On October 7th, 2024, first class stamps and some other postage services were increased in price. This was the second 2024 postage stamp price hike, following an earlier price increase on April 2nd, 2024.
We're helping you make sense of the current stamp prices in this quick guide. We've also got some tips and tricks to help you save money on stamp and postage costs.
Here's a quick overview of the new first class stamp and second class stamp price changes:
Current stamp prices
Whether you want to bulk buy your first class stamps to deliver letters, send a signed-for letter, or need to know delivery costs for a parcel, we've got you covered.
If you're in need of more detail on new stamp prices and postage costs, this section will tell you all you need to know.
Something worth noting: it makes no difference whether you buy a singular stamp or a book of 50 stamps, the cost per stamp is the same and there’s no discount for buying large quantities.
Letter and parcel sizes and weights
Standard letter
Maximum size: 24cm x 16.5cm
Depth: up to 0.5cm
Weight: up to 100g
Large letter
Maximum size: 35.3cm x 25cm
Depth: up to 2.5cm
Weight: up to 750g
Small parcel
Maximum size: 45cm x 35cm
Depth: up to 16cm
Weight: up to 2kg
Large parcel
Maximum size: 61cm x 46cm
Depth: up to 46cm
Weight: up to 20kg
Why are stamp prices increasing?
Stamp prices tend to increase every year, and sometimes several times within a year. This is due to extensive letter volume decline since the early 2000s; prices have had to increase to keep the post network running.
We expect the next stamp price increase to be in April 2025, in line with the start of the new tax year.
How to save money on stamps and postage
1. Buy stamps in bulk before prices increase
In recent years, Royal Mail have announced the stamp price increase around one month ahead of the new prices being implemented. Once you know that the prices are due to increase, be sure to make a bulk purchase on your stamps before the prices change.
First and second class stamps don't expire, meaning you'll be able to use your bulk-bought stamps way after the higher price is enforced.
2. Buy postage online
Stamp prices are the same both online and in shops, but postage costs can vary depending on delivery services.
It’s a good idea to compare the cost of postage at different delivery services to find the cheapest postage rates as well as the most practical delivery option for you.
3. Plan ahead and use second class delivery
On average, second class stamps and postage are around 45% cheaper than first class stamps and postage. If you can avoid having to send letters and parcels last minute, you can use second class stamps and postage and save money.
Top tip: Be sure to set yourself reminders on what date your post needs to be sent out to avoid having to spend more on delivery fees.
4. Avoid sending multiple parcels to the same address
If you're sending multiple parcels to the same address, it'll cost you less to send one large parcel rather than several small parcels.
For example, two medium parcels weighing 2kg each with tracked 48 hour delivery would cost £12.90 in total with Royal Mail.
If you were to pay for one medium parcel weighing up to 10kg, however, tracked 48 hour delivery would cost £7.95 with Royal Mail, making it the cheaper option.
5. Use the Discounted Stamps site
The Discounted Stamps site sells postage stamps at a reduced price to help you save money on postage. Do you want to buy cheap stamps to send the occasional letter? Or need to buy stamps in bulk for your business? Either way, you can buy stamp booklets with as few as four stamps in or as many as 2,500 stamps in.
Do be aware that you’ll be charged £2.45 in delivery costs unless you spend £245+ on an order. This is 54p cheaper than Royal Mail’s delivery cost but will only cheaper than buying stamps in store if you buy 25 or more stamps.
6. Use a franking machine
Franking is a great way to save money and time on stamps for businesses. It is a pre-paid postage option where, instead of a stamp, a Mailmark franking mark is printed on the post.
The initial cost of a Mailmark franking machine is expensive, often starting at around £1,000 to buy and £16.99 a month to rent. However, you can save a lot of money on stamps if you send out a lot of letters.
It’s important to note that if you rent a franking machine, it is usually a 12-36 month contract so make sure you will benefit from renting a franking machine for at least 12 months.
If you know anyone who runs their own small business and has a franking machine that you could borrow, this could be a great way to save money on buying your own.
Franking prices last increased in July 2024. Here are the current franking prices:
If you send 793 standard first class letters out, you will have paid back the cost of a £1,000 Mailmark franking machine and will have saved £308.45 on first class standard stamps.
As long as you plan on sending out high letter volumes, a Mailmark franking machine will be able to save you money.
7. Use the Royal Mail 'Swap Out' scheme
Do you still have some of the old, non-barcoded stamps lying around? These became invalid on July 31st, 2023, but don't fret! You can use the Royal Mail 'Swap Out' scheme to swap your old stamps with new stamps for free.
Print out, fill in and post this form to get your new and usable stamps. For the full information and alternative postage methods if you don't have access to a printer, take a look at the Royal Mail website.
8. Earn cashback
If you need to send a parcel, you can earn cashback through the TopCashback site with Evri, DPD, DHL and Parcel2Go. This is a great way to save money on postage costs to make sending parcels that bit cheaper. Discover other delivery services you can earn cashback on.
If you need to stock up on stamps but have another purchase to make, consider earning cashback with a retailer that sells stamps amongst other things. You could earn cashback on your online supermarket shop and add stamps to your order so you can earn cashback on them.
We're also currently offering a £15 cashback bonus when you sign up to TopCashback and spend £15 or more with one of our retailers. Just click the green Join TopCashback button below to get started.
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FAQs
A standard first class stamp is £1.65 and a large first class stamp is £2.60.
A standard second class stamp is 85p and a large second class stamp is £1.55.
A first class large letter stamp is £2.60 and a second class large letter stamp is £1.55.
A stamp always goes on the top right side of the envelope. Be sure to put your stamp and the address of the recipient on the side of the letter without the envelope flap.
Signed, sealed, delivered: rounding up 2024 stamp prices
Now you've had a quick rundown on stamp prices and some money saving tips, you can begin to save money on your letter and parcel posting. Here's some things to remember:
Keep on top of when stamp prices are due to increase so you can have a subsidised stamp stock up
If you still have old stamps, be sure to fill in a Royal Mail 'Swap Out' form
Be organised so you can use second class postage to save money
Consider using a Mailmark franking machine if you're an envelope enthusiast and want to save money on bulk letter posting
Check if you can earn cashback on your postage with our site
What’s the most exciting parcel you’ve ever received? Let us know in the comments.