Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on The Penny Hoarder.
You can buy stamps at the post office, most grocery stores, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid and online at usps.com — and right now, a Forever stamp costs $0.78. That price is set to rise to $0.82 on July 12, 2026, so if you’re stocking up, now’s a good time.
Stamps are one of those things you likely never think about until you urgently need one. But if you haven’t needed to buy one in a while, there are more options than you might realize — and some are much more convenient than a trip to the post office.
You might also be wondering if you can save money by buying a book of stamps — or even larger quantities. And what’s the deal with those discount stamps showing up online? The answers are simpler than you’d think — but one of them comes with a warning.
How Much Do Stamps Cost Right Now?
A Forever stamp currently costs $0.78. The USPS has proposed a price increase to $0.82, set to take effect July 12, 2026, pending Postal Regulatory Commission approval.
A Forever stamp covers a standard one-ounce first-class letter mailed anywhere in the United States. These stamps never expire and can be used regardless of when you bought them, even after a price increase. So if you buy a stamp at $0.78 today and the price jumps to $0.82, your Forever stamp is still good.
At current prices, here’s what you can expect to pay:
- Single Forever stamp: $0.78 (rising to $0.82 in July 2026)
- Book of 20 stamps: $15.60 (rising to $16.40)
- Roll of 100 stamps: $78.00 (rising to $82.00)
- Domestic postcard stamp: $0.61 (rising to $0.65)
For context on recent price history: Stamps cost $0.73 in July 2024, $0.78 starting in July 2025, and the proposed $0.82 rate would take effect July 12, 2026. You can verify current pricing at usps.com.
Where to Buy Stamps Near You
You can buy stamps at USPS post offices, most chain pharmacies, grocery stores, big-box retailers like Walmart and Target, office supply stores and gas stations — and you’ll pay the same face-value price.
No authorized retailer is allowed to sell stamps above or below the official USPS price, so you won’t save money by shopping around. What does vary is convenience: hours, location, and whether a store carries individual stamps or only full books. Here’s what to expect at each type of retailer:
- USPS post office: The most complete selection — books, rolls and specialty stamps. Hours vary by location; most are open weekdays and Saturday mornings. Use the USPS locator at usps.com to find the nearest branch.
- Walmart: Typically sells stamps at the Money Services Center or customer service desk, but not at checkout. Available during standard store hours, which often extend later than post office hours. You can also purchase them at walmart.com
- CVS and Walgreens: Both chains sell standard books of 20 Forever stamps at the register or pharmacy counter. Reliable option for late-night or Sunday purchases when the post office is closed.
- Rite Aid: Typically carries books of 20 stamps at checkout or the pharmacy counter or front registers.
- Target: Available in-store at the guest services desk and online at Target.com.
- Grocery stores: Most major supermarkets (Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Meijer and others) sell stamps at the checkout lane or customer service desk. A quick call ahead confirms availability.
- Office supply stores: Staples and Office Depot carry stamps and can be a convenient option if you’re already picking up mailing supplies.
- Gas stations and convenience stores: Many carry a small selection of stamps — handy in a pinch, though availability varies by location.
- UPS and FedEx stores: UPS Store locations often sell USPS stamps. Worth calling ahead since stock can vary.
Costco and Wholesale Club Stamps
Sam’s Club and Costco are among the few places where you can buy stamps slightly below face value, so long as you’re a member and buy in bulk.
In April 2026, both warehouse clubs were selling a roll of 100 Forever stamps online for $77.75, which works out at just less than the 78 cent retail price. Costco and Sam’s take a slight loss by offering the discounted stamps to their members.
If you mail regularly, buying in rolls of 100 means fewer trips to restock. The convenience factor is the real draw, not savings.
How to Buy Stamps Online
The easiest way to buy stamps online depends on a few factors, including whether you have a membership or credit card with the retailer. You’ll have to pay additional fees with most options to enjoy the convenience of shopping online:
- USPS Online Store: The official source. It’s a little misleading because the site touts free standard shipping on all stamp orders but there’s a $2 “handling” fee. However, stamps are sold at face value and the site offers a full selection including commemorative and specialty designs.
- Costco.com and Sam’s Club: If you have a membership to either of the warehouse clubs, this is likely your cheapest option, so long as you buy in bulk. Rolls of 100 stamps sell at slightly below face value, and by meeting the minimum order requirement, you can avoid shipping fees.
- Amazon: You’ll rarely find stamps at face value because resellers typically mark up prices and add fees. Prime members can get fast delivery. Look for fulfilled-by-Amazon listings to ensure you’re buying authentic stamps from an authorized seller.
- Walmart.com: Expect to pay more to buy stamps online through Walmart, along with standard shipping options.
- Stamps.com: This is a subscription mailing service that lets you print postage at home — not a place to buy discounted individual stamps. It works well for businesses or frequent shippers but isn’t designed for personal stamp purchases.
Can You Buy Stamps Cheaper Than Face Value?
Stamps cannot legally be purchased below face value from authorized retailers — the USPS sets the price, and all authorized sellers charge full price.
That said, there are a few legitimate ways to effectively save on your stamp spending:
- Cashback credit cards: A cash-back credit card that earns 1% to 5% back on purchases can apply to usps.com orders. Over time, this adds up — especially if you buy in rolls.
- Cashback apps: The best cash-back apps sometimes offer cashback on usps.com purchases. Check before placing an order.
- Buying in bulk before a price increase: With the proposed July 2026 increase from $0.78 to $0.82, buying a roll of 100 now at $78 versus $82 later saves $4 per roll. Forever stamps don’t expire, so there’s no downside to stocking up.
A word of warning about discount stamp deals online: The USPS Postal Inspection Service has documented counterfeit Forever stamp operations selling fake stamps at 20%–50% below face value. If a stamp deal looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
Counterfeit stamps may look identical to the real thing but will be rejected at the post office — leaving you out the purchase price and the postage. Stick to authorized sellers: USPS directly, major retailers and known platforms.
How Many Stamps Come in a Book?
A standard book of stamps from USPS contains 20 Forever stamps and costs $15.60 at the current $0.78 rate (rising to $16.40 after the proposed July 2026 increase).
USPS also sells stamps in larger quantities if you mail frequently:
- Roll (coil) of 100: $78.00 (available at USPS, Costco, Amazon)
- Sheets of 20: Same price as books; different format, often with commemorative designs
Some retailers only carry books of 20, so if you need a roll, your best bets are the post office, USPS online store, Costco or Amazon.
Types of Stamps You Might Need
Forever stamps work for standard domestic first-class letters up to one ounce, but USPS offers several other stamp types for specific mailing needs.
- Postcard stamps ($0.61): Required for standard-size postcards (not oversized ones, which need a full Forever stamp). The price will rise to $0.65 if the proposed July 2026 increase is approved. Available at post offices and some retailers.
- Additional ounce stamps ($0.29): Needed if your letter weighs more than one ounce. A single additional ounce stamp added alongside a Forever stamp covers two-ounce letters.
- International stamps ($1.70): Mailing a letter outside the U.S. requires a Global Forever stamp, which covers one-ounce letters to any country. The price will rise to $1.75 if the proposed July 2026 increase is approved.
- Priority Mail stamps ($11.95): For Priority Mail flat-rate envelopes — available at post offices and the USPS online store.
If you’re unsure what postage you need, the USPS postage calculator can give you an exact answer based on your letter’s weight, size and destination. Postage rates can change so verify current pricing at usps.com.
Final Verdict
For most people, the simplest answer is: buy stamps wherever is most convenient. CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and most grocery stores all sell them at the exact same price as the post office, and they’re open more hours. If you want the best selection or need specialty postage, order from store.usps.com or buy in person at your post office.
If you mail regularly, now is a reasonable time to stock up. With a proposed increase to $0.82 in July 2026, buying a roll of 100 today at $0.78 per stamp saves you $4 per roll compared to buying after the increase. Forever stamps don’t expire, so there’s no risk if you buy ahead.
One rule of thumb: If a stamp deal online seems suspiciously cheap, it probably is. Stick to authorized sellers — USPS, major retailers and reputable online platforms — and you won’t have to worry about whether your stamps will be accepted.
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