How to Prepare for the 2025 USPS Postage Rate Increase Without Disruption
The United States Postal Service will implement a series of postage rate increases on July 13, 2025, including a 5-cent increase in the cost of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp. While rate changes are not unusual, they can introduce new complexities for marketers already balancing tight budgets and high expectations.
At SeaChange, we understand that marketers aren’t looking for more complexity. You’re looking for practical, low-friction ways to adapt and move forward. In this blog, we outline what’s changing, how it may affect your marketing operations, and how you can use available tools and programs to stay both efficient and effective.
What’s Changing in July 2025?
The USPS rate adjustments affect several key categories:
- First-Class Mail Forever Stamps: Increasing from $0.73 to $0.78
- Metered Letters (1 oz.): Increasing from $0.69 to $0.74
- Domestic Postcards: Increasing from $0.56 to $0.59
- International Letters (1 oz.): Increasing from $1.65 to $1.80
Download the 2025 USPS Postage Rate Chart
This downloadable chart provides an at-a-glance summary of the new rates across classes and formats. This is an essential reference as you evaluate upcoming campaigns and budget allocations.
Reducing the Impact: USPS Promotional Programs for 2025
Although postage rates are increasing, marketers still have meaningful opportunities to reduce their mailing costs through USPS promotional programs. These initiatives are designed to reward thoughtful, digitally integrated, and sustainable approaches to mail—and they’re easier to participate in than you might think.
Key Promotions Marketers Can Still Leverage in 2025
Integrated Technology Promotion
Receive a 3% postage discount when your mail incorporates qualifying technologies such as QR codes, NFC, augmented reality, or voice activation. These technologies enhance engagement and demonstrate the power of bridging physical and digital channels.
Continuous Contact Promotion
Designed for marketers sending multiple touches to the same audience, this new promotion supports consistent brand presence. If your campaign strategy includes drip series, re-engagement, or sequential messaging, this promotion could reduce your postage expense.
Reply Mail IMbA Promotion
For organizations using Business Reply Mail (BRM) or Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM), this promotion offers savings for including an Intelligent Mail barcode (IMbA) on reply pieces. It’s especially relevant for donation drives, surveys, and response-driven mailings.
Year-Round Add-On Discounts
The USPS also offers two stackable, year-round add-ons that can further reduce costs when paired with the above promotions:
Informed Delivery
Earn an additional 1% discount by integrating your mail campaign with USPS Informed Delivery. This digital preview tool increases visibility and offers another opportunity for brand interaction before the physical piece is even delivered.
Sustainability Add-On
Receive a 1% postage discount by using certified sustainable paper or inks and including qualifying sustainability messaging. This promotion rewards eco-conscious practices without requiring drastic production changes.
Expert Tip: Stack and Save
When strategically aligned, these promotions can be combined—for example, you can pair Informed Delivery and the Sustainability Add-On with another qualifying promotion to maximize your total discount.
SeaChange works directly with clients to identify eligible campaigns, ensure compliance, and minimize friction in the application and approval process. Our team stays current on USPS timelines and program guidelines so you don’t have to.
Practical Adjustments to Consider
Navigating postage rate increases doesn’t require a complete marketing overhaul. In most cases, small adjustments can deliver meaningful results. Our recommendations:
1. Align Campaign Timing with USPS Promotions
If your campaign is flexible, schedule it during an active promotion window to qualify for discounts.
2. Reassess Mail Formats and Print Specs
Mailpiece weight, thickness, and size can all affect rate class. Optimizing your format may keep your campaign in a lower postage bracket.
3. Consolidate or Batch Mailings
Where appropriate, grouping smaller campaigns or leveraging drop-shipping can improve cost efficiency without sacrificing impact.
4. Simplify Proof of ROI
With higher rates, it's more important than ever to track performance and validate spend. SeaChange’s GATHER platform allows clients to measure the impact of mail alongside digital and promotional components—offering visibility across campaigns in a centralized dashboard.
Final Thoughts: Simplicity Matters
Rate changes are inevitable, but disruption doesn’t have to be. Marketers are best served not by doing more, but by making better decisions based on data, timing, and the right partners. At SeaChange, we prioritize ease and execution—helping marketing teams stay focused on results, not postal logistics.
Download the 2025 USPS Postage Rate Chart
Need some help optimizing your postal budget? Click here to request a consultation with our Postal Affairs Specialist.
