January 2026 USPS price changes revealed and what it means for mail

The Postal Service has dropped word of price changes that Americans can expect to take effect in January.

The Postmaster made an official announcement last week on how USPS prices will switch-up when the new year rolls around in the wake of several cost jumps in recent years.

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USPS has raised prices on key services and products in recent years[/caption]

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USPS spoke out on the price changes consumers can expect in January 2026[/caption]

USPS is in the midst of implementing its strategic 10-year plan, Delivering for America, taking strides to provide reliable shipping services nationwide at least six days weekly in a cost-effective manner over the long term, the Post Office said in a release.

The federal agency also remains committed to “continued cost-saving measures and keeping products and services affordable,” per the release, taking a “very considered” approach to pricing.

USPS reviews postage prices on a semiannual schedule, with changes typically taking effect in January and July if approved.

While the organization has consistently raised prices on several key products and services in recent years, Postmaster General David Steiner has confirmed that consumers are safe from cost hikes at the beginning of 2026.

“We continually strive to balance our pricing approach both to meet the revenue needs of the Postal Service and to deliver affordable offerings that reflect market conditions,” it said in the press release.

“We have therefore decided at this time to forgo a price change for First-Class Mail postage and other Market Dominant services until mid-year 2026.”

This means that the cost of a stamp to mail a one-ounce single-piece First-Class letter will not go up early next year, staying at 78 cents.

While the stamp prices will remain steady for now, the decision to maintain the current cost follows near-consistent increases in the price of a single First-Class stamp since January 2023.

The price of a stamp has increased slowly since it was introduced in 1863 for just three cents.

Although the Postmaster General clarified that stamp prices will not take a hit in January, more price increases are likely in the future.

USPS informed the Postal Regulatory Commission last year of its intention to hike costs in January and July of both next year and 2027.

“Subject to the approval of the Governors, the Postal Service expects that in 2026 and 2027, it will change prices for all Market Dominant classes in both January and July, with filings occurring the preceding October and April, respectively,” said the filing.

OH SHIP!

While USPS has opted to retain the current stamp price at the start of 2026, the federal agency has recently charged consumers more.

As of July 13, the cost of the First-Class Mail Forever stamp jumped from 73 cents to 78 cents, marking a 7.4% increase.

Also part of USPS’s 10-year plan to achieve long-term financial stability, the organization is planning new temporary holiday surcharges beginning in October 2025.

In the coming days, USPS will roll out a temporary price change for the holiday season, with price jumps ranging from 40 cents to a whopping $16.

The cost hikes, meant to help cover the extra handling costs and ensure a successful season, will last from midnight Central Time on October 5 through midnight Central Time on January 18, 2026.

The change will impact prices on retail and commercial domestic competitive parcels shipped via USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and Parcel Select.

Aside from the price bumps, check out these other changes underway at USPS.

The organization recently dropped a truth bomb on mail delivery during a potential government shutdown.

Plus, USPS has warned millions of customers of holiday deliveries being at risk – see the exact dates to look for.