shipping, and wider selection compared to official channels
- Grocery Stores: Convenient during regular shopping trips
- Pharmacies: Often available at customer service counters
What to Avoid:
- Heavily discounted stamps from unknown online sellers (likely counterfeit)
- Auction sites with suspicious pricing
- Unofficial marketplaces without verification
How Many Stamps Should You Buy?
For Households: 40-100 stamps typically cover 1-2 years of personal mailing needs.
For Small Businesses: 200-500 stamps provide a quarterly supply.
For Heavy Mailers: 500+ stamps, but consider cash flow and storage
Maximizing Your Forever Stamp Investment
Best Practices:
- Buy Before Increases: Monitor USPS announcements and purchase before rate increases
- Consider Storage: Forever stamps don’t expire, but ensure proper storage conditions
- Calculate Usage: Don’t tie up excessive cash in stamps if you mail infrequently
- Verify Authenticity: Only buy from reputable sources to avoid counterfeit issues
If your letter exceeds 1 ounce, you must add postage for each additional ounce. Forever stamps can be combined with additional-ounce stamps to cover the extra weight for heavier single-piece letters. These guidelines apply specifically to single-piece letters, not to bulk or marketing mail. Postal insurance is available for valuable items and has recently seen a reduction in fees as part of broader postal rate adjustments. Marketing mail and other types of matter, such as bound printed matter, have their own pricing structures and strategies for maximizing value.
Long-Term Strategy: Treat forever stamps as an inflation hedge for your mailing needs. With regular rate increases virtually guaranteed, purchasing stamps at current rates provides both convenience and savings.
The Bottom Line
Forever stamps represent one of the few consumer products offering built-in inflation protection. At 73 cents each through July 12, 2025, they provide guaranteed value against the upcoming 78-cent rate and future increases. However, please note that Forever stamps are not valid for international postcards, which require separate postage at specific international rates.
For American households and businesses that mail regularly, forever stamps offer both financial protection and practical convenience. The 18-year track record shows consistent price appreciation, making them a smart purchase for anyone who sends first class mail within the United States. The USPS Board of Governors is responsible for approving these price changes and ensuring the long-term sustainability of postal services.
Take Action:
With the July 13 price hike to 78 cents fast approaching, now is the optimal time to stock up on forever stamps at the current 73-cent rate. Whether you need a booklet for personal use or bulk quantities for business, purchasing before the increase will save money on every stamp. As the shipping marketplace continues to evolve, staying informed about price changes is essential to manage your mailing costs effectively.
Ready to secure your postage costs against future increases? Shop our selection of authentic forever stamps, sourced directly from USPS-authorized channels and guaranteed for full postage value.