Postage costs change and most probably increase each new year, and thus it is very necessary for businesses and frequent senders to be updated with the current prices. We saw a price hike last year in July 2025, and those prices are still being used as of the current time.Â
However, a new price hike has been proposed by Australia Post and submitted to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and you may see these new prices reflected in your bill from mid to late 2026.Â
This price might not be huge for individual senders, but those sending in bulk may see a significant increase. We will be discussing how these changes will affect you this year.
Key Takeaways
- Current standard stamp price: $1.70 (unchanged since July 2025)
- Proposed increase: $1.70 → $1.85 (mid–late 2026, pending approval)
- Large letter pricing is expected to increase accordingly
- International postage increased in 2025 and remains applicable in 2026
- Concession stamps remain highly subsidised
- Eligible customers can now purchase up to 75 concession stamps (increased from 50 as of Feb 2026)
- Seasonal greeting stamps remain unchanged at $0.65
- Courier services continue gaining popularity due to speed and cost efficiency
Current Postage Stamp Cost in Australia
After the update of 2025, the cost of postage stamps for small letters increased from $1.50 to $1.70 in Australia, which means a hike of 20c. This is a smaller increase compared to the last update on 3rd April 2024.
Moreover, the rates are still lower than similar services in other OECD countries, where the median rate is $1.93. And the price hikes are not applicable to concession stamps and seasonal greetings stamps.
As of early 2026, the cost of sending a standard letter within Australia is:
- Standard stamp: $1.70
- Concession stamp: $0.60 (booklet of 5 for $3.00)
- Seasonal greeting stamp: $0.65
There have been no confirmed price increases yet in 2026, but a revision is under review.
Postage Price Changes for Different Types of Postage
Postage Price for Sending Letters Within Australia
Prices of basic postage stamps have increased to $1.70, which is for one stamp. The total postage stamp cost will depend on the number of stamps used for the letter, which in turn depends on the size, thickness, and weight of the letter.
A small letter or postcard requires only one stamp, so the total postage cost is $1.70. At the same time, a large letter involves a minimum of 2 postage stamps, which brings the cost to a minimum of $3.40.
Large letters weighing between 125g and 250g require three stamps, and those weighing between 250g and 500g need five stamps.
| Letter Size | 2025 Price | Current Price | Price Change |
| Small letter (up to 250g) and Postcard | $1.50 | $1.70 | $0.20 |
| Large letter (up to 125g) | $3.00 | $3.40 | $0.40 |
| Large letter (up to 250g) | $4.50 | $5.10 | $0.60 |
| Large letter (up to 500g) | $7.50 | $8.50 | $1 |
| Concession stamp (booklet) | $0.60 | $0.60 | No change |
| Seasonal greeting – small / Christmas cards (up to 250g) | $0.65 | $0.65 | No change |
| Seasonal greeting – large (up to 125g) | $1.30 | $1.30 | No change |
While domestic letters saw a direct increase in cost, international postage also witnessed a big change, depending on the destination zone.
Postage Price for Sending Letters Overseas
Changes to the prices of international letters came into effect on 1st July 2025. Shipping overseas witnessed an approximate increase of 5% for letters and 3.25% for parcels.
| Destination Zone | Small Letters | Large Letters |
| Zone 1: New Zealand | $3.00 | $10.30 |
| Zone 2: Asia Pacific | $3.50 | $11.75 |
| Zone 3: US and Canada | $4.10 | $14.25 |
| Zone 4: UK and Europe | $4.35 | $15.05 |
| Zone 5: Rest of the World | $4.80 | $16.55 |
The postage stamp cost to Europe and the UK increased from $3.70 to $4.35 in the latest update. The greeting cards, including Christmas cards, cost $3 across all the zones.
Upcoming Postage Price Changes (Mid–Late 2026 Proposal)
Australia Post has submitted a draft proposal to increase postage prices, which is currently under review by the ACCC.
Proposed Changes:
- Standard letter (BPR): $1.70 → $1.85
- Increase in regular large letter pricing (exact final rates pending approval)
- No change to:
- Concession stamp pricing
- Seasonal greeting stamp pricing
Important Update:
If approved, this will mark another step in Australia Post’s ongoing effort to align pricing with rising operational and logistics costs.
International Postage Costs from Australia (2026)
International postage rates increased in 2025 and remain unchanged so far in 2026.
Overseas Letter Pricing by Zone
| Destination | Small Letters | Large Letters |
| Â Â Â Â Â New Zealand | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $3.00 | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $10.30 |
| Â Â Â Â Â Asia Pacific | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $3.50 | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $11.75 |
| Â Â Â Â USA & Canada | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $4.10 | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $14.25 |
| Â Â Â Â UK & Europe | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $4.35 | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $15.05 |
| Â Â Â Rest of World | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â $4.80 | Â Â Â Â Â Â $16.55 |
Concession Stamp Update (2026)
A notable update in 2026:
- Eligible customers can now purchase up to 75 concession stamps per year
- Previously capped at 50
- Price remains unchanged at $3 for a booklet of 5 stamps
This is a significant benefit for concession users, helping offset rising postage costs.
Extra Postage and Saving on Postage
How Do I Know if My Envelope Needs Extra Postage?
Extra postage charges are required when your letter exceeds certain conditions, such as:
- Weight exceeds the limit for a small letter (250g).
- Size is larger than 260mm x 360mm or thicker than 20mm.
- When you are sending it overseas, extra charges are levied depending on the zone.
- Adding extra services like Express Post or Registered Post.
We know that staying within these limits can be tough, which means extra postage, but there are some smart ways to save on your postage costs.
Saving on Postage Costs
- Using concession stamps: If your package is eligible for a concession stamp, then use it, as it remains at a low cost of 60c.
- Bulk stamps: For businesses, using bulk stamps or prepaid envelopes can provide a better per-rate, especially for e-commerce businesses.
- Plan ahead: Increases in postage costs for letters are notified well in advance. Plan your budget and shipments accordingly.
Even with these strategies, frequent senders may still find the overall postage cost high. In such cases, courier services like DTDC can be a cost-effective option.
When To Choose DTDC Australia Over Traditional Postage
With steadily increasing prices and growing customer demands, small businesses should look beyond traditional postage. For instance, DTDC Australia courier services offer attractive rates with real-time tracking and faster deliveries.
Letters that are more than 500g are considered parcels by other service providers, resulting in an increase in cost. Our services will not impose such limitations on you, as they are specially tailored for regular and bulk shippers to save more compared to postage and parcels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is a standard stamp in 2026?
The standard stamp price currently is $1.70; however, there are high chances of the price increasing to $1.85 in mid or later 2026.Â
What’s new for concession stamps in 2026?
As of 2026, the purchase limit has been increased from 50 to 75 stamps per year.Â
How much postage is needed for a regular letter?
The cost of postage stamps to send a small letter domestically in Australia is $1.70.
Can I use old stamps in Australia?
Yes, old stamps are still valid in Australia, but you should ensure the total postage stamp cost covers the new rates. For instance, if you have a $1.50 old stamp, you should add an extra $0.20 stamp to bring the total cost to $1.70.
Who can use concession stamps?
Concession stamps are only available for use by eligible concession card holders in Australia. They cost just $0.60 and are limited to small domestic letters weighing up to 250g.
How many stamps are on an A4 envelope?
An A4 envelope usually falls under the large letter category, and the number of stamps will depend on the weight of the letter. Additionally, the postage stamp cost for an A4 envelope depends on the number of stamps.
What happens if postage is not enough?
Your postage may be returned to you, or the receiver may have to pay the extra postage.
What size envelope does not require extra postage?
A standard envelope or a small letter that matches all the conditions below only needs one stamp of $1.70:
- Maximum size: 260mm x 360mm
- Maximum thickness: 20mm
- Maximum weight: 250g
Anything above requires extra postage.
Final Thoughts
After the 2024 update, postage stamp costs in Australia saw the most significant increase in recent years in mid-2025. With careful planning, utilising concession rates, and knowing the service tiers, you can manage these increased costs.
Most of the pricing of stamps and postage as of now is similar to the increase last year, which is- $1.70. By reaching mid 2026 or later months, the price will see a rise to $1.85 and total costs for bulk senders will see a jump. So, do plan accordingly, and we will keep you updated when the changes take place.Â
For businesses, partnering with a reputable shipping partner is better, as this will help in developing a tailored postage strategy. And with this, you will be better equipped to tackle changes in postage prices.
