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. (USPS Notice 123)
If you need the operational rules behind these prices, read First-Class Mail for Business and First-Class vs Marketing Mail.
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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). (USPS Notice 123)
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Letters (Retail)#
Letters are the standard #10 envelope category.
Retail letter rates (stamped vs metered):
Weight (not over) | Stamped (Retail) | Metered (Retail) |
|---|---|---|
1 oz | $0.78 | $0.74 |
2 oz | $1.07 | $1.03 |
3 oz | $1.36 | $1.32 |
3.5 oz | $1.65 | $1.61 |
Source: USPS Notice 123 — First‑Class Mail letters (Retail). (USPS Notice 123)
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. (USPS Notice 123)
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Postcards (Retail)#
- Retail postcard: $0.61
Source: USPS Notice 123 — First‑Class Mail postcard price. (USPS Notice 123)
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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:
Weight (not over) | Price |
|---|---|
1 oz | $1.63 |
2 oz | $1.90 |
3 oz | $2.17 |
4 oz | $2.44 |
5 oz | $2.72 |
6 oz | $3.00 |
7 oz | $3.28 |
8 oz | $3.56 |
9 oz | $3.84 |
10 oz | $4.14 |
11 oz | $4.44 |
12 oz | $4.74 |
13 oz | $5.04 |
Source: USPS Notice 123 — First‑Class Mail large envelopes/flats (Retail). (USPS Notice 123)
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). (USPS Notice 123) (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). (USPS Notice 123)
If you’re considering commercial mail, see: /blog/commercial-first-class-mail-rates.
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For a complete reference covering all USPS mail classes, see our USPS Rates 2026 reference page — every rate class on one page, sourced from Notice 123.
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
Last verified April 2026.