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Initially, non-barcoded stamps were due to be phased out by January 31, 2023, but the deadline was extended giving customers longer to use up their old, non-barcoded stamps. The new deadline is now July 31, 2023.
It’s worth checking to see if you have any stamps tucked away to avoid losing out on money you spent unless you use them or swap them.
The price of 1st class stamps has jumped by almost 50 per ent in the last five years! If you don’t think you will use them all Royal Mail has introduced the Stamp Swap Out Scheme so you can swap them for barcoded ones.
The barcodes, when scanned on a phone, connect you to new services on the Royal Mail app.
Most stamps are being barcoded, but not all of them. All ‘everyday’ stamps will need to be swapped (the ones with Her Late Majesty the Queen on a plain background).
There are some stamps you can continue to use without a barcode, for example Christmas stamps and special commemorative stamps but it’s always best to check.
How to swap your stamps
You need to get a swap form from Royal Mail, fill it out and pop it in the post. It’s free to send your stamps to Royal Mail. There are different forms depending on the value of the stamps so make sure you get the right one.
Print out the form from Royal Mail’s website or complete a request form online and royal Mail will send you a form in the post.
Call Royal Mail’s customer services team on 03457 740740 and ask for a form to be posted for free. Check how much the call will cost with your phone network beforehand.
Visit the Customer Service Point at your local Royal Mail delivery office and pick up a form in person.
You can also pick up a ‘Swap Out’ form from your local Post Office along with a freepost envelope – but the Post Office won’t be able to actually swap your stamps for barcoded ones.
For more information and instructions please visit the Royal Mail Website. If you need more help you can contact Citizens Advice online or by calling us on 08001 448848.
