Forever stamp price jumps to 78 cents as USPS pushes financial reform

In a bid to address long-standing financial woes, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has officially increased the price of its first-class forever stamp from 73 cents to 78 cents. The new rate came into effect on Sunday, July 13, and marks the latest step in a broader push toward operational sustainability.

USPS officials have framed the 5-cent hike as part of a “realistic pricing strategy” aimed at navigating the agency through a turbulent financial period. According to USPS spokesperson Marti Johnson, the adjustment is “a rational and necessary move” following decades of outdated pricing models and mounting losses.

The rate change was first proposed in April and approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission. It arrives during a critical leadership transition, with Deputy Postmaster General Doug Tulino currently serving as acting Postmaster General after Louis DeJoy stepped down in March. DeJoy, a controversial figure during his nearly five-year tenure, had warned of continued “uncomfortable” increases in stamp prices to offset years of fiscal imbalance.

USPS continues to face structural challenges, including the sharp decline in first-class mail volumes and increasing competition from private logistics players. The agency handles over $78 billion in annual revenue, but has struggled to achieve self-sufficiency in an increasingly digital and parcel-driven world.

Privatization discussions reignited earlier this year, with figures in President Donald Trump’s administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency exploring radical restructuring of the federal postal service. Trump even floated the idea of transferring USPS oversight to the Commerce Department—a move that sparked opposition from labor unions and postal workers worried about job security and service cuts.

Despite the controversy, USPS leadership insists the price hike is essential for survival. “This is part of a long-term strategy to stabilize the agency’s finances and modernize how we deliver for America,” Johnson said.

The 78-cent forever stamp allows customers to lock in today’s rate indefinitely, regardless of future increases. That flexibility has made it a popular option for consumers and businesses alike, especially as USPS navigates turbulent financial waters.

With further pricing adjustments anticipated, USPS's path to long-term viability remains a key area of focus for policymakers, customers, and investors tracking government services under increasing fiscal strain.