Royal Mail’s updated postage rates came into force on 7 April 2026, affecting stamped, online, and franking machine users. Stamped mail sees the biggest increases, particularly for letters and large letters.
Key 2026 Stamp Prices
- 1st Class Letter (0-100g): £1.80
- 2nd Class Letter (0-100g): 91p
- 1st Class Large Letter (0-100g): £3.30
- 2nd Class Large Letter (0-100g): £1.55
These increases make traditional stamped mail noticeably more expensive for both personal and business senders.
Why Franking Still Wins in 2026
Franking machines continue to offer meaningful cost savings and operational advantages.
Cost Savings
Mailmark franking prices remain lower than stamps across most formats:
- 1st Class Letter: £1.77 vs £1.80
- 2nd Class Letter: 88p vs 91p
- 1st Class Large Letter (0–100g): £2.86 vs £3.30
- 2nd Class Large Letter (0–100g): £1.52 vs £1.55
These differences may look small per item, but they scale dramatically for organisations sending hundreds or thousands of letters each month. Many businesses continue to save up to 20% compared with stamps, depending on volume and mail type.
Speed & Efficiency
Franking also offers operational benefits:
- Faster handling by Royal Mail, as franked mail is pre‑sorted and machine‑readable
- No queues: postage is applied in‑house
- Accurate postage: reduces the risk of overpaying
- Ideal for bulk mailing with streamlined workflows
Professional Appearance
Franked mail gives every envelope a clean, branded, professional look, reinforcing trust and credibility – especially important for sectors like legal, education, healthcare and local government.
What This Means for Businesses in 2026
With stamped mail becoming more expensive and operationally slower, businesses relying on regular post will feel the impact most. Franking remains the smarter choice for organisations that want to:
- Reduce mailing costs
- Improve turnaround times
- Present a more professional image
- Avoid Post Office queues
- Maintain predictable, accurate postage spending
For SMEs, councils, schools and professional services, the 2026 rate changes make franking more valuable than ever.
Final Takeaway
Royal Mail’s 2026 price update increases the cost of stamped mail, but franking continues to deliver lower prices, faster processing and a more professional finish. For any organisation sending regular mail, switching – or staying – with franking is the most cost‑effective and efficient option in 2026.
Stay Ahead of Mailroom Tariff Changes with Key Digital
Postal rates are shifting more frequently, and staying compliant shouldn’t slow your organisation down. With Key Digital, you’re never left guessing. Our team monitors every update to Royal Mail’s tariffs – from stamped and franked mail to Mailmark pricing – and keeps you informed the moment changes take effect.
Whether you manage a busy mailroom, send regular customer communications, or simply want to control rising postage costs, Key Digital ensures you always have the latest information, clear guidance and practical ways to save.
Stay informed and cost‑efficient with Key Digital as your trusted mailroom partner.