1st class vs 2nd class mail: what is the real difference?

For most businesses, the only real difference between 1st and 2nd class mail is the price, not the delivery speed. Both usually arrive in a similar timeframe for everyday post; 1st class simply costs more. Franking with a Mailmark machine reduces the cost of both.

Speed: less different than you would think

2nd class was introduced in the 1960s as a cheaper option for less urgent mail. In practice, for an average small business sending average volumes, 1st and 2nd class often arrive within a similar window – so for a lot of everyday post, paying for 1st class buys less of a speed advantage than people expect.

Cost: where the real difference is

The meaningful difference is price: a 2nd class letter costs less than a 1st class one, and franking lowers the cost of both. Royal Mail updates its prices periodically, so for the current 1st and 2nd class prices, see the latest Royal Mail rates on our rate change page.

How franking saves you money

Mailmark franking machine users get Royal Mail’s lowest available rates on letters and large letters, so whichever class you choose, you pay less than the stamp price. See our Mailmark franking machines or call 01543 572 776.

Frequently asked questions

Is 1st class actually faster than 2nd class?

For a lot of everyday business post the difference in delivery time is small; the bigger difference is cost.

Which is cheaper to frank?

2nd class is cheaper than 1st class, and franking lowers both versus stamps.

Does franking work for both classes?

Yes – you can frank both 1st and 2nd class mail, and Mailmark users get the lowest rates on each.