How Much Is a Second Class Postage Stamp?
The current UK second class stamp price, what it covers, and how to make the most of cheaper postage.
Current second class stamp price
Royal Mail updates stamp prices annually, typically in April. The second class stamp remains the cheapest way to send a standard letter within the UK, offering a reliable if slightly slower service than first class.
Quick answer
A second class stamp costs 75p as of April 2025. It covers standard letters up to 240mm x 165mm x 5mm thick and up to 100g. Delivery is within 2-3 working days. For larger items, a second class large letter stamp costs 93p (up to 100g). Always check the Royal Mail website for the most current prices.
What a second class stamp covers
A standard second class stamp covers a regular letter that fits through a standard letter plate. Your item needs to stay within specific size and weight limits to qualify for the standard letter rate.
Sending something bigger? Find out how much a large letter stamp costs or check how many stamps you need for an A4 envelope.
Second class vs first class
The main difference between first and second class is delivery speed. First class aims for next working day delivery, while second class takes 2-3 working days. For many types of post, the extra day or two makes no practical difference.
Second class delivery is handled by the same Royal Mail network as first class. It simply has a lower processing priority. The vast majority of second class letters arrive within 2-3 working days.
At 75p vs £1.10 for first class (a saving of 35p per letter), second class adds up to meaningful savings if you send post regularly. Over 100 letters, that is £35 saved.
Neither first nor second class post is tracked. If you need proof of delivery for important documents, you should pay for Signed For or Special Delivery regardless of class.
Where to buy second class stamps
Places to buy stamps0 / 5 checked
Using old or non-barcoded stamps
Royal Mail introduced barcoded stamps and phased out the old non-barcoded versions. If you have old stamps without barcodes, they are no longer valid for postage. However, Royal Mail ran a swap-out programme allowing customers to exchange them for new barcoded versions at no cost through the Post Office.
Barcoded stamps you have already purchased remain valid indefinitely at their face value, regardless of when you bought them. If stamp prices increase after you buy them, your stamps still cover the rate that was current at the time of purchase for standard use.
Curious about stamp prices going up? Read when postage stamps will go up or find out whether stamps are legal tender.
Envelopes for every letter size
From C6 greeting card envelopes to C4 document mailers, our envelopes are designed to fit within Royal Mail size limits and keep postage costs low.
Browse envelopesFrequently asked questions
A second class standard letter stamp costs 75p as of April 2025. Second class large letter stamps start at 93p for items up to 100g.
Royal Mail aims to deliver second class letters within 2-3 working days, though delivery can occasionally take a little longer during busy periods.
A standard second class stamp covers letters up to 240mm x 165mm x 5mm thick, weighing up to 100g. Anything larger needs a large letter stamp.
Non-barcoded stamps have been phased out, but Royal Mail introduced a swap-out scheme. Barcoded stamps remain valid regardless of when purchased.
No, standard second class post is not tracked. You need to pay extra for Royal Mail Signed For or Tracked services if you want delivery confirmation.
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