Use it, Swap it or Lose it
Everything you need to know about the new Stamp Swap Out Scheme
Stamps are changing
Royal Mail is adding barcodes to stamps. Yes, that’s right. From 31 July, 2023, you won’t be able to use stamps which don’t have a barcode on. But no need to panic. You can use non-barcoded stamps until 31 July 2023. Royal Mail has also introduced the Stamp Swap Out Scheme so you can swap all your non-barcoded stamps for the new barcoded ones.
The barcodes, when scanned on a phone, will connect you to new services on the Royal Mail app. Royal Mail has confirmed the new services could include the ability to watch and share videos by scanning the stamp barcode.
Source: Royal Mail (03/08/22)
There’s not long left
Check if you have any stamps lying around because you won’t be able to use most non-barcoded stamps after 31 July 2023. This means you risk losing out on money you spent unless you use them or swap them. The price of 1st class stamps has jumped by almost 50% in the last 5 years so take action to make sure you don’t lose out.
There are some stamps which you can still use
All ‘everyday’ stamps will need to be swapped (the ones with Her Majesty The Queen on with a plain background). Below you can see examples of the stamps that will no longer be valid after the end of July. There are some stamps you can continue to use without a barcode, for example Christmas stamps and special commemorative stamps.
Source: Royal Mail (03/08/22)
How to swap your stamps
You need to get a swap form, 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 whether your stamps are worth more or less than £200, so make sure you get the right one.
There are 5 ways to get a form.
Get it from a PO
People can get a form to send off at the post offices.
Print a form
Print out the form from Royal Mail’s website.
Request a form online
If you don’t have access to a printer, complete this web form and Royal Mail will send you a form in the post
Request a form by phone
Call Royal Mail’s customer services team on 03457 740740 and ask for a form to be posted for free. Calls to this number are capped at your standard geographical rate, so check with your phone network how much it’ll cost beforehand.
Pick up a form at a Royal Mail Customer Service Point
Visit the Customer Service Point at your local Royal Mail delivery office and pick up a form in person. Check their opening hours.
All that’s left to do is use or swap any stamps you’ve got lying around. Remember — you don’t have long left to use them, swap them or lose them.
Need more help?
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 08001448848.
