Long Islanders pay more for stamps as USPS raises prices again — here's what changed

The price of a Forever stamp is up again, along with other mailing services, following a rate adjustment by the U.S. Postal Service.

As of Sunday, the cost of a first-class Forever stamp rose from 73 cents to 78 cents — a 5-cent increase — previously approved by the Postal Service’s board of governors. Overall, stamp prices are up about 7.4%, according to the agency.

The Postal Service said the increases are needed to support the mail carrier’s “financial stability” amid shifts in the mailing and shipping industry. The hikes are part of its 10-year “Delivering for America” plan, which aims to make the agency financially self-sustaining through operational investments.

"The Postal Service continues its thoughtful implementation of new and existing pricing authorities to help ensure prices reflect the cost of service as well as the value provided to customers," Martha Johnson, senior public relations representative for USPS, said in an email.

"Prices increased by an average of 7.4% in July 2025, as the Postal Service elected to forgo a price change in January 2025 after evaluating industry feedback and financial impacts for the Postal Service," Johnson said. 

There’s one break for customers: USPS said the cost of postal insurance when mailing items has dropped by 12%.

Other price changes that took effect Sunday include 5-cent increases for domestic postcards — now 61 cents, up from 56 cents — and 1-ounce international letters and postcards — now $1.70, up from $1.65.

Local business leaders said price increases would likely have an impact on local employers.

“However minuscule 5 cents may seem, for businesses that rely on mailings to communicate with their customers, this increase could have a colossal impact on their bottom line especially during this time of economic uncertainty," Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association business group said in a statement.