Forever Stamps

What Are Forever Stamps?

Forever Stamps were created by the United States Postal Service® (USPS®) in 2007. They are non-denominational First Class® postage, which means that they can be used to mail First Class letters no matter what the postal rate. For example, in 2008 it cost $0.42 to mail a normal-sized letter weighing one ounce or less to an address within the United States. In 2009, the rate increased to $0.44. Customers who purchased Forever Stamps in 2008 at the rate of $0.42 each may still use those stamps to mail their First Class letters today without adding an additional $0.02 stamp to the envelope.

How Do Forever Stamps Work?

Forever Stamps are ideal for mailing normal-sized, one-ounce letters within the United States, but they are only available at the First Class, one-ounce rate. If you suspect that your letter may weigh more than one ounce, be sure to weigh it prior to affixing a Forever Stamp, as heavier letters will be returned to you due to lack of postage.

There are a few drawbacks associated with Forever Stamps. First is that although they may be used to send mail to international addresses, customers must calculate the difference between the current First Class rate and the international rate and affix additional postage to ensure delivery. Similarly, if a piece of domestic mail weighs more than one ounce, additional postage must be used. In both of these situations, customers all too frequently find themselves affixing multiple Forever Stamps to their envelopes, overpaying to send their heavy or international mail for lack of exact postage.

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How Stamps.com Can Help

Forever Stamps are convenient for mailing First Class, one-ounce letters, but Stamps.com gives customers the convenience of printing stamps of any denomination on demand. Unlike Forever Stamps, Stamps.com allows customers to easily send international mail, or heavier pieces of domestic mail, without overpaying. And Stamps.com saves customers from having to purchase stamps in advance and risk losing track of them.

Developed in conjunction with USPS, Stamps.com is a software-based service that allows you to calculate and print official USPS postage right from your home or office PC. The software is automatically updated—at no cost to you—every time postal rates change, and it allows you to send your mail through any USPS mail class, including Priority®, Express® and Media Mail.

If you're looking for the convenience of Forever Stamps without their limitations, Stamps.com—with its ability to print the exact postage you need, exactly when you need it—is an ideal solution.