Can You Buy One Stamp at USPS in 2024? (Full Guide)
Need to mail a letter but only have exact change for one stamp? Many people find themselves in that situation and wonder if it‘s possible to just buy one stamp. Here‘s a comprehensive guide on how and where to purchase a single stamp from USPS and other retailers in 2024.
Buying a Single Stamp at the Post Office
The easiest way to buy one stamp is to visit your local Post Office branch and go to the counter. Politely ask the clerk for one stamp and they will happily sell you a single Forever stamp. The current price is 60 cents as of 2023.
You can also head to the Self-Service Kiosk, select the "Buy Stamps" option, choose the quantity of one stamp, insert cash or card payment, and the kiosk will print and dispense your single stamp.
Some key tips for buying a solo stamp at the Post Office:
- Know the current year‘s price – it‘s 60 cents in 2024 but rises frequently
- Bring exact change if using cash to avoid getting excess stamps
- Go during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times
- Ask the clerk nicely to help you out with one stamp
- Printed kiosk stamps have glue on the back so be careful removing
Why Does the Price Keep Going Up?
You may have noticed the price of Forever stamps has risen multiple times in recent years. This is primarily due to the financial issues facing the U.S. Postal Service. To put the price hikes in perspective:
| Year | Stamp Price |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 55 cents |
| 2020 | 55 cents |
| 2021 | 58 cents |
| 2022 | 60 cents |
The frequent increases are part of the Postmaster General‘s 10-year Delivering for America plan to improve USPS finances. However, these incremental climbs in stamp pricing have outpaced the rate of inflation – an unfortunate reality for those that rely on the mail.
Can You Buy Stamps Online from USPS?
USPS does not currently sell single stamps online. The Postal Store requires customers to purchase a pack of 10 stamps at minimum. This policy also applies to their Click-N-Ship service.
However, Stamps.com offers an option for buying one stamp at a time online. You can print the single stamp onto label paper or an envelope. Keep in mind there is a $17.99/month membership fee for Stamps.com that makes this method impractical for many.
Should You Buy from Third-Party Sellers?
A few retail chains like Wegmans and Winco sell individual stamps – a nice convenience. However, they are technically third-party stamp sellers, not authorized postal retailers.
My expert advice is to purchase single stamps directly from the Post Office whenever possible. Here‘s why:
- USPS provides stamps at face value – third parties often charge a markup
- Buying from USPS supports the Postal Service directly
- You know you are getting a legitimate, usable Forever stamp
- Avoid shipping fees if buying online from 3rd party sites
The exception is if you need a stamp urgently and the Post Office is closed – then retailers like Walgreens and grocery stores can be a handy backup option.
The Outlook for Stamp Prices
Based on the consistent price hikes over the past several years, expect to see the cost of Forever stamps continue to gradually rise over the next decade.
It‘s likely that single stamps will reach $1.00 sooner than you may think – possibly by 2028 based on my professional projections. While unfortunate, paying a little more for the convenience and reliability of USPS is a price many Americans continue to be willing to pay.
Just be prepared to set aside a little more change if you need to buy one stamp!
