Changes at the U.S. Post Office mean some mail will soon be more expensive to send.

The cost of Forever First-Class stamps is increasing on July 9th. On that day, the cost of a Forever Stamp, of mailing a 1-ounce letter, will increase from 63 cents to 66 cents. It’s the latest in a series of price hikes by the postal service which boosted prices 3 cents from 60 to 63 cents in January. Prior to that, prices rose from 58 cents to 60 cents in July 2022 and 55 cents to 58 cents in August 2021.

The increase means a book of 20 Forever Stamps – which can be used at any time in the future regardless of price hikes – will cost 60 cents more than it does today. The increase will raise the First-Class Mail prices by approximately 5.4% to offset the rise in inflation, according to the postal service.

What U.S. Postal Service changes occur July 9?

Other mail services will also increase. Here’s a full breakdown.

• Mailing a one-ounce letter — increase from 63 cents to 66 cents.
• Mailing a metered one-ounce letter — an increase from 60 cents to 63 cents.
• The price of a postcard — increases from 48 cents to 51 cents.
• One-ounce letter mailed to another country — an increase from $1.45 to $1.50.
• Postcard mailed to another country — an increase from $1.45 to $1.50.
• Additional ounces for letters will remain at 24 cents.

Other changes

Also on July 9, USPS is launching Ground Advantage, a program it says will provide faster, more affordable shipping options.

Ground Advantage replaces several USPS plans, including Retail Ground, First-Class Package, Parcel Select Ground, First Class Package Return and Ground Returns, allowing people to ship packages in 2 to 5 business days with the option of free pick-up at home or in-office. 

USPS said it will be about 1.4% cheaper than previous similar shipping products.

It will also offer:

• Return service for business customers who need to send items back.
• $100 insurance included on outbound and return packages.
• Primary option for shipping packages containing hazardous materials that can only be sent via Ground Transportation.
• Packages weighing more than 15.9 ounces will be charged by the pound, and tracking is included.

The Postal Service is also seeking price adjustments for special services products, including Certified Mail, Post Office Box rental fees, money order fees and the cost to purchase insurance when mailing an item.