USPS stamp hike: First class Forever stamps price hike; will cost 78 cents from July 13

If you are planning to buy first class Forever stamps, it is your last chance to get them at 73 cents before prices rise once again. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will be increasing the cost of first-class Forever stamps, along with several other services, on Sunday, July 13. The change was confirmed by USPS Senior Public Relations Representative Marti Johnson on Saturday, July 12. “The Postal Service’s Market Dominant and Competitive Services price increases take effect this weekend,” Johnson said.The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), the federal agency that oversees USPS, had been reviewing a proposed 5-cent increase in stamp prices since May. Johnson confirmed that the hike has now been officially approved. “The Postal Service continues to take a rational and realistic approach to pricing that includes prudent implementation of new and existing pricing authorities, with letter prices still significantly lower than other comparable foreign posts,” Johnson previously told USA Today.In an April statement, USPS said the price hikes are necessary to support the financial goals outlined in its Delivering for America 10-year plan, while stressing that its services still rank among the most affordable globally. The new rates, which will take effect on July 13, are expected to push up mailing service product prices by 7.4%.Here’s what’s changing: