1st class stamps

I have a sheet of Christmas 1st class stamps from a year ago. Has postage gone up in the past year? I'm not sure if I can still use them.

Does anyone know if rates have changed?  Thanks!

It doesn't matter, the stamps just say 1st class on them rather than having a value like US stamps, so a 1st class stamp is a 1st class stamp regardless of what you paid for it.

Hey, that's good to know. Thanks!

The US now uses stamps like that as well.  They are forever stamps.   

I wondered why some of the stamps on cards from my family said USA Forever on them, LOL

You cannot use such stamps for international postage however, even if the perceived "value" is equal to or more than what the postage for the item is. I wonder whether postal services enforce this rule though.

You cannot use such stamps for international postage however, even if the perceived "value" is equal to or more than what the postage for the item is. I wonder whether postal services enforce this rule though.

I thought this was the case too (Universal Postal Union rules etc.) but according to the USPS, you can use them for international postage.  (That's US stamps; I don't know what the equivalent rule in the UK is.)
http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/forever_stamp_facts.htm
"Customers can use Forever Stamps for international mail, but since all international prices are higher than domestic prices, customers will need to attach additional postage. The value of the Forever Stamp is the domestic First-Class Mail letter price in effect on the day of use."

You cannot use such stamps for international postage however, even if the perceived "value" is equal to or more than what the postage for the item is. I wonder whether postal services enforce this rule though.

I've used them when I have had time to run to the post office in the UK and it has worked okay.  In fact, I just did that with a Christmas card, so we shall see if it makes it there okay.  I always just put airmail across the top and put on like three or four of the regular stamps and it's been fine.

You cannot use such stamps for international postage

This is no longer the case with UK stamps.

I've used them when I have had time to run to the post office in the UK and it has worked okay.  In fact, I just did that with a Christmas card, so we shall see if it makes it there okay.  I always just put airmail across the top and put on like three or four of the regular stamps and it's been fine.

Me too. Usually, a card is 3 second class stamps + 1p at present to non EU international areas. No problems at all.

Me too. Usually, a card is 3 second class stamps + 1p at present to non EU international areas. No problems at all.

Excellent!  I sent that card to Canada!  Good to hear it works for getting cards to the US and Canada. 

You cannot use such stamps for international postage however, even if the perceived "value" is equal to or more than what the postage for the item is. I wonder whether postal services enforce this rule though.

I've used them....just stuck 4 on a card for the US. Never had a problem doing that

Yeah, our card from Mom & Dad had like two of the Forever plus an addional one.