How Much Is a 1st and 2nd Class Stamp? A Quick UK Price Breakdown (2025)

Earlier this year, I found myself standing in front of a postbox, wondering if the stamp I had was even still valid.

I hadn’t sent a letter in months — maybe even a year — and suddenly realised I had no idea how much a 1st and 2nd class stamp costs in the UK anymore.

If you’re like me and only occasionally send letters, it’s easy to lose track of postage prices, especially when Royal Mail makes changes every year or two.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how much is a 1st and 2nd class stamp as of November 2025, explain why they keep changing, and help you figure out which stamp you need for different types of post.

So, How Much Is a 1st and 2nd Class Stamp in the UK (2025)?

Let’s start with the basics — the actual stamp prices for sending standard and large letters within the UK.

What’s the Price of a 1st Class Stamp in 2025?

As of 6 October 2025, the price of a 1st Class stamp in the UK is:

• £1.35 for a standard letter

• £2.30 for a large letter (up to 100g)

Royal Mail aims to deliver 1st Class letters the next working day, including Saturdays. I’ve personally used this service for sending birthday cards and urgent documents — and it usually gets there fast, but of course, it’s not guaranteed.

How Much Does a 2nd Class Stamp Cost?

For non-urgent items, 2nd Class stamps are a more affordable option. As of November 2025:

• £0.85 for a standard letter

• £1.85 for a large letter (up to 100g)

Delivery usually takes 2 to 3 working days, including Saturdays. I use this option when sending less time-sensitive things like return forms or thank-you notes.

UK Stamp Price Table – Standard vs Large Letters

To help you quickly compare the current postage costs, here’s a simple table:

Why Do Stamp Prices Keep Changing?

Has There Been a Stamp Price Increase in 2025?

Yes — there was a price hike in October 2025. Royal Mail announced this as part of their annual review, citing increased operating costs, inflation, and declining mail volumes as the key reasons.

In just the past few years, 1st Class stamps have jumped significantly — I remember when they were under £1! Here’s a quick comparison:

Is There a Difference Between Buying at the Post Office vs Online?

In some cases, yes. If you buy postage online via the Royal Mail website or app, you may find slightly lower prices for tracked or bulk postage services, particularly for parcels. But for individual 1st or 2nd Class letters, the prices are the same whether you:

• Buy stamps at the Post Office

• Purchase a stamp booklet from retailers like Tesco or WHSmith

• Use Royal Mail’s online postage system

I usually grab a few booklets when I do my food shop — it’s quicker than queuing at the counter.

What’s the Best Stamp to Use for Different Types of Mail?

When Should I Use 1st Class vs 2nd Class?

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Use 1st Class if:

• You’re sending birthday or greeting cards

• The letter contains tickets, legal documents, or anything urgent

• You want next-day delivery (though not guaranteed)

Use 2nd Class if:

• The item isn’t time-sensitive

• You’re returning online orders

• You’re mailing personal letters or casual notes

The difference in price may seem small, but if you’re posting regularly — like I did while managing a small eBay shop — it adds up.

What About Sending Large Letters or Small Parcels?

Anything larger than the standard letter size is classed as a large letter or parcel.

• A large letter could be something like a magazine, document pack, or a thin book.

• Beyond that, you’ll need parcel rates, which are based on weight and size.

You can check Royal Mail’s price calculator online to avoid underpaying, which can delay or return your mail.

Can I Still Use Old Stamps in 2025?

What Is Royal Mail’s “Barcoded Stamp” Rule?

This was something that caught me out recently. In 2022, Royal Mail introduced barcoded stamps, and non-barcoded versions are no longer valid for postage after 31 July 2023.

However, the good news is that you can swap old non-barcoded stamps using Royal Mail’s Swap Out scheme — and it’s free.

Here’s how I did it:

• Downloaded the “Swap Out” form from Royal Mail’s website

• Sent my old stamps in a Freepost envelope

• Received barcoded replacements in about 2 weeks

Final Thoughts – Staying Informed on Stamp Costs

So, to sum it all up — how much is a 1st and 2nd class stamp in 2025? Right now, it’s:

• £1.35 for 1st Class

• £0.85 for 2nd Class

These apply to standard letters, with large letters costing more.

If you don’t post often, it’s easy to get caught out by rising prices or changes like the barcode rollout. My personal tip? Keep a small stash of current stamps in your drawer, and bookmark Royal Mail’s pricing page to check updates once or twice a year. It’ll save you time, money, and a trip to the post office.

Related Article: Can You Still Use Stamps with the Queen’s Head On?

Frequently Asked Questions About How Much Is a 1st and 2nd Class Stamp

1. Can I Use 1st Class Stamps for International Mail?

No — UK 1st and 2nd Class stamps are for domestic use only. For sending letters or parcels abroad, you’ll need International Standard, Tracked, or Signed services. These come with different pricing and often require weighing at the Post Office.

2. How Long Do Stamps Last Before Expiring?

Only barcoded stamps are now valid for standard UK postage. These have no expiry date, so you can use them at any time in the future, even if prices rise again — just like I do with my spare booklets.

3. What Happens If I Underpay Postage?

If the postage is underpaid, the recipient will usually receive a “fee to pay” card, asking them to settle the difference plus a £1 handling charge. It’s always better to weigh your item and check the size category beforehand.