USPS has raised stamp prices twice a year lately, usually in January and July. That pattern only started in 2023, so anyone remembering slower, once a year increases is thinking of an older era.
When does the price of stamps go up next is genuinely predictable now, not random. USPS has to publicly propose new rates months in advance, and the Postal Regulatory Commission has to approve them.
Here is the actual pattern, the full recent history, and how to plan around the next increase.
The current twice yearly pattern
| Effective date | Forever stamp price |
|---|---|
| August 2021 | $0.58 |
| July 2022 | $0.60 |
| January 2023 | $0.63 |
| July 2023 | $0.66 |
| January 2024 | $0.68 |
| July 2024 | $0.73 |
| July 2025 | $0.78 |
| July 2026 | $0.82 |
A January increase tends to be smaller, and a July increase tends to be larger. That rough pattern held for most of the recent stretch, though 2025 skipped a January bump entirely.
Why USPS changed how often it raises prices
A 2020 regulatory change from the Postal Regulatory Commission let USPS raise prices faster than general inflation. Before that, the agency was mostly capped at increases tied to inflation once a year.
USPS has leaned on that new authority consistently since, driven by ongoing financial losses. Operating costs have risen faster than revenue for several years running, which keeps the pressure on prices.
Our current stamp pricing guide covers exactly what those increases add up to today.
How USPS announces a price change before it happens
USPS typically files a public notice with proposed new prices two to three months before they take effect. News coverage usually follows within days, since the change affects nearly every household.
The Postal Regulatory Commission reviews the filing and generally approves it, though the review adds a short delay between the announcement and the effective date. Watching for that filing gives you a real window to act before the new price lands.
How to plan around the next stamp price increase
Buy Forever stamps ahead of an announced increase whenever you have a specific date to work with. Every stamp bought today keeps its full mailing value permanently, regardless of future increases.
A reasonable stockpile is a few books beyond your normal usage, not a massive bulk purchase. Stamps do not expire, but very large stockpiles mostly just tie up cash you could use elsewhere. Our guide to where to buy stamps covers every place to stock up quickly before a deadline.
Our guide to how Forever stamps work explains exactly why this strategy works every time.
When does the price of stamps go up for every stamp type at once
Not always by the same amount. Forever stamps, postcard stamps, additional ounce rates, and international rates can each move independently, even when USPS announces them together.
The additional ounce rate has stayed flat at 29 cents through several recent Forever stamp increases, for example. Check the specific rate you rely on rather than assuming every category moves in lockstep. Our postage price calculator stays current with whichever rates just changed.
Frequently asked questions
When does the price of stamps go up next?
USPS has settled into roughly twice a year, typically January and July, though not every year gets both. Watch for a public rate filing two to three months before any change takes effect.
How much notice does USPS give before a price increase?
Usually two to three months, since USPS has to file proposed prices with the Postal Regulatory Commission for review before implementation.
Why does USPS raise stamp prices so often now?
A 2020 regulatory change lets USPS increase prices faster than general inflation. The agency has used that authority regularly since, driven by ongoing financial losses.
Do old stamps become worthless after a price increase?
Only non Forever stamps with a specific cent value printed on them lose full value, and even those still count toward the new total. Forever stamps never lose value regardless of price increases.
Should I stock up on stamps before an increase?
A modest stockpile of a few extra books makes sense if you mail regularly. Buying an extreme amount mostly ties up money without meaningful extra benefit.
Do all stamp types increase by the same amount?
No. Forever, postcard, additional ounce, and international rates each move independently, and some stay flat while others rise.
The bottom line
When does the price of stamps go up has a real answer now: roughly twice a year, usually January and July, announced a couple months ahead of time. That predictability makes it easy to buy ahead if you mail often.
Keep an eye on the pattern rather than getting caught off guard by the next filing. For current prices across every stamp type, see our stamp pricing guide.
