For a 2 ounce greeting card in the United States, you will need 2 First Class Mail Forever stamps. According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), a single First Class Mail Forever stamp can be used to mail letters up to 1 ounce. Since a 2 ounce greeting card exceeds that 1 ounce limit, you will need 2 First Class Mail Forever stamps to properly mail the greeting card through USPS First Class Mail.
Current USPS Postage Rates
The current USPS postage rate for a 1 ounce letter sent via First Class Mail within the United States is $0.58. This base rate applies to standard enveloped letters as well as postcards and thick greeting cards up to 1 ounce in weight. Heavier mail is charged additional postage based on each additional ounce over the 1 ounce base weight.
Here are the current 2022 USPS postage rates for First Class Mail:
| Weight | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 ounce | $0.58 |
| 2 ounces | $0.78 |
| 3 ounces | $0.98 |
| 3.5 ounces | $1.18 |
As you can see, each additional ounce over 1 ounce costs $0.20 in additional postage. A 2 ounce greeting card would cost $0.58 for the first ounce plus $0.20 for the second ounce, for a total of $0.78 needed in postage.
Using Forever Stamps
The easiest and most convenient way to mail letters and greeting cards these days is with Forever Stamps. Forever Stamps were introduced by the USPS in 2007. Unlike older definitive stamps which were denominated with a specific postage value (like 34¢), Forever Stamps are always valid for the current basic First Class 1 ounce letter rate, regardless of when they were purchased or how prices may increase in the future.
Forever Stamps currently sell for $0.58 each, the current rate for a 1 ounce stamped letter. So if you need to mail a single 1 ounce greeting card, you only need to stick one Forever Stamp on the envelope. For a 2 ounce greeting card, you would use two Forever Stamps to cover the $0.78 postage charge. Forever Stamps make it easy – you don’t have to worry about prices changing or weighing your mail.
Buying Forever Stamps
You can buy Forever Stamps at your local post office. They are also sold at many grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retailers that offer postal services. You can also order Forever Stamps conveniently online on the USPS website or through private online vendors.
When purchasing Forever Stamps at the post office, you’ll usually have to buy them in sheets or booklets containing multiple stamps. But you can also request to buy them individually. Online and at some retailers, Forever Stamps are often available in smaller quantities.
Using Leftover Forever Stamps
If you use Forever Stamps to mail your 2 ounce greeting card, you’ll have some leftover stamps. Don’t worry – any extra Forever Stamps never expire or decrease in value! You can use them anytime in the future to mail 1 ounce letters or cards. So it’s great to have a supply of Forever Stamps in assorted quantities on hand for all your mailing needs.
Other Mailing Options for Greeting Cards
While First Class Mail with Forever Stamps is the most popular option for mailing greeting cards, there are some other choices:
Postcard Rate
If your greeting card meets the USPS definition of a postcard, you can mail it at the lower postcard rate. To qualify, the card must be:
- No more than 0.016 inches thick
- Rectangular in shape
- At least 3.5 inches high x 5 inches long
- No faster or embellishments attached
The current postcard rate is $0.44 – cheaper than the $0.58 Forever Stamp for standard letters under 1 ounce. But few greeting cards meet these strict postcard specifications.
Large Envelope (Flat)
If your greeting card is oversized and too rigid or thick to bend, you may need to enclose it in a large envelope and mail it as a First Class Mail flat. The postage is calculated by weight and zone. For example, mailing a 2 ounce flat within the contiguous US currently costs $1.16.
USPS Retail Ground
If you need to mail a very bulky or heavy greeting card, USPS Retail Ground, their cheapest ground shipping service, may be an option. The rate is based on weight and zone. It takes 2-8 business days for delivery. Retail Ground runs around $5-$6 for a 2 pound package to zone 8.
USPS Media Mail
Another budget shipping option is USPS Media Mail when mailing greeting cards with CDs, DVDs, audiobooks or vinyl records. The rate is based only on weight, regardless of zone. For example, a 2 pound Media Mail package costs $3.19 to ship.
Buying Stamps at the Post Office
If you need to buy stamps at the post office for mailing greeting cards or letters, here are some tips:
- Wait in line at the retail counter. Say “I’d like to buy some stamps please” when it’s your turn.
- Tell the clerk what kind of stamps you need and how many. For example “I need 5 Forever Stamps” or “20 of the Christmas stamps please”.
- If you don’t know how many you need, tell the clerk it’s to mail a 2 ounce greeting card. They can suggest the proper postage.
- Stamps are dispensed from automated kiosks at some (but not all) post office locations. The clerk may direct you to use the self-service machine instead.
- You can pay with cash or a credit/debit card. Make sure you get a receipt.
- Put the stamps somewhere safe so they don’t get lost before you can use them!
Buying stamps at the post office is easy. The clerks are accustomed to all kinds of stamp buyers daily. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything involving postage for your greeting cards or other mail.
Buying Stamps Online
If going to the post office is inconvenient, you can conveniently buy stamps online in just a few minutes. The United States Postal Service offers an online “Postal Store” with a wide selection of postage stamps for purchase and quick home delivery.
Here are some tips for buying stamps online from the USPS:
- Go to usps.com/shop and click “Buy Stamps” to access the Postal Store’s stamps section.
- Browse through all the stamp designs and denominations. Forever Stamps are listed at the current 1 ounce letter rate price.
- Add the stamps you want to your cart. You can buy them in singles, sets, sheets, coils or booklets.
- When finished shopping, securely checkout with your payment and shipping info. Credit/debit cards and PayPal accepted.
- For convenience, you can schedule recurring stamp deliveries so you never run out.
- Stamps ship via USPS First Class Mail within 2-3 business days.
Buying online from the official USPS Postal Store is quick, easy, and secure. You can take your time browsing without standing in line. And USPS shipping is fast if you need stamps right away. It’s the best way to buy stamps for greeting cards, bill payments, and all your mailing needs.
Other Online Stamp Vendors
In addition to USPS, there are many reputable private online vendors that sell authentic US postage stamps:
- Stamps.com – Large selection, discounts, subscription service
- eBay – Individual stamp sellers and auction listings
- Amazon – Search “stamps” for options fulfilled by Amazon
- Walmart – Stamp booklets and coils
- Office Supply Stores – Staples, Office Depot, etc. may sell stamps online
These online marketplaces allow you to comparison shop for the best deals on Forever Stamps and other US postage. Some offer free shipping or other perks.
How Many Stamps Come in a Booklet?
Postage stamp booklets from the United States Postal Service typically contain 20 or 30 stamps per booklet. However, the exact quantity can vary.
Here are some common configurations for Forever Stamp booklets sold at post offices:
- 10 panes of 10 stamps = 100 Forever Stamps
- 20 panes of 10 stamps = 200 Forever Stamps
- Booklet of 20 Forever Stamps (2 panes of 10)
- Booklet of 30 Forever Stamps (3 panes of 10)
Larger “jumbo” Forever Stamp packs are also available with 60 to 300 stamps. Collectors can buy full uncut press sheets with up to 700 stamps.
When purchasing booklets online or at the post office, be sure to note the quantity you are getting. Most booklets contain 20-30 stamps, but it can vary depending on the issue and format.
Advantages of Stamp Booklets
There are a few key advantages to buying postage stamps in booklet form:
- Convenience – Easy to carry and store at home or work.
- Built-in Dispenser – Peel off one stamp at a time as needed.
- Descriptive Content – Many booklets have informative articles and tips about USPS services, stamp collecting, and other topics.
Stamp booklets are the most popular format for everyday postal customers. The convenience makes them perfect for small businesses, households, organizations, and gift-giving.
Conclusion
When mailing a standard 2 ounce greeting card through USPS First Class Mail, you will need 2 Forever Stamps to cover the required postage. Forever Stamps are always equal to the current 1 ounce letter rate, which is $0.58 at the time of this writing. So 2 Forever Stamps fulfills the $0.78 postage for a 2 ounce greeting card.
Forever Stamps are sold individually or in convenient booklets at the post office, online through USPS, and via various private stamp vendors. Buy some in advance so you always have the right postage for mailing greeting cards, letters, bills, RSVPs, and anything up to 1 ounce in weight.
Following USPS guidelines and using proper postage ensures your important greetings and messages will be delivered quickly, safely, and securely to recipients.
