✓ Royal Mail Authorised Inspector since 2008 | Trading since 2005
Royal Mail is changing stamp prices only from 5 October 2026, and only on parcels and its tracked and guaranteed services.
Mailmark franking prices are not changing on any format. Letter and large letter stamp prices are not changing either.
The 7 April 2026 prices apply right up to 5 October 2026.
Why this change matters to franking users
Franking has always been cheaper than stamps on letters and large letters. On parcels the two prices were identical, so there was nothing to gain by franking them.
From 5 October the stamp price rises and the franked price holds. Franking a parcel now saves 35p to £1.45 each, up to 8.6%, on top of the savings you already get on letters.
What is changing on 5 October 2026?
Stamp prices going up
- 1st and 2nd Class parcels
- Royal Mail Signed For parcels
- Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed
- Royal Mail Tracked
Not changing at all
- Every Mailmark franking price
- 1st and 2nd Class letter stamps
- Large letter stamps
- Your franking machine tariff
Because franking prices are unchanged, franking machine users do not need to do anything. There is no new tariff to download, and the rates your machine loaded on 7 April 2026 remain correct.
Royal Mail franking prices 2026: First Class
| First Class Postage Rates from 5 October 2026 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Weight | Stamps | Mailmark™ Franking | You save |
| Letter | 0-100g | £1.80 | £1.77 | 3p |
| Large Letter | 0-100g | £3.30 | £2.86 | 44p (13.33%) |
| 101-250g | £3.60 | £3.28 | 32p | |
| 251-500g | £3.60 | £3.30 | 30p | |
| 501-750g | £3.60 | £3.30 | 30p | |
| Small Parcel | 0-1kg | £5.90 | £5.45 | 45p (7.63%) |
| 1-2kg | £5.90 | £5.45 | 45p (7.63%) | |
| Medium Parcel | 0-1kg | £8.70 | £8.05 | 65p (7.47%) |
| 1-2kg | £8.70 | £8.05 | 65p (7.47%) | |
| 2-5kg | £10.90 | £10.05 | 85p (7.80%) | |
| 5-10kg | £10.90 | £10.05 | 85p (7.80%) | |
| 10-20kg | £16.90 | £15.45 | £1.45 (8.58%) | |
Royal Mail franking prices 2026: Second Class
| Second Class Postage Rates from 5 October 2026 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Weight | Stamps | Mailmark™ Franking | You save |
| Letter | 0-100g | 91p | 88p | 3p |
| Large Letter | 0-100g | £1.55 | £1.52 | 3p |
| 101-250g | £1.90 | £1.81 | 9p | |
| 251-500g | £2.40 | £2.30 | 10p | |
| 501-750g | £2.70 | £2.50 | 20p | |
| Small Parcel | 0-1kg | £4.60 | £4.25 | 35p (7.61%) |
| 1-2kg | £4.60 | £4.25 | 35p (7.61%) | |
| Medium Parcel | 0-1kg | £7.50 | £6.95 | 55p (7.33%) |
| 1-2kg | £7.50 | £6.95 | 55p (7.33%) | |
| 2-5kg | £9.50 | £8.75 | 75p (7.89%) | |
| 5-10kg | £9.50 | £8.75 | 75p (7.89%) | |
| 10-20kg | £14.20 | £13.15 | £1.05 (7.39%) | |
Mailmark franking prices are unchanged from the 7 April 2026 tariff. All prices exempt from VAT.
Franking with a Mailmark machine is cheaper than stamps on letters, large letters and, from 5 October 2026, parcels too. See how much you could save, view our franking machines, or call us on 01543 572 776. Mailcoms is a Royal Mail Authorised Independent Inspector & Maintainer of postal franking machines, serving over 40,000 customers across the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Are Royal Mail franking prices changing in October 2026?
No. Mailmark franking prices are not changing on 5 October 2026, on any format. Only stamp prices are changing, and only on parcels and the tracked and guaranteed services.
Do I need to update my franking machine for the October 2026 change?
No. Because franking prices are not changing, there is no new tariff to download. The rates your machine loaded on 7 April 2026 remain correct and no action is needed.
When do the new Royal Mail prices take effect?
The new stamp prices take effect on 5 October 2026. Right up until 5 October 2026, the prices set on 7 April 2026 still apply.
Are 1st and 2nd Class stamps going up in October 2026?
No. A First Class letter stays at £1.80 and a Second Class letter stays at 91p. Large letter stamp prices are unchanged too. Only parcel stamps and the tracked and guaranteed services rise.
Is franking cheaper than stamps in 2026?
Yes. Franking saves up to 44p on a First Class large letter, which is 13.33%. From 5 October 2026 it also saves 35p to £1.45 on every parcel, where before that date parcel prices were identical either way.
How much does franking save on parcels from 5 October 2026?
Franking saves 45p on a First Class small parcel and £1.45 on a First Class medium parcel up to 20kg. On Second Class it saves 35p on a small parcel and £1.05 on a medium parcel up to 20kg. That is between 7.3% and 8.6% of the stamp price.
Do Royal Mail franking prices include VAT?
No. Standard Royal Mail retail and franking postage is exempt from VAT.