When you need to mail a letter or package within the United States, understanding the cost of a stamp is essential to avoid delays or surprises at the post office. The price of a stamp depends on several factors, including mail class, weight, and destination, so it is helpful to review current rates before heading to the counter.
This guide breaks down how much a stamp typically costs, where to buy one, and how to choose the right option for your specific mailing needs, including details for standard letters and heavier packages.
| Mail Type | Current Price (USD) | Weight Limit | Delivery Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class Letter | $0.66 | 1 oz | 1–3 business days |
| Additional Ounce (First-Class) | $0.24 | Per extra oz | 1–3 business days |
| Postcard | $0.64 | 1 oz | 2–4 business days |
| First-Class Package (up to 1 lb) | $5.95 | 1 lb | 2–4 business days |
| Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope | $9.35 | 1 lb | 1–3 business days |
Current First-Class Mail Stamp Pricing
First-class mail remains the most common method for sending personal and business correspondence, and knowing the price per stamp helps you budget for regular mailing needs.
Letters and Postcards
A single first-class stamp for a standard letter or postcard currently costs $0.66, which covers up to 1 ounce of weight. If your item weighs slightly more, you can add additional ounces at a lower rate of $0.24 per ounce, making it cost-effective to combine items when possible.
Understanding Priority and Flat Rate Options
For faster delivery or larger items, Priority Mail and flat rate services provide predictable pricing and faster transit times without the need to calculate exact weight-based postage.
Priority Mail Packages
Priority Mail pricing starts at $5.95 for packages up to 1 pound, with delivery in 1–3 business days depending on your location. Many customers appreciate the included tracking and flat rate boxes, which simplify shipping without weighing every item.
Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes
Flat rate options, such as the medium flat rate envelope at $9.35, offer a simple way to ship heavier items for one fixed price, regardless of how much they weigh within the size limits. This predictability is especially valuable for small businesses and frequent shippers.
Where and How to Buy a Stamp
You have several convenient options for purchasing stamps, from online platforms to neighborhood post offices and retail locations, ensuring you can get what you need quickly and securely.
- Buy stamps online through the official USPS website and schedule home delivery or pickup.
- Visit your local post office or retail partner to purchase physical stamps or a book of stamps.
- Use mobile apps or linked bank accounts with eligible providers for instant digital postage.
- Consider monthly subscriptions or bulk purchases to save on high-volume mailing needs.
Stamp Specifications and Validity
Stamps issued by the United States Postal Service are valid forever for the price they were purchased at, even if rates increase in the future, which protects your long-term investment in stamps.
| Specification | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Face Value | $0.66 (as of current rate) | Covers 1 oz first-class letter |
| Validity | Forever valid | Postage value does not expire |
| Additional Ounce Cost | $0.24 | Each extra ounce up to 13 oz |
Choosing the Right Mailing Option
Selecting the correct service and understanding how much a stamp or shipping method costs helps you avoid returned mail and ensures timely delivery.
- Use first-class stamps for lightweight letters and bills under 1 ounce.
- Choose Priority Mail for packages that need faster delivery with tracking.
- Select flat rate options when shipping heavier items to lock in a predictable price.
- Compare per-ounce rates to find the most affordable way to send your items.
FAQ
Reader questions
How much is a stamp to the US if I send a letter that weighs more than an ounce?
For a first-class letter heavier than 1 ounce, you pay $0.66 for the first ounce plus $0.24 for each additional ounce, so a 2-ounce letter would cost $0.90 in total.
Can I still use older stamps if the price of a stamp increases?
Yes, any US stamp with the correct face value can be used, and older stamps without the current price are still accepted as long as they match the required postage amount.
Is it cheaper to buy a book of stamps or a single stamp to mail a letter to the US?
Buying a book of stamps is usually more cost-effective per unit, and it ensures you have ready postage for multiple letters without visiting the post office each time.
Do postcards cost the same as a regular letter when I use a stamp to the US?
Postcards currently cost $0.64, which is slightly less than the $0.66 required for a standard first-class letter, and they must meet specific size and thickness requirements.