Royal Mail Postage Rates 2026 Effective From Today - April Update!
Franking Machine Ink can now confirm that the latest Royal Mail postage rates 2026 are effective from today - 7th April 2026. As of today, the prices in the UK for many letter and parcel items have changed, meaning franking machine users in the UK continue to benefit from lower Mailmark prices compared with stamps.
In short: The new Royal Mail postage rates started on 7 April 2026. A 1st Class letter (0-100g) costs £1.80 by stamp or £1.77 with a Mailmark franking machine, while a 2nd Class letter costs 91p by stamp or 88p when franked. Mailmark franking machine users continue to pay less than stamp prices on letters and large letters.
Postage Rates 2026!
From 7th April 2026, UK Mailmark franking machines benefit from the new rates. Franking Machine Ink can confirm the following savings and benefits:
✅ Letters - Save 3p per letter.
✅ Large Letters - Save up to 44p per item.
✅ Professional & Credible - Franked mail gives your business a polished, professional look, reinforcing brand credibility with every piece of post.
✅ Save Time & Avoid Queues - No more frequent trips to the Post Office. Process postage directly from your office, saving time and improving efficiency.
Royal Mail First Class Postage Rates 2026
Franking Machine Ink can confirm the latest first class postage rates for 2026 via our table below. Compare stamp and Mailmark prices.
| 1st Class Postage Rates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Weight up to and including | Stamp Prices | Mailmark™ Prices |
| 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 | |
Royal Mail Second Class Postage Rates 2026
Franking Machine Ink can also confirm the latest second class postage rates for 2026 via our table below. Compare stamp and Mailmark prices.
| 2nd Class Postage Rates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Weight up to and including | Stamp Prices | Mailmark™ Prices |
| 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 | |
Download our Postage Rates 2026 PDF to view the prices a little more clearly.
Royal Mail Postage Rates 2026 FAQs
When did the 2026 Royal Mail postage rates start?
The 2026 Royal Mail postage rates came into effect on 7th April 2026 and apply to both stamp and franking machine users.
How much is a 1st Class letter in 2026?
A 1st Class letter weighing 0-100g costs £1.80 with a stamp, or £1.77 with a Mailmark franking machine - a saving of 3p per letter.
How much is a 2nd Class letter in 2026?
A 2nd Class letter weighing 0-100g costs 91p with a stamp, or 88p with a Mailmark franking machine.
Do franking machines save money on postage?
Yes. Mailmark franking machine users pay less than stamp prices on letters and large letters, saving 3p per letter and up to 44p per large letter compared with stamps.
How do I update my franking machine with the 2026 rates?
Mailmark franking machines update their tariffs automatically when connected to the network. If your machine has not updated, or you are unsure how to update it, contact your franking machine supplier.
Related reading
- Royal Mail Postage Rates 2026 Announced - April Update
- Why is my franking machine printing faint or streaky? How to fix it
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