Second Class Stamp Cost – 2026 Prices and Money Saving Tips
Sending a letter by second class post remains the most affordable option from Royal Mail, but the cost has climbed steadily in recent years. As of May 2026, a standard second class stamp costs 91p following an increase that took effect on 7 April 2026. This article explains the current price, how it compares to first class, why prices keep rising, and what you can do to keep postage costs down.
How Much Does a 2nd Class Stamp Cost in 2025?
87p (as of March 2026)
Source: MoneySavingExpert
91p (increase of 4p, +5%)
Source: MoneySavingExpert / Citizens Advice
£7.28 (91p per stamp)
Source: Post Office
Six increases
Source: Citizens Advice
- The standard 2nd Class stamp will cost 91p from April 7, 2026 – a 5% increase.
- Buying a book of 8 from the Post Office costs £7.28, which already reflects the new price (91p each).
- Since 2020, 2nd Class stamp prices have increased six times, indicating ongoing inflationary pressure.
- 1st Class stamps are significantly more expensive: current standard 1st Class is around £1.70 – almost double the 2nd Class price.
- Bulk buying (sheets of 50) from Royal Mail offers the lowest per-stamp price (45.50/50 = 91p, same as book).
- Consumers can beat the price hike by purchasing stamps at the current 87p rate before April 7, 2026.
| Category | Price | Effective Date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 2nd Class (current) | 87p | Until April 6 2026 | MoneySavingExpert |
| Standard 2nd Class (new) | 91p | From April 7 2026 | MoneySavingExpert |
| Large 2nd Class (current) | £1.47 (estimate) | Until April 6 2026 | MoneySavingExpert (implied) |
| Book of 8 2nd Class | £7.28 | Post Office | Post Office website |
| Sheet of 50 2nd Class | £45.50 | Royal Mail | Royal Mail shop |
| Standard 1st Class (current) | £1.70 (approx) | Until April 6 2026 | Post Office / MSE |
What Is the Price of a 2nd Class Stamp in 2026?
The price of a standard second class stamp rose from 87p to 91p on 7 April 2026. That 4p increase represents a 5% rise. Large letters (up to 100g) remained unchanged at £1.55, according to MoneySavingExpert and TopCashback.
What is the exact new price from April 2026?
The official list price for a standard second class stamp from 7 April 2026 is 91p. This is confirmed by Royal Mail’s prices page and third-party sources such as MyMailingRoom.
How many times have stamp prices increased since 2020?
Citizens Advice noted that second class stamp prices have risen six times since 2020. The cumulative effect has pushed the cost from roughly 65p to 91p today.
Royal Mail cites a “continued rise in cost of delivery” as the main driver. With fewer letters being sent, the fixed costs of maintaining the network are spread across a shrinking volume, pushing up per-unit prices.
How Much Is a Book of 2nd Class Stamps?
A book of eight second class stamps bought from the Post Office costs £7.28. That works out at 91p per stamp – the same as buying individually. Royal Mail sells sheets of 50 second class stamps for £45.50, again 91p each. There is no per-stamp discount for buying in bulk, but the convenience of having stamps on hand can be a reason to buy a book or sheet.
What are the current book prices at the Post Office?
Post Office pricing aligns with Royal Mail’s list prices. As of May 2026, a book of eight second class stamps is £7.28. The Post Office website displays the latest prices.
Can I buy a book of 2nd class stamps online?
Yes. Royal Mail sells books and sheets through its online shop. Third-party retailers such as MyPostShop also offer stamps, but prices may vary and are not always lower than the official rate.
1st Class vs 2nd Class: What’s the Price Difference?
The gap between first and second class stamps has widened. A standard first class stamp cost £1.65 in October 2024, rose to £1.70 in April 2025, and increased again to £1.80 on 7 April 2026. That puts first class at almost double the second class price of 91p. The Times reported that second class rises were historically capped by inflation-linked rules, keeping them lower than first class, which “soared” by comparison.
What is the cost of a 1st Class standard stamp?
As of May 2026, a standard first class stamp costs £1.80. A book of four first class stamps is £7.20 at the Post Office.
How much do large letters cost for 1st and 2nd Class?
Large letters (up to 100g) cost £1.55 for second class (unchanged in the April 2026 rise) and an estimated £2.05 for first class, though exact first class large letter prices should be checked on Royal Mail’s site.
How to Beat the Royal Mail Stamp Price Hike
Because stamps do not expire, buying them before a price rise is a straightforward way to save. Royal Mail typically announces increases about a month in advance, giving consumers a window to purchase stamps at the old rate. MoneySavingExpert and TopCashback both recommend stockpiling stamps ahead of announced hikes.
If you expect to send letters in the months after April 7, buying stamps at 87p before that date locks in the lower price. Stamps have no expiry date, so they can be used at the value printed on them (the price at which they were sold) even after tariffs increase.
Should I buy stamps before the price rise?
Yes, if you have regular mail needs. The 4p saving per stamp may seem small, but for households that send a dozen letters a year, it adds up. For businesses sending hundreds of letters, the saving can be significant.
Are there discounts for bulk purchases?
No volume discount is available for standard stamps; books, sheets, and individual stamps all cost the same per stamp. Businesses using franking machines can access lower rates, as noted in Royal Mail’s Business Price Guide. Franking prices also changed on 7 April 2026.
Some post offices and retailers may sell stamps at a markup during a price change. Buying directly from Royal Mail’s online shop or app avoids this.
2nd Class Stamp Price Timeline (2020–2026)
Stamp prices have risen regularly. The table below shows the progression based on data from MoneySavingExpert, The Times, and Royal Mail.
- 2020 – approximately 65p (first of six increases, per Citizens Advice)
- 2022 – around 68p (based on historical search queries)
- 2023 – approximately 75p (industry reports)
- 2024 – around 80p (inferred from Royal Mail annual adjustments)
- April 2025 – 87p (confirmed by MoneySavingExpert)
- 7 April 2026 – 91p (+4p, +5%) – confirmed by MoneySavingExpert, Citizens Advice, and Royal Mail.
For context, The Times noted that second class stamps were around 50p before 2024 under a cap system, meaning the price has risen more than 80% in a few years, though not as sharply as first class.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear About Stamp Prices
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The increase to 91p on 7 April 2026 is confirmed by Royal Mail, MoneySavingExpert, and Citizens Advice. | Exact historical prices before 2020 are not fully detailed in the available sources. |
| The current price as of March 2026 was 87p for standard 2nd Class. | Whether further increases will follow in late 2026 or 2027 is unknown; Royal Mail typically announces changes twice a year. |
| Stamp prices have risen six times since 2020. | The precise price of large 2nd Class stamps is not explicitly stated in all top search results (inferred from MSE pattern). |
Why Are Stamp Prices Increasing?
Royal Mail operates under regulation by Ofcom, which allows price increases linked to inflation and efficiency targets. The company has cited declining letter volumes – down sharply since the early 2000s – alongside higher delivery costs (fuel, wages, network maintenance) as the reasons for regular price rises. Citizens Advice has criticised the frequency of increases, saying they place a disproportionate burden on vulnerable people who rely on postal services.
The April 2026 rise of 5% for second class stamps is in line with these pressures. No further changes to the stamp price itself have been announced after that date, though surcharges for fuel and energy were adjusted on 3 May 2026.
What the Experts and Official Bodies Say
“Since 2020, the cost of a 2nd class stamp has risen six times. From April 7th, a 2nd class stamp will cost 91p.”
— Citizens Advice press release, 6 March 2026
“Royal Mail stamp prices to rise from April – how to beat the hike”
— MoneySavingExpert, 9 March 2026
The full statement from Citizens Advice provides context on the consumer impact. MoneySavingExpert’s original article remains the primary owned registry for the April 2026 price rise details.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you send letters occasionally, the 4p increase per stamp is small but part of a longer trend. Buying stamps before announced rises, checking Royal Mail’s official prices, and using the cheapest ways to buy second class stamps can help manage costs. For regular mailers, consider franking or online postage services for larger volumes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of a 1st Class stamp?
As of March 2026, a standard 1st Class stamp costs approximately £1.70 (exact price varies by size and weight). A book of 4 1st Class stamps is £7.20 at the Post Office.
How much is a 2nd Class stamp for large letters?
The exact price for large 2nd Class letters is not given in top results, but based on MSE’s pattern, it is likely around £1.47 (increasing to £1.55 in April 2026). Check the Royal Mail price finder for your specific item.
Is there a 2nd Class stamp cost calculator?
Royal Mail offers a ‘Price Finder’ tool on its website where you can enter letter dimensions and weight to get exact postage costs. Third-party calculators are also available but not official.
Can I still buy 2nd Class stamps at the old price after April 7?
No. The new price applies from April 7, 2026 onwards. Any stamps bought before that date at the old price remain valid for use after the rise (they are simply used at face value, but the new price only applies to new purchases).
Why are stamp prices increasing so often?
Royal Mail faces declining letter volumes, higher operating costs (fuel, wages), and regulatory allowances. Prices are capped by Ofcom based on inflation and efficiency targets. The six increases since 2020 reflect these pressures.
How can I save money on 2nd Class stamps?
Buy stamps before a price rise (they do not expire). Purchase directly from Royal Mail’s online shop or app. For businesses, franking machines offer lower rates.
Where can I buy 2nd Class stamps at the best price?
Royal Mail’s official shop and app sell stamps at list price with no markup. The Post Office sells at the same price. Independent retailers may charge more.
Is it cheaper to buy a book of 8 or individual stamps?
No – the per-stamp price is identical. A book of 8 costs £7.28 (91p each), the same as buying eight individual stamps. Convenience is the main benefit.
How much was a 2nd Class stamp in 2022?
Historical queries suggest the price was around 68p, though precise figures for that year are not confirmed in authoritative sources.
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