USPS Postage Rates and Fees in 2026
USPS adjusts postage rates regularly, typically with one or two increases per year. Understanding the current fee structure helps consumers and businesses choose the most cost-effective mailing options for their needs.
First-Class Mail Rates
A standard one-ounce first-class letter costs 0.73 dollars as of the most recent rate change. Each additional ounce adds 0.28 dollars. Postcards cost 0.56 dollars. First-Class Mail International starts at 1.65 dollars for letters. Metered mail receives a discount of 0.05 dollars per piece compared to stamp prices. These rates represent a significant increase from the 0.55 dollar rate of just a few years ago, with USPS implementing larger-than-historical rate increases under the authority granted by the Postal Regulatory Commission to improve financial sustainability.
Priority Mail Pricing
Priority Mail rates vary by weight, size, and distance. Flat Rate options include Small Flat Rate Box at 10.40 dollars, Medium Flat Rate Box at 16.10 dollars, and Large Flat Rate Box at 22.45 dollars. Priority Mail Express, which includes overnight delivery to most addresses, starts at approximately 30 dollars. Regional Rate boxes offer intermediate pricing for specific weight and zone combinations. Commercial pricing through online postage providers offers 5 to 20 percent discounts compared to retail rates. Priority Mail includes up to 100 dollars of insurance coverage by default, with additional coverage available at 3.35 dollars per 100 dollars of declared value.
Package Shipping Rates
USPS Ground Advantage, which replaced several former package services, starts at approximately 5 dollars for packages up to one pound and increases based on weight and distance. This service includes tracking and up to 100 dollars of insurance. Media Mail, available for books and educational materials, offers the lowest rates starting at approximately 4 dollars but with delivery times of 2 to 8 business days. Parcel Select for business mailers offers volume discounts but requires preparation according to USPS specifications. Dimensional weight pricing applies to packages over one cubic foot, calculated by dividing the cubic inches by 166.
Special Service Fees
Certified Mail costs 4.85 dollars plus postage. Return Receipt adds 3.75 dollars for electronic or 4.10 dollars for physical green card. Registered Mail starts at 15.95 dollars. Signature Confirmation costs 3.70 dollars at the counter or 3.35 dollars for online purchases. Insurance beyond the included coverage costs 3.35 to 11.85 dollars depending on the declared value tier. Collect on Delivery service costs 11.75 dollars. Adult Signature Required adds 9.35 dollars. These fees add up quickly for businesses that require delivery confirmation and liability coverage for valuable shipments.
PO Box and Other Fees
PO Box rental fees range from 58 to 572 dollars annually depending on size and location. Key deposit fees of 8 dollars apply for new PO Box assignments. General Delivery service is free but limited to specific post offices. Caller Service fees for businesses range from 600 to 1,000 dollars annually. Passport application fees are 35 dollars for execution fees collected by USPS, in addition to the State Department application fee. Money orders cost 1.75 dollars for amounts up to 500 dollars and 2.40 dollars for amounts between 500 and 1,000 dollars.