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As Royal Mail works on its shift into the “digital world”, the British public is urged to use their “stocked-up” stamps before the traditional paper version is replaced with one containing QR codes.
The MoneySavingExpert founder said: “So this change will come as a shock to the many stamp hoarders out there.
“It’s the first time I can remember you’ve not been able to just lick it and stick it.”
The much-loved British stamp has for the first time since the introduction of the Penny Black stamp in May 1840 been redesigned to feature a barcode alongside the Queen’s head.
By scanning the code, users get access to information about services, birthday messages, other greetings from senders, and videos – starting with a Shaun the Sheep animation created exclusively for Royal Mail by the studio Aardman.
READ MORE: Royal Mail warns of fresh postal delays – full list of postcodes affect
But that is only the first step in the Royal Mail’s bid to phase out its almost 200-year-old stamps.
After January 31 next year, non-coded definitive and Christmas stamps will no longer be valid for postage.
Those who try to use them will have to pay a surcharge if there is insufficient postage on an item of mail.
Starting next month, on March 31, the Swap Out scheme will allow Britons to ensure they lose no cash.
Commenting on the phasing out of the humble stamp, Mr Lewis said: “For years, every time stamps go up in price I’ve suggested people stock up and bulk-buy in advance; as provided the stamp doesn’t have a price on it and instead just says the postage class, it’s still valid after the hike.
“This has been an effective tactic, as a first-class letter stamp is now 85p – a decade ago it was just 60p.”
With those collections becoming potentially unusable, the money expert has raised the alarm: “I know some people have got hundreds of pounds of them, so you need to be aware and know about this rule change.”
Nick Landon, the Royal Mail chief commercial officer, said: “Introducing unique barcodes on our postage stamps allows us to connect the physical letter with the digital world and opens up the possibilities for a range of new innovative services in future.”
A spokesman added: “This is only the start of a new era for the postage stamp.
“We want people to continue to experience the pleasure of receiving letters and cards from loved ones, and will continue to work to ensure that stamps remain relevant to future generations.”
