First-Class Mail Rates 2026: USPS Prices

First-Class Mail Rates 2026: USPS Prices#

This page consolidates the most common USPS First‑Class Mail prices (letters, postcards, and large envelopes/flats).

All rates below are Retail (Single‑Piece) unless noted otherwise, and reflect USPS pricing as of January 2026.

Primary source: USPS Notice 123 price list. (https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/January%202026%20Price%20Change%20-%20Notice123%20PDF%20Draft.pdf)

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Quick summary (the rates people actually search for)#

• Forever Stamp (1 oz letter): $0.78
• Metered 1 oz letter: $0.74
• Postcard: $0.61
• Large envelope / flat (1 oz): $1.63

Sources: USPS Notice 123 (January 2026). (https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/January%202026%20Price%20Change%20-%20Notice123%20PDF%20Draft.pdf)

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Letters (Retail)#

Letters are the standard #10 envelope category.

Retail letter rates (stamped vs metered):

Source: USPS Notice 123 — First‑Class Mail letters (Retail). (https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/January%202026%20Price%20Change%20-%20Notice123%20PDF%20Draft.pdf)

Nonmachinable surcharge (letters only)#

Letters that can’t run on USPS sorting equipment (square envelopes, rigid pieces, clasps, wax seals, etc.) trigger an extra charge:

• Nonmachinable surcharge: $0.49 (added to the applicable letter postage)

Source: USPS Notice 123 — Nonmachinable surcharge. (https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/January%202026%20Price%20Change%20-%20Notice123%20PDF%20Draft.pdf)

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Postcards (Retail)#

• Retail postcard: $0.61

Source: USPS Notice 123 — First‑Class Mail postcard price. (https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/January%202026%20Price%20Change%20-%20Notice123%20PDF%20Draft.pdf)

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Large envelopes / flats (Retail)#

Large envelopes (also called flats) are typically used for 9×12 envelopes, multi‑page documents, and booklets.

Retail flat rates:

Source: USPS Notice 123 — First‑Class Mail large envelopes/flats (Retail). (https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/January%202026%20Price%20Change%20-%20Notice123%20PDF%20Draft.pdf)

Important: some “flats” are charged as packages#

USPS pricing rules include a key caveat: large envelopes (flats) with certain characteristics can be subject to parcel prices (e.g., not uniformly thick). Source: USPS Notice 123 (large envelope footnote) + USPS First‑Class Mail page (rigid/non‑rectangular/not uniformly thick large envelopes can be treated as packages and shipped with Ground Advantage). (https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/January%202026%20Price%20Change%20-%20Notice123%20PDF%20Draft.pdf) (https://www.usps.com/ship/first-class-mail.htm)

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Commercial presort rates (high level)#

If you mail large volumes, USPS commercial pricing can be substantially cheaper than stamps or metered mail—but it requires permit, presort, and USPS specifications (including barcoding and documentation).

A few points that are consistently true:

• USPS Commercial First‑Class Mail typically requires minimum volume (often 500+ pieces in a mailing)

Source: USPS Postal Explorer “What is Commercial Mail?” (https://pe.usps.com/businessmail101?ViewName=WhatIsBulkMail)

• There are different price levels based on how deeply you presort (5‑Digit, AADC, Mixed AADC, etc.)
• Full‑Service Intelligent Mail and Seamless Acceptance can unlock small per‑piece discounts

Source: USPS Notice 123 (Full‑Service / Seamless per‑piece discounts for automation letters/postcards). (https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/January%202026%20Price%20Change%20-%20Notice123%20PDF%20Draft.pdf)

If you’re considering commercial mail, see: /blog/commercial-first-class-mail-rates.

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Related guides#

• First‑Class Mail for Business: /blog/first-class-mail-business-guide
• Size & Weight Limits: /blog/first-class-mail-size-requirements
• Delivery Times: /blog/first-class-mail-delivery-time