You can finally stop worrying about a stamp price increase in January 2026. The United States Postal Service recently confirmed that First-Class Mail prices will stay the same at the start of the year. While shipping services will see hikes, the USPS chose to keep the cost of First-Class stamps at the current 78-cent rate through early 2026.
This decision breaks from recent USPS pricing patterns. The USPS governors accepted a recommendation from Postmaster General David Steiner to skip a price hike for “Market Dominant” products. However, other shipping services still face significant changes. Priority Mail will increase by about 6.6%, Priority Mail Express will rise 5.1%, USPS Ground Advantage will jump 7.8%, and Parcel Select will go up 6.0%. The USPS also indicated it plans to raise prices again in mid-2026, though it hasn’t announced specific details for those increases yet. For now, consumers can count on stable stamp prices through the first part of the year.
USPS Confirms No Stamp Hike for January 2026
In September 2025, the Postal Service officially announced that First-Class Mail prices would remain unchanged through early 2026. Postmaster General David Steiner specifically recommended against raising prices for these products, and the USPS Board of Governors approved his request.
The price for a standard one-ounce First-Class Mail letter will therefore remain at 78 cents, the rate established when stamps last increased in July 2025 (from 73 cents). This marks a departure from USPS’s recent pattern, as January price adjustments have become commonplace over the past decade. Steiner explained:
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.
This stability aligns with the Delivering for America 10-year plan, which focuses on cost-effective operations and financial health. The USPS also pointed out that American postage remains a bargain compared to the rest of the world; only a few countries offer lower domestic letter rates. Even while holding prices steady, the USPS continues to implement cost-saving measures across its operations.
Historical trends show January increases are common
The absence of a January 2026 stamp price increase represents a significant deviation from established USPS practices. Historically, January has been a predictable time for postage rate adjustments. Since 2012, the agency has adjusted postage ten times during the first month of the year.
This pattern marks a sharp contrast with earlier postal history. Throughout the entire 20th century, stamp prices were adjusted only 17 times, yet since 2000, they have increased 16 times. The acceleration in frequency reflects the financial pressures facing the modern postal service, primarily due to declining mail volume—which has dropped by 68% since 2007.
Recently, the USPS has favored two increases per year—one in January and one in July. The July 2025 hike followed this pattern, which raised the First-Class Mail stamp from 73 to 78 cents.
Mailing Services price increases typically align with the consumer price index, whereas Shipping Services adjustments respond to market conditions [9]. Still, the USPS has typically adjusted both categories every January.
Even with regular increases, American postage remains relatively affordable internationally. A 2024 study found that U.S. stamp prices were lower than 26 out of 30 comparable countries. Moreover, despite periodic adjustments, the inflation-adjusted cost of stamps has remained relatively stable over time.
USPS raises shipping rates but keeps mailing services unchanged
Unlike the stability in First-Class Mail rates, the USPS has officially filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission for significant shipping rate increases starting January 18, 2026. These proposed adjustments, already approved by the USPS governors, will affect several popular shipping services. The upcoming changes include:
- Priority Mail service prices increasing by approximately 6.6%
- Priority Mail Express service rising by 5.1%
- USPS Ground Advantage jumping by 7.8%
- Parcel Select costs climbing by 6.0%
Priority Mail Express prices will now start at $33.00, while Ground Advantage starts at $7.30. The USPS credits this difference to its two-track strategy: mailing services follow the consumer price index, while shipping rates respond to the competitive landscape. This approach helps the USPS maintain stable letter rates while adjusting package costs to match market reality.
The Postal Service frames these selective increases as part of its broader effort to achieve financial sustainability, balancing revenue needs with competitive market positioning. Altogether, this approach allows the USPS to maintain stable letter mail rates throughout early 2026 while adjusting package shipping costs to reflect current market realities.
Looking ahead: Higher postage rates with a break on stamps
The USPS decision to hold First-Class prices steady through early 2026 marks a real shift in policy. For years, people expected a January hike. Instead, the 78-cent Forever stamp provides some predictability for households and businesses during the first months of 2026.
Shipping customers face a tougher start to the year. Those using Priority Mail or Ground Advantage will see higher costs beginning January 18. Postmaster General David Steiner’s choice to skip a mailing hike suggests the agency is weighing consumer needs against economic pressures. While this break is likely temporary—with mid-2026 increases already on the horizon—it offers a bit of breathing room for regular mail users.
Ultimately, the Postal Service is trying to balance its own survival with public affordability. Even with lower mail volumes, the agency is adjusting its strategy to keep services accessible while moving toward long-term financial health.
Key Takeaways
- Stamps stay at 78 cents: The USPS breaks a decade-long trend of January hikes.
- Shipping costs go up: Priority Mail and Ground Advantage see increases of 5–8% on January 18.
- Two-track pricing: The USPS ties mail to inflation but ties shipping to market competition.
- Mid-2026 hikes are coming: This price freeze only covers the first half of the year.