Prepare for Postal Rates to Climb in 2023

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Woman checking her mailbox
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The price of mailing a letter may rise from 60 cents to 63 cents in the new year.

The U.S. Postal Service filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission on Oct. 7 requesting the price change — among others — to take effect Jan. 22, 2023.

The Postal Regulatory Commission is an independent federal agency that oversees the Postal Service.

The new rates for first-class mail — which represent an increase of about 4.2% overall — would include:

  • Letters (stamped 1 ounce): 63 cents (up from 60 cents)
  • Letters (metered 1 ounce): 60 cents (up from 57 cents)
  • Domestic postcards: 48 cents (up from 44 cents)
  • International postcards: $1.45 (up from $1.40)
  • International letter (1 ounce): $1.45 (up from $1.40)

The prices for special services — including certified mail, post office box rental fees, money order fees and insurance for mailed items — also would increase.

The proposed rate hikes are intended to help offset inflation. According to a Postal Service press release:

“As operating expenses continue to rise, these price adjustments provide the Postal Service with much needed revenue to achieve the financial stability sought by its Delivering for America 10-year plan. The prices of the U.S. Postal Service remain among the most affordable in the world.”

The Postal Service generally does not receive tax dollars for operating expenses. It relies on sales of its products and services to cover its operating costs.

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