Taylor Scott
Postage stamps in the US have been steadily increasing in price over the years, with the cost of mailing a card or letter higher than ever. The US Postal Service (USPS) has been operating at a loss, with expenses increasing due to rising worker compensation and transportation costs. This has resulted in the USPS seeking rate increases, including hiking the cost of first-class stamps. As a result, individuals are exploring alternative places to purchase postage stamps, such as banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, and online retailers like Amazon and Costco. Banks typically sell stamps during their limited work hours and may offer convenience for those located near one. However, it is unclear whether banks sell stamps at the same price as post offices or other retailers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Postage stamps price increase | The U.S. Postal Service is seeking a rate increase to 78 cents from 73 cents for a first-class stamp |
| When will the price increase take effect? | July 13 |
| How often do postage stamps get more expensive? | Since 2012, Forever stamps, which cost 45 cents back then, have gotten more expensive nearly every year. There were no price increases in 2015 and 2020, but there were two in 2023 and 2024. |
| Why are postage stamps getting more expensive? | The Postal Service contends that the increase is needed to achieve financial stability. Former U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy previously warned postal customers to get used to “uncomfortable” rate hikes as the Postal Service seeks to become self-sufficient. |
| Where to buy postage stamps | Banks, ATMs, post offices, grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, convenience stores, departmental stores, office supplies stores, bookstores, warehouse clubs, Amazon, and the USPS official website. |
| Are postage stamps more expensive at banks? | No clear indication that they are more expensive at banks. |
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What You'll Learn
Banks sell postage stamps
The United States Postal Service (USPS) sells First-Class Mail Forever Stamps, which can be used at any time after purchase, regardless of future price increases. The Postal Service began selling Forever Stamps in 2007 when they cost $0.41 each. As of 2025, the cost of a Forever Stamp is $0.73 each. The USPS also sells Forever Additional Ounce Stamps, which have the same scaling value.
In addition to the USPS, there are other vendors that sell Forever Stamps, such as Costco, which often sells stamps in sets of 100 for a slight discount. Amazon also sells Forever Stamps in books and rolls, but it is advised to be cautious of their legitimacy.
Banks are a convenient option for purchasing postage stamps, especially for those who work near a bank and can visit during work hours. Some banks that sell postage stamps include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, KeyBank, and Fifth Third Bank.
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Stamps can be bought online or at ATMs
Stamps can be bought online from various websites, including the USPS official website, Amazon, Stamps.com, and eBay. Stamps.com offers discounted rates for online purchases, and users can print their own postage at home. Amazon sells books and rolls of stamps, and the legitimacy of these stamps is backed by Amazon's return policy. On eBay, searches for "forever stamps 100" and "forever stamps roll" will yield results.
Stamps can also be purchased from ATMs and banks, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, KeyBank, and Fifth Third Bank. Banks typically sell stamps during work hours, from 9 am to 3 pm.
Additionally, stamps can be bought from grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, convenience stores, departmental stores, office supply stores, and bookstores. Some specific retailers that sell stamps include Walmart, Costco, Target, and Walgreens.
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Stamps can be bought from grocery stores
While the post office is the best place to buy postage stamps, grocery stores are a convenient alternative. In addition to grocery stores, stamps can be purchased from banks, ATMs, gas stations, pharmacies, convenience stores, department stores, office supply stores, bookstores, warehouse clubs, and some other retailers. Online options include the USPS official website, Amazon, Stamps.com, rebate sites, and eBay.
Amazon sells books and rolls of stamps, and while there may be some legitimacy concerns, the risk is low due to Amazon's return policy. Costco also sells stamps in sets of 100 at a slight discount, and Executive members can get 2% back in Costco Cash. For those looking to buy in bulk, BuyDiscountStamps.com offers a 10% discount on Forever Stamps and a 15% discount on Additional Ounce Forever Stamps, with a minimum order of $500.
For those who prefer to buy stamps in person, the USPS website has a finder tool to locate places that sell stamps nearby. Retailers that often sell stamps include Walgreens, CVS, Safeway, Food 4 Less, U.S. Bank, and Office Depot. Stamps can also be ordered by phone through the Postal Service's 24-hour stamp hotline, with a small handling fee.
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Postage is calculated by weight, mail class and shape
Postage stamps can be purchased at banks, ATMs, post offices, major grocery stores, pharmacies, office suppliers, and online. The cost of postage is calculated by taking into account the weight of the mail piece, the mail class, and its shape.
USPS First-Class Mail is a fast and affordable way to send envelopes and postcards. The cost of a standard-sized, rectangular envelope stamp starts at $0.78, while square, oversized, or unusually shaped envelope stamps start at $1.27. Standard-sized, rectangular postcard stamps start at $0.61, while oversized postcards require letter stamps, which start at $0.78. Large envelopes, or "flats," start at $1.63. The maximum weight for First-Class Mail letters is 3.5 ounces, while the maximum weight for large First-Class Mail envelopes is 13 ounces. All postcards and envelopes must be rectangular; otherwise, an additional charge may apply.
USPS also offers special services such as Certified Mail, USPS Tracking, and insurance, which can affect the overall cost of postage. The USPS website provides a postage rate calculator that allows users to input the weight, mail class, destination, and special services required to determine the exact postage needed.
Online services like Stamps.com offer discounted rates for purchasing postage online and provide tools to calculate current postage rates based on weight, mail class, and shape, automatically updating their rates when postage rates change.
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$55.99
Commemorative stamps are more expensive
The US Postal Service (USPS) offers a wide range of postage stamps, including commemorative stamps, which can be purchased at post offices or on the USPS website. The USPS is a self-supporting government enterprise that covers every address in the nation, with 36,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited government website. The Postal Service relies on the sale of its products and services to cover operating expenses, and it does not receive any tax dollars.
The cost of postage stamps has been increasing over the years, with the USPS seeking rate increases to achieve financial stability. In 2025, the price of a first-class stamp was expected to rise from 73 cents to 78 cents, a 5-cent increase. This increase would also apply to forever" stamps, postcards, metered letters, and international mail, resulting in a 7.4% rise in mailing service product prices.
To save money on postage stamps, individuals can consider buying in bulk from wholesale clubs like Costco, where stamps are often sold at a slight discount. Online options such as Amazon, eBay, and BuyDiscountStamps.com also offer opportunities for discounts, although buyers should exercise caution and be aware of potential risks when purchasing from third-party sellers. Additionally, buying stamps in advance can help individuals avoid future price increases, as forever" stamps will always cover the cost of mailing a 1-ounce letter, regardless of future price changes.
In conclusion, commemorative stamps are more expensive than regular postage stamps due to their commemorative nature and the inclusion of significant imagery. While postage stamps are widely available at various locations, including banks, individuals should be prepared for potential limitations in stamp varieties at certain retailers. To save money, buying stamps in bulk or taking advantage of online discounts can be beneficial.
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Frequently asked questions
The price of postage stamps is the same regardless of whether they are bought at a bank, a post office, or a grocery store. However, some retailers sell booklets of stamps, which often come at a discounted price compared to buying individual stamps.
Aside from banks, post offices, and grocery stores, you can also buy postage stamps at pharmacies, gas stations, ATMs, Amazon, Stamps.com, rebate sites, convenience stores, department stores, office supply stores, bookstores, and warehouse clubs.
The cost of a first-class stamp varies over time. In 2007, a first-class stamp cost $0.41. In 2019, the price of a first-class stamp was $0.50. In 2025, the price rose to $0.68, with a further increase to $0.78 proposed for the summer of that year.
