USPS makes surprising decision for 2026 — and it has to do with prices

For more than two decades the United States Postal Service has increased the price of stamps at least once a year — sometimes twice .

But apparently 2026 is an exception to the rule.

Instead, the governors of the United States Postal Service accepted Postmaster General David Steiner's recommendation to not raise stamp prices in January 2026.

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The USPS announced the price of a stamp to mail a 1-ounce single-piece First-Class letter will not increase in early 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," Steiner said in a statement .

"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."

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The USPS launched its 10-year " Delivering for America ," campaign back in 2021, as a guide to keep the USPS "from an organization in financial and operational crisis to one that is self-sustaining and high performing."

The plan aims to keep the USPS delivering packages at least six days a week "in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner over the long term, just as the U.S. Congress intended and the law requires."

Part of that plan includes periodic price increases, including adjustments to the price of stamps.

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The USPS's most recent price increase went into effect July 13 — hiking the price of First-Class Mail Forever stamps up 5 cents from 73 cents to 78 cents .

"As changes in the mailing and shipping marketplace continue, these price adjustments are needed to achieve the financial stability sought by the organization's Delivering for America 10-year plan," USPS said of the increase.

"USPS prices remain among the most affordable in the world."

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