July 2026 USPS Postage Rate Changes
Complete 2025 vs. 2026 comparison across all mail classes — First-Class retail, commercial letters & flats, Marketing Mail commercial & nonprofit letters & flats. All proposed rates from Notice 123 (4/15/2026).
Key Rates at a Glance
First-Class Mail — Retail Rates
Rates paid at the post office counter with a stamp or meter. No presort required.
Standard Letters (Retail Stamp)
| Weight | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | $0.78 | $0.82 | +$0.040 (+5.1%) |
| 2 oz | $1.07 | $1.11 | +$0.040 (+3.7%) |
| 3 oz | $1.36 | $1.40 | +$0.040 (+2.9%) |
| 3.5 oz | $1.65 | $1.69 | +$0.040 (+2.4%) |
Additional ounce: +$0.29. Nonmachinable surcharge: +$0.49.
Metered Letters (VAR)
| Weight | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | $0.74 | $0.78 | +$0.040 (+5.4%) |
| 2 oz | $1.03 | $1.07 | +$0.040 (+3.9%) |
| 3 oz | $1.32 | $1.36 | +$0.040 (+3.0%) |
| 3.5 oz | $1.61 | $1.65 | +$0.040 (+2.5%) |
Requires postage meter or mail house. Additional ounce: +$0.29.
Retail Flats
| Weight | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | $1.63 | $1.69 | +$0.060 (+3.7%) |
| 2 oz | $1.90 | $1.98 | +$0.080 (+4.2%) |
| 3 oz | $2.17 | $2.27 | +$0.100 (+4.6%) |
| 4 oz | $2.44 | $2.56 | +$0.120 (+4.9%) |
| 5 oz | $2.72 | $2.85 | +$0.130 (+4.8%) |
| 6 oz | $3.00 | $3.14 | +$0.140 (+4.7%) |
| 7 oz | $3.28 | $3.43 | +$0.150 (+4.6%) |
| 8 oz | $3.56 | $3.72 | +$0.160 (+4.5%) |
| 9 oz | $3.84 | $4.02 | +$0.180 (+4.7%) |
| 10 oz | $4.14 | $4.32 | +$0.180 (+4.3%) |
| 11 oz | $4.44 | $4.62 | +$0.180 (+4.1%) |
| 12 oz | $4.74 | $4.93 | +$0.190 (+4.0%) |
| 13 oz | $5.04 | $5.24 | +$0.200 (+4.0%) |
First-Class Mail Commercial — Letters & Postcards
Automation and nonautomation rates for 1–3.5 oz letters. Requires working with a USPS Full-Service Certified mail house. Full-Service IMb discount: −$0.005/piece.
Letters (1–3.5 oz) — All weights same rate
| Presort Level | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Digit Automation | $0.593 | $0.621 | +$0.028 (+4.7%) |
| AADC Automation | $0.641 | $0.672 | +$0.031 (+4.8%) |
| Mixed AADC Automation | $0.672 | $0.707 | +$0.035 (+5.2%) |
| Nonauto Machinable AADC | $0.644 | $0.674 | +$0.030 (+4.7%) |
| Nonauto Machinable Mixed AADC | $0.686 | $0.721 | +$0.035 (+5.1%) |
| Nonauto Nonmachinable 5-Digit | $0.813 | $0.844 | +$0.031 (+3.8%) |
| Nonauto Nonmachinable 3-Digit | $0.939 | $0.979 | +$0.040 (+4.3%) |
| Nonauto Nonmachinable Mixed ADC | $1.088 | $1.128 | +$0.040 (+3.7%) |
Nonmachinable surcharge: +$0.49/piece. Additional ounce: +$0.29.
Postcards — Commercial
| Presort Level | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Digit Automation | $0.420 | $0.453 | +$0.033 (+7.9%) |
| AADC Automation | $0.445 | $0.478 | +$0.033 (+7.4%) |
| Mixed AADC Automation | $0.462 | $0.495 | +$0.033 (+7.1%) |
| Machinable Presorted | $0.468 | $0.501 | +$0.033 (+7.1%) |
First-Class Mail Commercial — Flats
Automation and nonautomation presorted flats by weight. Full-Service IMb discount: −$0.005/piece.
| Weight | 5-Digit Auto | 3-Digit Auto | Mixed ADC Auto | Nonauto Presorted | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | |
| 1 oz | $0.970 | $1.025 | $1.235 | $1.264 | $1.488 | $1.585 | $1.520 | $1.590 |
| 2 oz | $1.240 | $1.315 | $1.505 | $1.554 | $1.758 | $1.875 | $1.790 | $1.880 |
| 3 oz | $1.510 | $1.605 | $1.775 | $1.844 | $2.028 | $2.165 | $2.060 | $2.170 |
| 4 oz | $1.780 | $1.895 | $2.045 | $2.134 | $2.298 | $2.455 | $2.330 | $2.460 |
| 5 oz | $2.060 | $2.185 | $2.325 | $2.424 | $2.578 | $2.745 | $2.610 | $2.750 |
| 6 oz | $2.340 | $2.475 | $2.605 | $2.714 | $2.858 | $3.035 | $2.890 | $3.040 |
| 7 oz | $2.620 | $2.765 | $2.885 | $3.004 | $3.138 | $3.325 | $3.170 | $3.330 |
| 8 oz | $2.900 | $3.055 | $3.165 | $3.294 | $3.418 | $3.615 | $3.450 | $3.620 |
| 9 oz | $3.180 | $3.355 | $3.445 | $3.594 | $3.698 | $3.915 | $3.730 | $3.920 |
| 10 oz | $3.480 | $3.655 | $3.745 | $3.894 | $3.998 | $4.215 | $4.030 | $4.220 |
| 11 oz | $3.780 | $3.955 | $4.045 | $4.194 | $4.298 | $4.515 | $4.330 | $4.520 |
| 12 oz | $4.080 | $4.265 | $4.345 | $4.504 | $4.598 | $4.825 | $4.630 | $4.830 |
| 13 oz | $4.380 | $4.575 | $4.645 | $4.814 | $4.898 | $5.135 | $4.930 | $5.140 |
SCF Pallet discount (subtract): $0.017/flat for 3-digit, 5-digit, and nonauto presorted flats.
Marketing Mail — Commercial Letters
For bulk advertising mail. Minimum 200 pieces. 3.5 oz or less. Full-Service IMb discount: −$0.005/piece. Seamless Acceptance: −$0.002/piece.
Carrier Route & Automation — None Entry
| Rate Category | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR Saturation | $0.244 | $0.255 | +$0.011 (+4.5%) |
| CR HD Plus | $0.275 | $0.286 | +$0.011 (+4.0%) |
| CR High Density | $0.365 | $0.389 | +$0.024 (+6.6%) |
| 5-Digit Automation | $0.372 | $0.395 | +$0.023 (+6.2%) |
| AADC Automation | $0.407 | $0.435 | +$0.028 (+6.9%) |
| Mixed AADC Automation | $0.433 | $0.467 | +$0.034 (+7.9%) |
Carrier Route & Automation — DSCF Entry
| Rate Category | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR Saturation (DSCF) | $0.227 | $0.234 | +$0.007 (+3.1%) |
| CR HD Plus (DSCF) | $0.258 | $0.265 | +$0.007 (+2.7%) |
| CR High Density (DSCF) | $0.348 | $0.368 | +$0.020 (+5.7%) |
| 5-Digit Automation (DSCF) | $0.355 | $0.374 | +$0.019 (+5.4%) |
| AADC Automation (DSCF) | $0.390 | $0.414 | +$0.024 (+6.2%) |
Nonautomation Letters (4 oz or less) — None Entry
| Rate Category | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR Saturation Nonmachinable | $0.290 | $0.308 | +$0.018 (+6.2%) |
| CR HD Plus Nonmachinable | $0.351 | $0.373 | +$0.022 (+6.3%) |
| CR High Density Nonmachinable | $0.418 | $0.404 | $0.014 (-3.3%) |
| Basic Nonmachinable | $0.501 | $0.504 | +$0.003 (+0.6%) |
| 5-Digit Nonmachinable | $0.869 | $0.886 | +$0.017 (+2.0%) |
| 3-Digit Nonmachinable | $1.046 | $1.090 | +$0.044 (+4.2%) |
| ADC Nonmachinable | $1.110 | $1.299 | +$0.189 (+17.0%) |
Marketing Mail — Nonprofit Letters
Significantly reduced rates for eligible 501(c)(3) and qualified nonprofit organizations. 3.5 oz or less. Full-Service IMb discount: −$0.005/piece.
Carrier Route & Automation — None Entry
| Rate Category | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR Saturation (None) | $0.155 | $0.160 | +$0.005 (+3.2%) |
| CR HD Plus (None) | $0.171 | $0.178 | +$0.007 (+4.1%) |
| CR High Density (None) | $0.175 | $0.181 | +$0.006 (+3.4%) |
| 5-Digit Automation (None) | $0.178 | $0.185 | +$0.007 (+3.9%) |
| AADC Automation (None) | $0.213 | $0.225 | +$0.012 (+5.6%) |
| Mixed AADC Automation (None) | $0.239 | $0.257 | +$0.018 (+7.5%) |
Carrier Route & Automation — DSCF Entry
| Rate Category | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR Saturation (DSCF) | $0.138 | $0.139 | +$0.001 (+0.7%) |
| CR HD Plus (DSCF) | $0.154 | $0.157 | +$0.003 (+1.9%) |
| CR High Density (DSCF) | $0.158 | $0.160 | +$0.002 (+1.3%) |
| 5-Digit Automation (DSCF) | $0.161 | $0.164 | +$0.003 (+1.9%) |
| AADC Automation (DSCF) | $0.196 | $0.204 | +$0.008 (+4.1%) |
Nonautomation Letters (4 oz or less) — None Entry
| Rate Category | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR Saturation Nonmachinable (None) | $0.180 | $0.186 | +$0.006 (+3.3%) |
| CR HD Plus Nonmachinable (None) | $0.214 | $0.227 | +$0.013 (+6.1%) |
| Basic Nonmachinable (None) | $0.415 | $0.424 | +$0.009 (+2.2%) |
| 5-Digit Nonmachinable (None) | $0.602 | $0.619 | +$0.017 (+2.8%) |
| 3-Digit Nonmachinable (None) | $0.779 | $0.823 | +$0.044 (+5.6%) |
| ADC Nonmachinable (None) | $0.843 | $1.032 | +$0.189 (+22.4%) |
Marketing Mail — Commercial Flats
4 oz or less per piece. Full-Service IMb discount: −$0.005/piece. Seamless Acceptance: −$0.002/flat.
None Entry
| Rate Category | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR Saturation | $0.290 | $0.308 | +$0.018 (+6.2%) |
| CR EDDM | $0.291 | $0.309 | +$0.018 (+6.2%) |
| CR HD Plus | $0.351 | $0.373 | +$0.022 (+6.3%) |
| CR High Density | $0.418 | $0.404 | $0.014 (-3.3%) |
| CR Basic | $0.501 | $0.504 | +$0.003 (+0.6%) |
| 5-Digit Automation | $0.770 | $0.783 | +$0.013 (+1.7%) |
| 3-Digit Automation | $0.986 | $1.021 | +$0.035 (+3.5%) |
| ADC Automation | $1.101 | $1.260 | +$0.159 (+14.4%) |
| 5-Digit Nonautomation | $0.869 | $0.886 | +$0.017 (+2.0%) |
| 3-Digit Nonautomation | $1.046 | $1.090 | +$0.044 (+4.2%) |
| ADC Nonautomation | $1.110 | $1.299 | +$0.189 (+17.0%) |
DSCF Entry
| Rate Category | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR Saturation (DSCF) | $0.252 | $0.267 | +$0.015 (+6.0%) |
| CR EDDM (DSCF) | $0.242 | $0.268 | +$0.026 (+10.7%) |
| CR HD Plus (DSCF) | $0.313 | $0.332 | +$0.019 (+6.1%) |
| CR High Density (DSCF) | $0.380 | $0.363 | $0.017 (-4.5%) |
| CR Basic (DSCF) | $0.463 | $0.463 | +$0.000 (+0.0%) |
| 5-Digit Automation (DSCF) | $0.732 | $0.742 | +$0.010 (+1.4%) |
| 3-Digit Automation (DSCF) | $0.948 | $0.980 | +$0.032 (+3.4%) |
| 5-Digit Nonautomation (DSCF) | $0.831 | $0.845 | +$0.014 (+1.7%) |
| 3-Digit Nonautomation (DSCF) | $1.008 | $1.049 | +$0.041 (+4.1%) |
DDU Entry
| Rate Category | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR Saturation (DDU) | $0.241 | $0.258 | +$0.017 (+7.1%) |
| CR EDDM (DDU) | $0.242 | $0.259 | +$0.017 (+7.0%) |
| CR HD Plus (DDU) | $0.302 | $0.323 | +$0.021 (+7.0%) |
| CR High Density (DDU) | $0.369 | $0.354 | $0.015 (-4.1%) |
| CR Basic (DDU) | $0.452 | $0.454 | +$0.002 (+0.4%) |
Marketing Mail — Nonprofit Flats
Reduced rates for eligible 501(c)(3) and qualified nonprofit organizations. 4 oz or less per piece. Full-Service IMb discount: −$0.005/piece.
None Entry
| Rate Category | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR Saturation (None) | $0.180 | $0.186 | +$0.006 (+3.3%) |
| CR EDDM (None) | $0.181 | $0.187 | +$0.006 (+3.3%) |
| CR HD Plus (None) | $0.214 | $0.227 | +$0.013 (+6.1%) |
| CR High Density (None) | $0.332 | $0.324 | $0.008 (-2.4%) |
| CR Basic (None) | $0.415 | $0.424 | +$0.009 (+2.2%) |
| 5-Digit Automation (None) | $0.503 | $0.516 | +$0.013 (+2.6%) |
| 3-Digit Automation (None) | $0.719 | $0.754 | +$0.035 (+4.9%) |
| ADC Automation (None) | $0.834 | $0.993 | +$0.159 (+19.1%) |
| 5-Digit Nonautomation (None) | $0.602 | $0.619 | +$0.017 (+2.8%) |
| 3-Digit Nonautomation (None) | $0.779 | $0.823 | +$0.044 (+5.6%) |
| ADC Nonautomation (None) | $0.843 | $1.032 | +$0.189 (+22.4%) |
DSCF Entry
| Rate Category | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR Saturation (DSCF) | $0.142 | $0.145 | +$0.003 (+2.1%) |
| CR EDDM (DSCF) | $0.143 | $0.146 | +$0.003 (+2.1%) |
| CR HD Plus (DSCF) | $0.176 | $0.186 | +$0.010 (+5.7%) |
| CR High Density (DSCF) | $0.294 | $0.283 | $0.011 (-3.7%) |
| CR Basic (DSCF) | $0.377 | $0.383 | +$0.006 (+1.6%) |
| 5-Digit Automation (DSCF) | $0.465 | $0.475 | +$0.010 (+2.2%) |
| 3-Digit Automation (DSCF) | $0.681 | $0.713 | +$0.032 (+4.7%) |
| 5-Digit Nonautomation (DSCF) | $0.564 | $0.578 | +$0.014 (+2.5%) |
| 3-Digit Nonautomation (DSCF) | $0.741 | $0.782 | +$0.041 (+5.5%) |
DDU Entry
| Rate Category | July 2025 | July 2026 (Proposed) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR Saturation (DDU) | $0.131 | $0.136 | +$0.005 (+3.8%) |
| CR EDDM (DDU) | $0.132 | $0.137 | +$0.005 (+3.8%) |
| CR HD Plus (DDU) | $0.165 | $0.177 | +$0.012 (+7.3%) |
| CR High Density (DDU) | $0.283 | $0.274 | $0.009 (-3.2%) |
| CR Basic (DDU) | $0.366 | $0.374 | +$0.008 (+2.2%) |
How to Minimize the Impact
Rate increases are frustrating, but there are proven strategies to keep your mailing costs under control. Mail Movers helps Delmarva businesses implement all of these.
Presort for automation discounts
The biggest single savings lever. Automation discounts on First-Class letters can bring your rate from $0.82 (retail) down to $0.621 (5-digit automation) — a savings of $0.199 per piece. On a 10,000-piece mailing, that's $1,990 saved.
Use EDDM for geographic campaigns
EDDM Retail at $0.26 is still dramatically cheaper than First-Class retail. No mailing list required — perfect for local area saturation campaigns like grand openings, seasonal promotions, and real estate.
Clean your list before every mailing
NCOALink and CASS processing eliminate undeliverable addresses before you print and mail. Every bad address you remove is postage you don't spend. We run list hygiene on every job.
Switch to Marketing Mail for non-urgent pieces
Marketing Mail 5-Digit Automation at $0.395 vs. First-Class retail at $0.82 — a savings of $0.425 per piece. For newsletters, catalogs, and promotional mailers with no time-sensitive content, Marketing Mail is the right choice.
Use DSCF or DDU entry points
Entering mail closer to the destination (DSCF or DDU) earns additional discounts on top of presort rates. We handle all USPS entry logistics so you get the deepest available discount.
Apply for nonprofit rates if eligible
Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations can access Marketing Mail nonprofit rates — roughly 40–60% lower than commercial rates. CR Saturation drops from $0.255 to $0.160 per piece. We help nonprofits qualify and maintain their authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new USPS postage rates take effect?
The proposed July 2026 USPS postage rate changes are scheduled to take effect on July 12, 2026. These rates were proposed on April 15, 2026 (Notice 123) and are pending final USPS approval.
How much is a First-Class stamp going up in July 2026?
The proposed First-Class retail stamp rate increases from $0.78 (July 2025) to $0.82 — an increase of $0.04, or approximately 5.1%. The metered/VAR letter rate increases from $0.74 to $0.78 per piece.
What is the new postcard rate in July 2026?
The proposed First-Class postcard retail rate increases from $0.61 to $0.65 — an increase of $0.04, or approximately 6.6%.
Is the EDDM rate changing in July 2026?
Yes. The proposed EDDM Retail rate for July 2026 is $0.26 per piece, up from the current rate of $0.247 per piece — an increase of $0.018 per piece.
How can I reduce the impact of the 2026 postage rate increase?
The best ways to offset the 2026 rate increase are: (1) Presort your mail through a USPS Full-Service Certified mail house like Mail Movers — automation discounts can save 10–25% vs. retail rates. (2) Use EDDM for geographic campaigns — even at the proposed $0.26 rate (up from $0.247 Retail / $0.242 BMEU), EDDM is still significantly lower than First-Class. (3) Clean your mailing list with NCOALink before each mailing to eliminate undeliverable pieces. (4) Upgrade to Marketing Mail class for non-time-sensitive campaigns.
What is the difference between retail and metered/commercial postage rates?
Retail rates are what you pay at the post office counter with a stamp. Metered rates (also called VAR or commercial rates) are lower and require a postage meter or working with a mail house. For July 2026, the retail First-Class letter rate is proposed at $0.82 while the metered rate is $0.78 — a savings of $0.04 per piece.
Are these 2026 rates final?
No. These rates are currently proposed and are not yet final. They were submitted to the Postal Regulatory Commission on April 15, 2026 and are pending final approval. The proposed effective date is July 12, 2026. Mail Movers will update this page as soon as final rates are confirmed.
What is the Marketing Mail 5-Digit automation rate for 2026?
The proposed Marketing Mail 5-Digit Automation letter rate for July 2026 is $0.395 per piece at None entry point, or $0.374 at DSCF entry. These rates apply to letters 3.5 oz or less.
Have Questions About These Rate Changes?
Our team in Salisbury, MD is here to help you plan your mailings and maximize your postage savings before July 12, 2026.
Source: USPS Notice 123 (proposed 4/15/2026) and USPS Notice 123 (proposed 5/23/2025). All 2026 rates are proposed and subject to change.