Postal rates rise Sunday for the first time in four years, increasing the cost of the basic first-class letter by a penny, to 33 cents.
Despite four profitable years in a row, the post office says it needs added cash to buy equipment, cover rising costs and reduce debt.
The first 33-cent stamps went on sale Tuesday, and millions of undenominated “H” stamps are available at post offices to cover the 33-cent rate, as well as 1-cent stamps to be used with leftover 32-cent stamps.
While the stamp price goes up for a 1-ounce letter, there is a 1-cent reduction–to 22 cents–for each additional ounce.
That means someone sending a 2-ounce letter will pay 55 cents, the same price as before.
A 3-ounce letter now costs 77 cents, a penny less than the old rate.
