Buy Stamps Before the Next Rate Increase?
USPS typically announces rate increases months in advance, triggering a predictable question: should I stock up before prices go up?
The answer almost always depends on whether you are buying at discount prices.
Buying at USPS Prices: Marginal Savings
If you buy 100 Forever stamps at the current USPS price of $82.00 before a $0.05 increase, you save exactly $5.00 compared to buying after the increase. For most households, this is not worth the cash outlay or the need to store 100 stamps.
Buying at Discount Prices: Compelling Savings
If you buy 100 Forever stamps at a discount price of $25.00-40.00, you are already saving $42-57 compared to USPS. A future rate increase (say, to $0.87) increases the value of your stamps to $87.00 while your cost remains $25.00-40.00. The discount purchase locks in massive savings regardless of future rate changes.
The math: Buy 100 Forever stamps at $25 today. If rates increase to $0.87 next year, your $25 purchase is now worth $87 in postage—a 248% return in terms of postage value. No stamp reseller can beat buying at current discount prices before rates rise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice does USPS give before a rate increase?
USPS typically announces rate increases 2-4 months in advance, giving consumers and businesses time to plan. Monitor USPS announcements or follow stamp sellers who notify customers of upcoming changes.
Is there a limit to how many stamps I can buy before a rate increase?
No. USPS places no limit on consumer stamp purchases. You can buy as many stamps as you want at the current rate before an increase takes effect.
Do I need to use all my old-rate stamps before the new rate takes effect?
Only if they are denominated stamps (with a specific cent value printed on them). Forever stamps automatically adjust to the new rate. Old denominated stamps retain only their printed value and may need to be combined with additional postage after a rate increase.
Sources and Scope
- U.S. Postal Service — Postal Explorer — Notice 123 Price List, First-Class Mail retail prices, effective July 12, 2026.
- U.S. Postal Service — Postal Bulletin archive — domestic mailing price-change notices.
- Postal Regulatory Commission — rate-case dockets and Annual Compliance Determination reports.
Postage values and examples were reviewed on August 1, 2026. A reseller's live selling price is separate from the postage value and must be checked on the product page and at checkout.