✓ Royal Mail Authorised Inspector since 2008 | Trading since 2005
First Class Postage Rates
First Class Royal Mail franking postage rates 2026
The 2026 First Class Royal Mail postage rates are shown below, including both stamp prices and the discounted Mailmark franking prices available with a franking machine.
Rates effective 5 October 2026 · All standard Royal Mail retail postage is exempt from VAT.
Quick answer: 2026 First Class prices
A Royal Mail First Class stamp costs £1.80, or £1.77 with Mailmark franking. From 5 October 2026 First Class parcel stamp prices rise while franked prices hold, so franking a small parcel saves 45p and a 10-20kg medium parcel saves £1.45, up to 8.6% per item. Letter stamp prices are unchanged. All standard Royal Mail retail postage is exempt from VAT.
First Class postage rates 2026
Get the discounted Mailmark franking prices below with a Mailmark compliant franking machine.
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First Class Postage Rates
| Format | Weight | Stamps | Mailmark Franking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter | 0-100g | £1.80 | £1.77 |
| Large Letter | 0-100g | £3.30 | £2.86 |
| Large Letter | 101-250g | £3.60 | £3.28 |
| Large Letter | 251-500g | £3.60 | £3.30 |
| Large Letter | 501-750g | £3.60 | £3.30 |
| Small Parcel | 0-1kg | £5.90 | £5.45 |
| Small Parcel | 1-2kg | £5.90 | £5.45 |
| Medium Parcel | 0-1kg | £8.70 | £8.05 |
| Medium Parcel | 1-2kg | £8.70 | £8.05 |
| Medium Parcel | 2-5kg | £10.90 | £10.05 |
| Medium Parcel | 5-10kg | £10.90 | £10.05 |
| Medium Parcel | 10-20kg | £16.90 | £15.45 |
Save on First Class postage with a franking machine
A franking machine lets you send mail at a lower price than standard postage stamps. Add a Mailmark compliant franking machine to access the discounted Mailmark franking rates shown above and save even more across the year.
First Class postage rate FAQs
How much is a First Class stamp in 2026?
A Royal Mail First Class stamp costs £1.80, or £1.77 with Mailmark franking, a 3p saving per item. Letter stamp prices are unchanged on 5 October 2026; First Class parcel stamp prices rise on that date.
When did the 2026 First Class rates take effect?
The April tariff took effect on 7 April 2026. Parcel stamp prices change again on 5 October 2026. Mailcoms updates this page as soon as new rates are published.
Do First Class postage prices include VAT?
No. Standard Royal Mail First Class postage is exempt from VAT, so VAT is not added at checkout.