Mailing a letter now costs 39 cents, another hike likely next year
The new 39¢ stamp and a 2¢ stamp to use with the old stamps.
It now costs Americans 39 cents to mail a letter after new postage rates went into effect Sunday.
The increase follows legislation requiring the Postal Service to place $3 billion in an escrow account this year. Another rate boost is likely next year to cover rising costs for the agency. Stamp prices last went up in June 2002.
Many rates, such as parcel post and advertising mail, vary by distance or whether the material is presorted. Rate changes taking effect, including some estimates for typical mailed items: