Related Articles
MARTIN Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert has issued a warning about old stamps before millions become worthless.
Royal Mail will replace all existing stamps with the new design by July 31, and if you continue to use them after this date, you may be charged.
first
The team at MoneySavingExpert (MSE) have warned that all class 1 or class 2 stamps with the Queen’s profile on them will be invalid as of August 1.
If you continue to use old stamps after the end of July, you may be charged the same surcharge as if you mailed a letter with no or insufficient postage.
Royal Mail has said that the full details of the charge will be issued near the deadline next month.
The only valid designs from August will be those with the new barcode on them, featuring an image of King Charles.
Alternatively, you can exchange your old ones for free for barcoded versions through the Royal Mail program.
Royal Mail says every barcode will be unique and will allow the introduction of additional security features – including information about relevant postal services.
While not all stamps will become invalidated, some limited editions will still be in effect, according to MSE.
It says: “You don’t need to use or trade Christmas stamps or ‘special’ stamps with pictures, as they will continue to be valid beyond the July 31 deadline.
“Royal Mail has also confirmed that all King Charles III stamps in circulation have a barcode on them, so you only need to exchange those that don’t have a barcode with the Queen’s profile.”
The original deadline to redeem all your old stamps is back in January, but Royal Mail has chosen to extend this deadline to give customers more time.
Below we reveal how you can exchange your old stamp for a barcoded version and how much the stamp costs.
What can I do with my old stamps?
Stamps can be traded before the deadline – and Royal Mail will let you do that for free.
Customers will have to fill out a “Swap-Out” form on the Royal Mail’s website or call the postal giant directly to request the form.
Alternatively, you can pick it up directly from your local delivery office – but not the Post Office.
You can find your local delivery office using the online locator on the Royal Mail website.
You will then have to return the stamps you want to exchange to the Freepost address.
But if you have more than £200 worth of stamps, Royal Mail recommends that you send them in by registered delivery.
And you will need a Bulk Stamp Swap form for stamps worth more than £200.
There is currently no deadline on when you need to complete the swap, but it’s best to do so sooner rather than later in case the program ends.
Royal Mail says it will try to ensure all stamps are redeemed within seven business days.
How much does the stamp cost?
In April, Royal Mail increased the price of first-class stamps by 15 cents to £1.10.
The price of a second-class stamp has increased by 7p to 75p.
These changes have been carefully reviewed by Royal Mail due to a 25% drop in mail sent since the pandemic.
Rising costs and high inflation are also responsible for soaring prices.
Royal Mail charges different postage rates depending on the size or weight of the item.
Stamps can be purchased individually if you buy them at the Post Office counter.
Otherwise, you can usually buy them in sets of multiple stamps.
First class stamps are more expensive than second class stamps, as they will get your mail to its destination faster.
The cost of a first class stamp is currently £1.10 for a standard letter.
A book of eight first-class stamps costs £8.80 from Royal Mail.
Second class stamps for a standard letter cost 75p.
Meanwhile, Martin Lewis has issued an urgent holiday warning to anyone using a debit card abroad.
Additionally, one woman shared how Martin Lewis helped her save £600 on airport parking fees.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and interact with consumer groups and other team members.
Source link
