Royal Mail
1st Class vs 2nd Class post: which should you choose?
The short answer: 1st Class costs £1.80 and aims to arrive the next working day; 2nd Class costs 91p and aims to arrive within two to three working days. Neither is tracked.
The difference between Royal Mail 1st Class and 2nd Class comes down to speed and price. Here's how they compare, and why for parcels there may be a better option than either.
Prices at a glance
| Item | 1st Class | 2nd Class |
|---|---|---|
| Letter (up to 100g) | £1.80 | £0.91 |
| Large Letter (up to 100g) | £3.30 | £1.55 |
| Large Letter (up to 750g) | £3.60 | £2.70 |
| Small Parcel (up to 2kg) | £5.90 | £4.60 |
| Medium Parcel (up to 2kg) | £8.70 | £7.50 |
Delivery times
- 1st Class aims to deliver the next working day (Monday to Saturday).
- 2nd Class aims to deliver within two to three working days.
Neither is guaranteed. If something absolutely must arrive tomorrow, use Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm (from £9.95), which comes with a money-back guarantee and up to £750 compensation.
Neither is tracked
Standard 1st and 2nd Class are not tracked. You can add Signed For to get a signature on delivery, but for parcels it's usually better value to choose a tracked service from the start.
For parcels, consider Tracked 24 and Tracked 48
Bought online, Royal Mail Tracked 48 costs £3.75 for a small parcel up to 1kg, and Tracked 24 costs £4.80. They aim for the same delivery times as 2nd and 1st Class, include tracking, and are cheaper than the untracked counter prices. If you can print a label (or use a QR code at the Post Office), they're the smarter choice for most parcels.
When to choose each
- 2nd Class: cards, letters and anything that isn't urgent.
- 1st Class: time-sensitive letters, last-minute birthday cards.
- Tracked 48/24: almost any parcel, especially if you're selling online.
- Special Delivery: passports, legal documents, valuables.
Frequently asked questions
Does 1st Class post arrive on Saturday?
Royal Mail aims to deliver 1st Class letters Monday to Saturday, so an item posted on Friday may arrive on Saturday.
Does 2nd Class post get delivered on Saturdays?
Royal Mail has moved 2nd Class letters to an alternate-weekday delivery pattern in many areas, so allow the full two to three working days, plus weekends.
Is it worth paying for 1st Class?
For letters only if it's urgent. For parcels, Tracked 24 bought online is usually cheaper than 1st Class at the counter and includes tracking.