U.S. Postage Rate Increase: First-Class Stamps Now Cost 49 Cents

By Greg Hambrick

As of Jan. 26, the cost of a first-class postage stamp was expected to rise to 49 cents from 46 cents, according to The Washington Post. 

A book of first-class, one-ounce stamps will cost $9.80. Forever Stamps purchased before the increase will still be valid for all one-ounce letters. 

The U.S. Postal Service's  regulator approved the increase of about 6 percent, but rejected a request for a permanent increase.

According to the USPS, the increases include:

• Letters (1 oz.) — 3-cent increase to 49 cents
• Letters additional ounces —  1-cent increase to 21 cents
• Letters to all international destinations (1 oz.) — $1.15
• Postcards — 1-cent increase to 34 cents

The rate increase is supposed to boost the USPS' revenue by $2.8 billion in two years to recoup losses suffered in 2008 and 2011, according to the Post.