Have you recently wondered how much it costs to send a letter in the UK using Royal Mail? With postage rates changing frequently, keeping up with the latest stamp prices has become essential for households and businesses alike.
As of April 2025, both first and second class stamp prices have seen another rise, continuing a trend that has affected many over recent years. Understanding these changes helps not only with budgeting but also with choosing the right postage for your needs.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about current rates, why prices are rising, and how you can save.
What Are the Current Royal Mail Stamp Prices for First and Second Class?
From April 7, 2025, the price of a first-class stamp is £1.70, while a second-class stamp costs 87p. These prices apply to standard letters weighing up to 100g, making them suitable for everyday mail like letters, cards, and important documents.
Stamps are available individually, in books, or in sheets, offering flexibility depending on your needs. For larger items, prices vary depending on weight and size.
For example, a large letter weighing up to 100g costs £3.15 for first class and £1.55 for second class. Parcels are priced by category, with small parcels up to 2kg costing £4.99 for first class and £3.99 for second class.
| Size | Weight Limit | 1st Class (Apr 2025) | 2nd Class (Apr 2025) |
| Standard Letter | Up to 100g | £1.70 | £0.87 |
| Large Letter | Up to 100g | £3.15 | £1.55 |
| Small Parcel | Up to 2kg | £4.99 | £3.99 |
These prices ensure that both personal and business customers can find suitable mailing options.
Why Have Royal Mail Stamp Prices Increased in 2025?
Stamp prices in the UK have seen multiple increases over the past three years, and 2025 is no exception. According to Royal Mail, several key factors drive these rises, affecting both first and second class postage.
Some of the main reasons include:
- Declining letter volumes: Average households now receive only four letters per week compared to fourteen a decade ago.
- Rising operational costs: Transport, staff wages, maintenance, and technology investments have gone up.
- Network maintenance: Delivering letters across the UK involves trucks, planes, ferries, and even drones, all contributing to costs.
- Adaptation to changing customer behaviour: With more people relying on digital communication, Royal Mail must rethink its services.
Nick Landon, Royal Mail’s chief commercial officer, explains that price increases are carefully considered but necessary due to the complex and costly network required to maintain universal delivery. This complexity means the cost per letter rises when volumes fall.
Additionally, external factors like fuel prices and regulatory requirements, such as mandatory customs declarations for international mail, add further financial pressure.
What Is the Historical Price Increase for Stamps Since 2022?
Stamp prices have steadily risen since 2022, reflecting economic challenges and changing consumer habits.
First-class stamps, which cost 95p in April 2022, have now reached £1.70 in April 2025. Second-class stamps, once 68p in 2022, now stand at 87p.
Below is a clear summary of the price changes over recent years:
| Date | 1st Class Price | 2nd Class Price |
| April 2022 | £0.95 | £0.68 |
| April 2023 | £1.10 | £0.75 |
| October 2023 | £1.25 | £0.85 |
| April 2024 | £1.35 | £0.85 |
| October 2024 | £1.65 | £0.85 |
| April 2025 | £1.70 | £0.87 |
This sixth price increase in three years highlights the growing costs faced by postal services. Interestingly, today’s second-class postage is almost the same as first-class was in 2022.
These rises reflect broader challenges in maintaining postal infrastructure amidst falling demand and rising operational expenses.
How Do Inflation and Operating Costs Impact Stamp Prices?
Inflation and operating costs play a major role in shaping Royal Mail’s stamp pricing. As fuel prices rise and wage demands increase, the overall cost of delivering mail rises accordingly.
Rising Fuel and Logistics Costs
Every letter and parcel relies on a nationwide logistics network. From trucks and planes to ferries and drones, transportation is a major cost factor. Fluctuating fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, and warehousing all contribute to higher expenses.
Labour and Infrastructure Expenses
Wages for postal workers and investments in sorting and delivery facilities add to the financial burden. With fewer letters being sent, the fixed cost per letter goes up, making price adjustments necessary to keep services running.
Digital Shift and Reduced Volumes
Fewer paper statements, bills, and personal letters mean lower volumes but similar operating requirements. While digital communication grows, Royal Mail must still maintain a physical network, further stretching resources and making periodic price reviews essential to balance finances.
What Role Do Ofcom and Regulation Play in Stamp Pricing?
Ofcom plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness in Royal Mail’s pricing. Specifically, it caps the price of second-class stamps to guarantee an affordable mailing option for consumers.
In 2025, Ofcom is reviewing proposals to potentially reduce second-class delivery days, possibly moving to alternate weekdays. This change would help Royal Mail cut costs without compromising essential services.
Ofcom’s oversight is designed to balance consumer interests and operational viability. By regulating prices and service levels, it aims to keep postal services accessible across the UK.
As Royal Mail adapts to declining letter volumes and rising costs, Ofcom’s consultation and decision-making process remain central to how services evolve.
The final decision on delivery changes is expected by summer 2025, following a consultation period earlier in the year.
What Are the Differences Between First and Second Class Stamps?
First and second class stamps differ not just in price but also in delivery speed and service expectations. First-class postage guarantees next-day delivery, making it ideal for urgent letters and important documents.
Second-class, meanwhile, typically delivers within two to three working days, offering a slower but more economical option.
| Feature | First Class | Second Class |
| Delivery Speed | Next-day | 2–3 days |
| Cost (April 2025) | £1.70 | £0.87 |
| Service Priority | High | Standard |
| Saturday Delivery | Likely to end for 2nd class | Possible for 1st class |
Recent proposals suggest Saturday deliveries may be dropped for second-class post to save costs. First-class remains the premium choice, especially for time-sensitive mail.
Households and businesses alike should assess their needs carefully, balancing urgency and budget when choosing between the two options.
Where Can You Buy Royal Mail Stamps Online in the UK?
Royal Mail stamps are widely available across the UK, making it convenient for customers to purchase them online or in-store.
The official Royal Mail website offers a range of options, including individual stamps, stamp books, and sheets. Online ordering ensures easy access, especially for those who send mail frequently or in bulk.
In addition to the Royal Mail shop, major retailers and local Post Office branches sell stamps, providing further accessibility. It’s important to note that only barcoded stamps are valid for use since August 2023.
Customers still holding non-barcoded stamps can return them through the official exchange scheme to ensure compliance. With multiple purchase options, customers can stock up on stamps in the way that best suits their mailing needs.
How Can Businesses and Households Save on Postage Costs in 2025?
As stamp prices rise, both households and businesses are looking for ways to save on postage. Thankfully, there are several strategies to cut costs while maintaining efficient mail delivery.
Key tips for saving on postage:
- Buy in bulk: Purchasing stamp books or sheets can offer small savings over individual stamps.
- Use online postage tools: Printing postage at home may provide discounted rates and added convenience.
- Evaluate mailing needs: Use second-class postage when speed isn’t a priority to save money.
- Go digital when possible: Replace paper mail with email or online communication to cut postage costs.
By reviewing their mailing habits, households and companies can make smarter, cost-effective choices. Small changes in how and when you post can lead to meaningful savings over time. In a world of rising postal prices, awareness and adaptation are key to staying within budget.
Conclusion
Navigating Royal Mail’s postage prices in 2025 requires attention to both costs and services. With first-class stamps now at £1.70 and second-class at 87p, households and businesses alike must weigh their mailing priorities carefully.
Understanding why prices rise, how services differ, and where to find savings can help make informed choices. As Royal Mail continues to adjust to changing customer behaviours and economic realities, staying updated is essential.
Whether you’re sending a personal letter or running a mail-heavy business, knowing the current landscape ensures you stay efficient, compliant, and cost-effective in your postage approach.
FAQs About 1st and 2nd Class Stamp Price
Can I exchange non-barcoded stamps for new ones?
Yes, customers can return non-barcoded stamps through the official swap scheme.
Are Saturday deliveries still available for second class post?
Royal Mail is considering ending Saturday deliveries for second class to reduce costs.
Will Royal Mail reduce second class delivery days?
Ofcom is reviewing proposals to shift second class to alternate weekday deliveries.
How do customs declarations work for sending goods?
Electronic customs declarations are required when posting goods or valuable items abroad.
Are there cheaper alternatives to first class post?
Second class offers a slower but more affordable alternative for non-urgent mail.
What should I do if I accidentally underpay postage?
The recipient may need to pay the difference, or the item could be returned to sender.
How is digital communication impacting postal service demand?
The shift to digital communication has significantly reduced the number of physical letters sent.
