Can I return/exchange unused 39 cent stamps to the Post Office?”
So you’ll need to purchase some two-cent stamps, then just put one of each on your envelopes once the rate increases. There are two good things coming out of this particular rate change. First, the Post Office is introducing a “rateless” stamp, which will always cost the same as a first-class stamp, but will also always be worth the cost of a first-class stamp, even if the rate goes up after you buy it. So if you buy 20 rateless stamps for $8.20 (20 x 41¢), and a few years from now the rate goes up to 45¢, your stamps will also be worth 45¢. The second is that although the first ounce price is going up, the second ounce price is going down. Currently, sending a birthday card that weighs two ounces would cost 63¢, while after May 14, it would only cost 58¢. And a three-ounce letter would drop from 87¢ to 75¢. So someone who sends a lot of somewhat heavier items through the mail may actually see a drop in their overall postage cost.
