Warning: Stamps that say '1st' or '2nd' class are going to become unusable from 31 January 2023
Royal Mail is shaking up the rules on stamps, so if you've got a stash that say '1st' or '2nd' class on them then by 31 January 2023 you'll no longer be able to simply stick 'em on a letter and use them. This is because Royal Mail is moving to a new barcode system, which these stamps don't have.
If you try to use these stamps – and this includes all those with the Queen's head on them that say '1st' or '2nd' class, or any other price after this cut-off date they will not be valid and you will have to pay a surcharge. Though Royal Mail is yet to confirm what this surcharge is or how it will work in practice.
"Special" commemorative stamps, such as the Doctor Who collection, are the only exception, as these are not being phased out and can continue to be used after 31 January 2023. We previously said that Christmas stamps will also be phased out but Royal Mail has since said that Christmas stamps without a barcode will continue to be valid after 31 January.
Royal Mail will let you 'swap out' these stamps for free
You will, however, be able to exchange current stamps for barcoded ones for free under Royal Mail's new 'Swap Out' scheme, which opens on 31 March 2022.
To do this, you just need to fill in a 'Swap Out' form from its website (the page isn't live yet), or call it, or get one from a local delivery office (not a post office though). You'll then have to post back the stamps you want to swap to a Freepost address. We're waiting to find out if there are any limits on the numbers you can swap and if you're covered for non-delivery.
Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, said: "For years, every time stamps go up in price I've suggested people stock up and bulk-buy in advance, as provided the stamp doesn't have a price on it and instead just says the postage class, it's still valid after the hike. This has been an effective tactic, as a first-class letter stamp is now 85p – a decade ago it was just 60p. "So this change will come as a shock to the many stamp-hoarders out there. It's the first time I can remember you've not been able to just lick it and stick it. And we don't yet know if you'll still be able to swap the stamps after March 2023, so this is a call to arms (or tongues) to ensure you either use 'em or swap 'em."
Some people have over £1,000 worth of stamps
This shake-up is particularly key for MoneySavers who have stockpiled stamps ahead of planned price rises in order to cut costs. Stamp prices typically rise each April with first-class stamps currently costing 85p and second class 66p.
One MoneySaver, who did not want to be named, told us they have thousands of stamps at home after routinely buying them in lots of about £100 to £150, to avoid future price increases. They say they have more than £1,000 worth in total and were also particularly worried about how this change would affect older generations.
They said: "Older people, like my late dad, are used to getting stamps by the booklet and keeping them in drawers, and will just not realise they can't be used from next January."
If you're looking to save money on post, see our Parcel delivery guide for tips and tricks.
Barcoded stamps are designed to be more secure
The addition of a barcode will mean that each new stamp will be unique, which Royal Mail says will provide an "additional security feature". Each barcode will have a "digital twin" and the two will be connected using the Royal Mail app, although the barcodes will not allow users to track their post.
Non-barcoded stamps have already begun to be phased out. Post offices and shops that sell stamps will receive stocks of barcoded ones over the next few months. Each retailer will continue to sell its existing stamps but when it orders more, it will get barcoded ones.
The image above from Royal Mail shows what a new barcoded stamp looks like
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