You probably think a second class stamp costs less than it actually does. The price rose again in 2024, and the old 2nd class stamp you have tucked in a drawer may no longer cover the postage.
As of early 2025, a standard second class stamp for a regular letter costs 85p. That’s the price for a letter up to 100g, and it’s the figure you’ll see at most Post Office counters and online. But there’s a catch: the size of your envelope matters just as much as the stamp itself.
Who Pays More and Who Benefits from the Current Pricing
If you send birthday cards, bills, or small parcels, you’re the one absorbing the cost. The 85p rate applies to standard letters, but anything larger or heavier pushes you into a different price band. A large letter under 100g costs more than double that, so a bulky card in a big envelope will set you back more than you planned.
Small businesses feel this squeeze hardest. A shop that mails invoices or promotional flyers watches every penny, and the repeated price hikes have forced some to switch to email or bulk mailing services. On the flip side, the higher prices benefit Royal Mail’s bottom line, which has struggled with declining letter volumes for years. The company argues the increases are necessary to keep the universal service running, a claim that hasn’t convinced everyone.
For occasional senders, the sting is less severe. If you post a handful of letters a year, an extra few pence won’t change your habits. But for regular mailers, the cumulative cost adds up quickly, and the gap between first and second class has narrowed, making the cheaper option less attractive.
What Post Office Staff and Mailing Experts Say About the Price
Post Office staff are the ones who field the daily questions about stamp prices. According to several counter clerks, the most common surprise is when customers bring in an envelope that’s slightly too large and discover the second class stamp won’t cover it. They advise checking the size guide before you buy, not after you’ve sealed the envelope. Another piece worth your time is Why Is My Dog Panting So Much: Causes and When to Worry, which touches on a related question
Mailing consultants echo that advice. One industry insider, who asked not to be named, noted that the real cost of a second class stamp isn’t the face value—it’s the cost of getting it wrong. A returned letter or an underpaid parcel costs you more in time and inconvenience than the few pence you saved. He recommends weighing and measuring every envelope at home if you’re sending anything non-standard.
The more useful approach, he added, is to buy stamps in bulk when you know you’ll need them, because prices tend to rise annually. Royal Mail has raised stamp prices in each of the past several years, and there’s no sign of that stopping.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Current Second Class Service
The main strength of second class post is its price. At 85p, it’s noticeably cheaper than first class, which costs more than a pound. For non-urgent mail, that saving matters, especially if you’re sending several items at once. The delivery target is also reasonable: most second class mail arrives within three working days, though it’s not guaranteed.
The weakness is the lack of tracking. Unlike first class, second class doesn’t include automatic tracking, so you can’t see where your letter is once it’s posted. For anything valuable or time-sensitive, that’s a dealbreaker. Another drawback is the size restriction. The 85p rate only covers standard letters up to 24cm by 16.5cm and 5mm thick. Anything bigger jumps to the large letter rate, which is significantly more expensive.
There’s also the question of reliability. While most second class mail arrives on time, the service has faced criticism for occasional delays, especially during peak periods. If you need something to arrive by a specific date, you’re better off paying for first class or a tracked service.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unverified About Stamp Pricing
This figure is publicly listed on their website and at Post Office branches. A reference profile of the subject is maintained on How much is a UK 2nd Class Stamp?
What’s less certain is the future. Royal Mail has not announced a specific date for the next price change, but based on recent history, an increase is likely within the next year. Some sources suggest the price could rise to 90p or more, but that’s speculation, not fact. There’s also unverified talk about changes to the size bands, but nothing official has been released.
One thing that remains disputed is whether the price hikes are justified. Royal Mail says they’re needed to maintain the universal service, but consumer groups argue that the service quality doesn’t match the rising costs. Without access to Royal Mail’s internal financials, it’s hard to say who’s right.
| Service | Price (Standard Letter) | Delivery Target |
|---|---|---|
| Second Class | 85p | 3 working days |
| First Class | £1.35 | 1 working day |
| Large Letter (2nd Class) | £1.55 | 3 working days |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a second class stamp?
A second class stamp is a postage stamp issued by Royal Mail for non-urgent mail. It’s cheaper than first class and has a longer delivery target, typically three working days. It’s suitable for letters and cards that don’t need to arrive quickly.
Why did the price of a second class stamp increase?
Royal Mail has raised stamp prices in recent years to offset declining letter volumes and rising operational costs. The company says the increases are necessary to maintain the universal postal service, which requires delivering to every UK address at a uniform price.
How does a second class stamp differ from a first class stamp?
The main differences are price and delivery speed. A second class stamp costs less but takes longer to arrive, usually within three working days. First class costs more but aims for next-day delivery. First class also includes automatic tracking, while second class does not.
Is a second class stamp still valid for standard letters?
Yes, a second class stamp is still valid for standard letters up to 100g, as long as the envelope fits within the size limits (24cm x 16.5cm x 5mm). If your envelope is larger or heavier, you’ll need a different stamp or additional postage.
Where can I buy a second class stamp?
You can buy second class stamps at any Post Office branch, online from Royal Mail’s website, or from many supermarkets and newsagents. You can also buy them in books of four or twelve, which can be more convenient if you send mail regularly.
