Royal Mail Postage Rates 2026 - October Price Update!
Franking Machine Ink can now confirm the Royal Mail postage rate changes taking effect on 5th October 2026. Unlike the April update, this one affects stamp prices only. Mailmark franking prices are not changing on any format, and neither are 1st or 2nd Class letter stamps.
In short: From 5th October 2026 Royal Mail is raising stamp prices on parcels and on its tracked and guaranteed services. Mailmark franking prices stay exactly as they are. A 1st Class letter remains £1.80 by stamp or £1.77 franked, and a 2nd Class letter remains 91p by stamp or 88p franked. The change means franking a parcel now saves between 35p and £1.45 per item, where previously it saved nothing at all.
What is changing on 5th October 2026?
Royal Mail is increasing stamp prices on the following services:
- 1st and 2nd Class parcels
- Royal Mail Signed For parcels
- Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed
- Royal Mail Tracked
Franking Machine Ink can confirm that no Mailmark franking price is changing, and that 1st and 2nd Class letter and large letter stamp prices are staying the same. If you frank your post, your machine needs no rate update for this change. The tariff it loaded on 7th April 2026 remains correct, and there is nothing for you to download or install.
Why this change works in favour of franking machine users
Until now, franking a parcel cost exactly the same as using a stamp. A 1st Class small parcel was £5.45 whichever way you sent it, so there was no saving to be had on parcels at all. From 5th October the stamp price rises while the franked price holds, which means franking a parcel starts saving money for the first time:
- 1st Class small parcel up to 2kg: save 45p per item
- 1st Class medium parcel up to 20kg: save £1.45 per item
- 2nd Class small parcel up to 2kg: save 35p per item
- 2nd Class medium parcel up to 20kg: save £1.05 per item
That works out at up to 8.6% off parcel postage, on top of the 13.33% a Mailmark machine already saves you on a 1st Class large letter.
Royal Mail First Class Postage Rates from 5th October 2026
Franking Machine Ink can confirm the First Class rates applying from 5th October 2026 in the table below. Stamp prices for parcels have risen; every Mailmark price is unchanged.
| 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 | £5.90 | £5.45 |
| 1-2kg | £5.90 | £5.45 | |
| Medium Parcel | 0-1kg | £8.70 | £8.05 |
| 1-2kg | £8.70 | £8.05 | |
| 2-5kg | £10.90 | £10.05 | |
| 5-10kg | £10.90 | £10.05 | |
| 10-20kg | £16.90 | £15.45 | |
Royal Mail Second Class Postage Rates from 5th October 2026
Franking Machine Ink can confirm the Second Class rates applying from 5th October 2026 below. Again, only the parcel stamp prices have moved.
| 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 | £4.60 | £4.25 |
| 1-2kg | £4.60 | £4.25 | |
| Medium Parcel | 0-1kg | £7.50 | £6.95 |
| 1-2kg | £7.50 | £6.95 | |
| 2-5kg | £9.50 | £8.75 | |
| 5-10kg | £9.50 | £8.75 | |
| 10-20kg | £14.20 | £13.15 | |
Download the Postage Rates 2026 PDF to view the October prices a little more clearly.
Royal Mail Postage Rates October 2026 FAQs
When do the new Royal Mail postage rates start?
The new Royal Mail stamp prices take effect on 5th October 2026. Right up until 5th October 2026, the prices set on 7th April 2026 still apply.
Are 1st and 2nd Class stamp prices going up in October 2026?
No. A 1st Class letter stays at £1.80 and a 2nd Class letter stays at 91p. Large letter stamp prices are unchanged too. Only parcel stamps and the tracked and guaranteed services are rising.
Are Mailmark franking prices changing in October 2026?
No. Every Mailmark franking price is unchanged on 5th October 2026, on letters, large letters and parcels alike.
How much is a 1st Class parcel from 5th October 2026?
A 1st Class small parcel up to 2kg costs £5.90 with a stamp, or £5.45 with a Mailmark franking machine, saving 45p per parcel. A medium parcel up to 2kg costs £8.70 by stamp or £8.05 franked.
How much does a franking machine save on parcels?
From 5th October 2026 a Mailmark franking machine saves between 35p and £1.45 on every parcel, which is 7.3% to 8.6% of the stamp price. Before that date the stamp and franked parcel prices are identical.
Do I need to update my franking machine for this change?
No. Because Mailmark franking prices are not changing, there is no new tariff to download. The rates your machine loaded on 7th April 2026 remain correct.
How much can a franking machine save in 2026?
Mailmark franking machines save up to 13.33% on a 1st Class large letter, 3p on every letter, and from 5th October 2026 up to 8.6% on parcels as well.
Related reading
- How Much Can a Franking Machine Save Your Business in 2026?
- What Is Mailmark? A Simple Guide for UK Franking Machine Users
- Royal Mail Postage Rates 2026 Effective From Today - April Update
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Whatever Royal Mail does with its prices, your franking machine still needs ink and labels. Top up today with low cost compatible and original franking inks. View our range of franking machine ink here