Last chance: Stock up on first-class stamps now before prices rise by 22% from 7 October

Here's how prices are changing:

The cost of many of Royal Mail's 'Signed For', 'Special Delivery Guaranteed' and 'Tracked' services will also increase from Monday 7 October, as will the cost of sending parcels by first and second class. See a full list of prices (link downloads a PDF).

Martin Lewis: 'Stock up in advance to beat the hike'

Here's the tip Martin has previously shared:

If you stock up on stamps now, be careful to avoid fakes. Buy from reputable high street outlets and, where possible, hang on to your receipt. Stamps are also available directly from the Royal Mail online shop (you must spend £50 to get free delivery).

In April, Royal Mail paused the £5 penalty for anyone who receives a letter with a fake stamp on it while it takes fresh action against counterfeits. However, you may still be charged if you use a counterfeit stamp when sending something. To check whether a stamp is genuine, you can use Royal Mail's new 'fake stamp scanner'.

First-class stamp prices last went up in April

The price of first-class stamps for standard letters went up by 14% in October 2023 (from £1.10 to £1.25) and then rose by a further 8% in April 2024 (to the current £1.35).

Royal Mail blames the latest hikes on increasing cost pressures and its requirement under the 'universal service obligation' to deliver letters to all UK addresses six days a week. It adds that the number of addresses it delivers to rose by four million between 2004/05 and 2023/24.

Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: "We always consider price increases very carefully. However, when letter volumes have declined by two-thirds since their peak, the cost of delivering each letter inevitably increases.

"A complex and extensive network is needed to get every letter and parcel across the country for a single price – travelling on trucks, planes, ferries and in some cases drones before it reaches its final destination [delivered] on foot. We are proud to deliver the universal service, but the financial cost is significant."

Still have non-barcoded stamps? Exchange them using Royal Mail's 'Swap Out' scheme

On 31 July 2023, Royal Mail scrapped everyday non-barcoded stamps – the ones that feature a profile of the Queen's head – in favour of barcoded versions. You can no longer use these non-barcoded stamps, but you can still exchange them for new barcoded versions for free.

It's worth noting that Christmas stamps or 'special' stamps with pictures on are still valid, so you won't need to swap these.

To swap your stamps, you'll need to complete a standard 'Swap Out' form for stamps worth up to £200, or a bulk stamp 'Swap Out' form for stamps worth more than £200 (links open PDFs). If you don't have a printer, you can request a form on the Royal Mail website or pick one up from your local Post Office. Both forms include instructions on where to send your stamps.

There is currently no deadline to complete swaps, but we suggest doing it sooner rather than later in case the scheme closes. Royal Mail says it'll try to swap your stamps within seven working days.

For more information on the 'Swap Out' scheme, see Royal Mail's website.