USPS Freezes Stamp Prices for 2025 but Holiday Shipping Costs Set to Rise

Clear Facts

• The USPS will not raise the price of stamps in January 2025, as previously expected.
• Temporary rate changes for the 2024 holiday season will take effect from October 6, 2024, to January 19, 2025.
• Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage will see price increases during the holiday season.

For all the advancements in technology—like online banking, email, and Amazon deliveries—the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) remains an essential service for many Americans. Whether it’s sending holiday cards, wedding invitations, or certified mail, the USPS is still a go-to for various needs.

However, the USPS has announced changes that might affect your wallet, especially with the busy holiday season approaching.

Louis DeJoy, the 75th Postmaster General, has been a controversial figure since his appointment in 2020. His 10-year plan, Delivering for America (DFA), aims to transform the USPS into a self-sustaining and high-performing organization.

Part of this transformation has involved several price hikes. Earlier this year, the USPS raised the price of stamps, metered 1-ounce letters, and both domestic and international postcards by 2 percent. This marked the fifth price increase since 2021.

At that time, DeJoy warned customers to expect prices to continue rising “at an uncomfortable rate,” specifically twice a year in January and July.

“I believe we have been severely damaged by at least 10 years of a defective pricing model, which cannot be satisfied by one or two annual price increases, especially in this inflationary environment,” he said.

In July, the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp increased by 5 cents, and mailing services products saw a 7.8 percent hike. This was the highest increase under DeJoy’s tenure and one of the largest in USPS history.

However, there is a bit of good news. The USPS announced it will not be raising the price of stamps again in January 2025. According to a Sept. 20 press release, this decision came at the recommendation of Postmaster General DeJoy.

“Our strategies are working and projected inflation is declining,” he said in a statement.

“Therefore, we will wait until at least July before proposing any increases for market dominant services.”

Despite this, USPS customers will still face some price hikes. In a Sept. 5 press release, the agency announced temporary rate changes for the 2024 holiday season. If approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), these changes will take effect at midnight Central time on Oct. 6 and remain in place until midnight Central on Jan. 19, 2025.

Under this proposal, while the price of stamps will not increase, Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage will see price hikes.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source