USPS Raises Postage Rates Twice In 2021

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For the first time in 20 years, the US Postal Service is raising their prices twice within a single year.

The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) has approved a mid-year price increase for a number of products and services that the USPS offers.  The new rates will go into effect at Midnight on Sunday, August 29, 2021.

Below are some of the notable changes impacting letters, postcards and certified mail:

  • First Class stamps are going up 3 cents; from $.55 to $.58
  • Certified mail fees are going up 15 cents; from $3.60 to $3.75
  • Electronic Return Receipt for Certified letters is going up 10 cents; from $1.75 to $1.85
  • Flats (large envelopes) are going up 16 cents; from $1.00 to $1.16
  • Postcards are going up 4 cents; from $.36 to $.40
  • International postage is going up 10 cents; from $1.20 to $1.30
  • Extra ounces are staying the same at $.20 per extra ounce (for letters and flats)

For individuals and businesses who rely on LetterStream as their valued print and mail partner, the new rates will go into effect at 4pm the last business day before the USPS implements their new prices.  This is because orders received after 4pm Pacific Time will not mail until the new rates are in effect on Monday.

As a reminder, LetterStream rarely raises our prices.  We simply increase our prices by the amount of the annual (in this case, semi-annual) USPS rate increases.

For more information regarding this price increase, visit the USPS website or download the complete list of August 2021 USPS rate changes.

Visit our website for more information about LetterStream and how to send your mail online without ever touching a piece of paper.

Pro tip:  if you want to get the old pricing but don’t want your mailing to go out before August 30th, you can always use our schedule job option to schedule your job to be mailed on a future date!