Beginning July 12, 2026, USPS postage rates are increasing, including a four-cent increase for First-Class stamps. The changes also affect First-Class Mail, Certified Mail, postcards, flats, international mail, and Registered Mail. LetterStream’s service fees remain the same, so only the USPS postage portion of your price will increase.
What’s Changing on July 12, 2026
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is updating its postage rates once again, with new prices taking effect July 12, 2026. The changes affect several mailing services, including First-Class Mail, Certified Mail, postcards, flats, international mail, and Registered Mail.
If your business regularly sends invoices, statements, legal documents, HOA notices, healthcare communications, compliance letters, tax documents, or Certified Mail, it’s important to understand how these updates may affect your mailing costs.
The good news? While USPS postage rates are changing, LetterStream is not increasing our service fees. The only pricing updates reflect the new USPS postage rates, so you’ll continue receiving the same reliable service with complete pricing transparency.
Below, we’ve outlined the July 2026 USPS postage changes, how they impact LetterStream pricing, and what businesses should know before the new rates take effect.
July 2026 USPS Postage Rate Increase: What’s Changing?
Beginning July 12, 2026, USPS will implement the following postage rate changes:
Service | Current Rate | New Rate | Increase |
First-Class Letter (1 oz.) | $0.78 | $0.82 | +4¢ |
Metered First-Class Letter | $0.74 | $0.78 | +4¢ |
Postcards | $0.61 | $0.65 | +4¢ |
First-Class Flats | $1.63 | $1.69 | +6¢ |
Certified Mail | $5.30 | $5.55 | +25¢ |
Electronic Return Receipt (ERR) | $2.82 | $2.91 | +9¢ |
International Letter (1 oz.) | $1.70 | $1.75 | +5¢ |
Registered Mail | $23.40 | $25.00 | +$1.60 |
These new USPS postage rates apply to mail entered into the USPS mail stream on or after July 12, 2026.
LetterStream’s New Pricing Effective July 12, 2026
At LetterStream, we believe pricing should be simple and transparent.
Our service fees are not changing. The only adjustments you’ll see will begin July 13, 2026, the day after rates take effect, and will only reflect the updated USPS postage rates.
Our updated pricing includes:
- First-Class Letter: New pricing starting at $1.27
- First-Class Flats: New pricing starting at $2.73
- Certified Mail (without Electronic Return Receipt): New pricing starting at $8.63 (includes the 25¢ Certified Mail increase plus the 4¢ First-Class Mail postage increase)
- Certified Mail with Electronic Return Receipt: New pricing starting at $11.54 (includes the 25¢ Certified Mail increase, 4¢ First-Class Mail postage increase, and 9¢ Electronic Return Receipt increase)
- Express Postcards: New pricing starting at $0.91
- PRO Postcards: New pricing starting at $1.30 (reflects the 4¢ First-Class Mail postage increase)
- International Letters: New pricing starting at $2.78
- Registered Mail International: New pricing starting at $37.48 (includes the $1.60 Registered Mail increase and the 5¢ International Letter postage increase)
What the July 2026 USPS Rate Increase Means for Your Business
Every USPS postage adjustment is an opportunity to make sure your mailing strategy still fits your business.
While the July 12 rate changes are relatively modest, they affect many of the mail pieces businesses send every day—including invoices, statements, legal notices, compliance letters, HOA communications, healthcare documents, tax notices, and Certified Mail.
Rather than viewing the increase as simply another postage change, it’s a good time to ask a few practical questions.
Are You Using the Right Mailing Type?
Not every document needs the same level of service. Some mail pieces are best sent using First-Class Mail, while others require Certified Mail for tracking and proof of mailing. Reviewing the types of mail you send can help ensure you’re using the most appropriate USPS service for each communication.
Are Your Mailing Costs Easy to Understand?
When USPS raises postage, understanding where your mailing costs come from becomes even more important.
At LetterStream, the only changes you’ll see are the USPS postage increases themselves. Our service fees remain the same, giving you clear, predictable pricing every time you send mail.
Is Your Mailing Process Working for You?
If your team is spending valuable time printing, folding, stuffing envelopes, applying postage, or making trips to USPS, a rate change can be a good reminder to look at the entire mailing process—not just the postage.
Many businesses find that moving their mailing online saves time, reduces manual work, and creates a more consistent process, regardless of how often USPS adjusts its rates.
Whether you’re in property management, legal, healthcare, finance, insurance, government, or another industry that relies on business mail, having a streamlined mailing process can save valuable time and money throughout the year.
Why Businesses Choose LetterStream
LetterStream was built to simplify business mail—from a single letter to high-volume mailings—without changing the way you work.
With LetterStream, you can:
- Upload documents and send mail in minutes
- Send one piece or thousands using the same simple online process
- Track Certified Mail directly from your account
- Eliminate printing, folding, stuffing, and applying postage by hand
- Access your mailing history whenever you need it
- Add multiple users with secure account access
- Mail with confidence knowing your documents are processed accurately and mailed quickly
- Stop going to the Post Office
As USPS postage rates change, LetterStream makes it easy to keep your mailing process simple, predictable, and efficient.
Considering Email Instead? We’ve Got That Too.
Not every communication needs to be sent through USPS.
If you’re looking for additional flexibility, LetterStream also offers eDoc Delivery, making it easy to send documents by email directly from your LetterStream account.
Many businesses use a combination of physical mail and electronic delivery depending on the document, recipient, and business requirements. With both options available from one platform, you can choose the approach that works best for every mailing.
Visit our online chatbot anytime to learn more about eDoc Delivery and available pricing.
July 2026 USPS Postage Rate Increase: Final Thoughts
The new USPS postage rates take effect on July 12. If you’re sending First-Class Mail, Certified Mail, postcards, flats, or international mail, be sure you’re familiar with the updated rates before your next mailing.
To learn more about LetterStream’s online printing and mailing services, create a free account or explore our products today.
Frequently Asked Questions About the July 2026 USPS Postage Rate Increase
When do the new USPS postage rates take effect?
The new USPS postage rates become effective on July 12, 2026.
How much is a First-Class stamp after July 12, 2026?
A one-ounce First-Class Mail letter increases from $0.78 to $0.82. Metered First-Class Mail also increases from $0.74 to $0.78.
What is the new Certified Mail fee?
The USPS Certified Mail fee increases from $5.30 to $5.55 beginning July 12, 2026. First-Class Mail postage is charged separately, and Electronic Return Receipt (ERR) also increases from $2.82 to $2.91.
Is LetterStream increasing its prices?
No. LetterStream is not increasing its service fees. The only pricing adjustments reflect the USPS postage rate changes that take effect on July 12, 2026.
What USPS services are affected by the July 2026 rate increase?
The July 2026 USPS postage update includes changes to:
- First-Class Mail Letters
- Metered First-Class Mail
- First-Class Flats
- Postcards
- Certified Mail
- Electronic Return Receipt (ERR)
- International Letters
- Registered Mail
Where can I find the official USPS postage rate changes?
You can view the complete list of approved July 2026 postage rates by visiting the official USPS website.
