Royal Mail to raise price of stamps on 7 April – here's Martin Lewis' tip to beat the increase
First-class stamp prices will rise by 3% for standard size letters from 7 April, Royal Mail has confirmed. Other stamp prices will also rise – but if you buy some now, you'll still be able to use them after prices go up.
Here's how prices are changing:
Class & letter size (1) | Current price | Price from Monday 7 April | Price rise (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
First – standard | £1.65 | £1.70 | 5p (+3%) |
First – large | £2.60 | £3.15 | 55p (+21%) |
Second – standard | 85p | 87p | 2p (+2%) |
Second – large | £1.55 | £1.55 | No change |
(1) A standard letter can weigh up to 100g and measure a maximum of 24cm x 16.5cm x 0.5cm. Meanwhile, large letters can measure 35.3cm x 25cm x 2.5cm, but still have to weigh 100g or less – if they weigh more, you have to pay extra.
The cost of many of Royal Mail's 'Signed For', 'Special Delivery Guaranteed' and 'Tracked' services will also increase from Monday 7 April, as will the cost of sending parcels by first and second class. See a full list of prices.
Martin Lewis: 'Stock up in advance to beat the rise'
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 rise.
"This has been an effective tactic, as a first-class letter stamp is now £1.65, soon rising to £1.70 – in 2012 it was just 60p. So while it's not a huge saving this time, you still may as well stock up now."
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).
First-class stamp prices last went up in October
The price of first-class stamps for standard letters went up by 22% in October 2024 (to the current £1.65). Prior to this, they'd already risen by 8% in April 2024 (from £1.25 to £1.35).
Royal Mail blames the latest rises 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 has risen by 4 million between 2004/05 and 2023/24.
Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: "A complex and extensive network of trucks, planes and 85,000 posties is needed to ensure we can deliver across the country for just 87p [the new cost of a standard second-class stamp]."
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 said it'll aim to process your application within 30 days.
For more information on the 'Swap Out' scheme, see Royal Mail's website.
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