✓ Royal Mail Authorised Inspector since 2008 | Trading since 2005
The new Royal Mail postage rates for 2026 take effect on 7 April 2026. Royal Mail is changing prices for most services, but franking with a Mailmark machine stays cheaper than stamps on many products – including letters and large letters – with savings of up to 13.33% versus stamps. The current First Class and Second Class Mailmark franking prices are below.
Using a franking machine in 2026 remains a much more cost-effective choice than stamps or certain online services. While Royal Mail rates change, the advantages of franking stay constant:
- Professional and credible – franked mail gives your business a polished, professional look on every item.
- Save time and avoid queues – process postage from your office instead of trips to the Post Office.
- Accurate and reliable – you pay the correct postage every time, avoiding over- or under-paying.
- Faster handling – franked mail is often processed more efficiently by Royal Mail.
- Bulk mailing made easy – franking streamlines the whole process for regular mailers.
- Lower cost – save up to 13.33% off your postage versus stamps by franking.
First Class Royal Mail franking prices 2026
| First Class Postage Rates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Weight | Stamps | Mailmark™ Franking |
| Letter | 0-100g | £1.80 | £1.77 |
| Large Letter | 0-100g | £3.30 | £2.86 |
| 101-250g | £3.60 | £3.28 | |
| 251-500g | £3.60 | £3.30 | |
| 501-750g | £3.60 | £3.30 | |
| Small Parcel | 0-1kg | £5.45 | £5.45 |
| 1-2kg | £5.45 | £5.45 | |
| Medium Parcel | 0-1kg | £8.05 | £8.05 |
| 1-2kg | £8.05 | £8.05 | |
| 2-5kg | £10.05 | £10.05 | |
| 5-10kg | £10.05 | £10.05 | |
| 10-20kg | £15.45 | £15.45 | |
Second Class Royal Mail franking prices 2026
| Second Class Postage Rates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Weight | Stamps | Mailmark™ Franking |
| Letter | 0-100g | 91p | 88p |
| Large Letter | 0-100g | £1.55 | £1.52 |
| 101-250g | £1.90 | £1.81 | |
| 251-500g | £2.40 | £2.30 | |
| 501-750g | £2.70 | £2.50 | |
| Small Parcel | 0-1kg | £4.25 | £4.25 |
| 1-2kg | £4.25 | £4.25 | |
| Medium Parcel | 0-1kg | £6.95 | £6.95 |
| 1-2kg | £6.95 | £6.95 | |
| 2-5kg | £8.75 | £8.75 | |
| 5-10kg | £8.75 | £8.75 | |
| 10-20kg | £13.15 | £13.15 | |
These are the Royal Mail franking prices effective from 7 April 2026. Franking remains a cheaper and more efficient way to send business mail than stamps. Use our savings calculator to see how much you could save, or view our range of 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
When do the 2026 Royal Mail postage rates take effect?
The 2026 Mailmark franking prices take effect on 7 April 2026.
Is franking cheaper than stamps in 2026?
Yes – franking with a Mailmark machine stays cheaper than stamps on many products, with savings of up to 13.33% versus stamp prices.
How much is a First Class franked letter in 2026?
From 7 April 2026, a First Class letter up to 100g is £1.77 by Mailmark franking, compared with £1.80 by stamp. See the First Class table above for other formats and weights.