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Whether you want to mail a birthday card, connect with a pen pal, or pay a bill, it’s helpful to carry stamps when needed.
You can buy stamps at various places, including the post office, grocery stores, and convenience stores.
Some places even sell stamps online.
In this post, I share the best places to buy stamps and how to save the most money on your stamp purchase.
I’ll even clue you in on how to get free stamps!
19 Best Places To Buy Stamps
Several places sell stamps, many of which you may have never considered.
But these unusual places can save you a lot of money on postage.
#1. United States Postal Service
Your local post office specializes in postage and will be able to offer you the best advice on ways to send your letter or parcel.
Queues can get long at the post office at certain times of the day, so purchasing postage stamps from the self-service kiosk may be easier as long as you know what you want.
However, suppose you need specialty stamps, such as a priority or airmail.
In that case, you may have to wait in line until it’s your turn.
#2. Post Office Website
You can order stamps online by visiting the United States Postal Service website.
Buying stamps online saves you a trip to the postal store and is typically sold at the same price as stamps from convenience stores.
You can purchase many stamp styles here, including famous Americans, floral designs, animals, and celebrated holidays.
You can often buy exclusive stamp designs that are online or typically sold out at the Post Office.
Moreover, a handy filter lets you search by format, issue year, theme, and more.
If you want, you can also buy mailing supplies online and have them delivered to your house.
#3. USPS Over The Phone
Order over the telephone by calling 1-800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724).
Pay with your credit card, and the stamps will be mailed to you within a few days.
The catch here, though, is the Postal Service charges a fee for this method, so it should be a last resort.
If you can’t leave your house or are unable to leave, using the United States Post Office website is a better option as you avoid the added fee.
#4. Warehouse Clubs
If you’re looking for places to buy stamps, warehouse clubs are an option if you belong to one.
Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJs all sell stamps.
And in many cases, they will offer stamps at a discount from the regular price, saving you money.
Unfortunately, stamps are unavailable online, so you have to purchase them from physical stores.
#5. Banks
Many banks sell postage stamps at the teller counter, but it varies by location.
Compared to smaller community banks and credit unions, you will have better luck with large, national banks like Wells Fargo and Fifth Third Bank.
But some of these financial institutions may sell stamps.
Your best option is to call ahead and ask before making a special trip.
#6. ATMs
Did you know you can buy stamps at an ATM?
The problem is not all ATMs sell stamps.
To check whether the machine sells stamps, look for a button that says “More Options” on the touchscreen.
From there, select “Buy Stamps” and follow the instructions.
Remember that you may be charged a small transaction fee for using this service if you aren’t a bank customer.
However, most do not charge a service fee.
#7. UPS Store
The UPS Store offers a wide range of services, including package shipping, envelopes, boxes, packing peanuts, and even mailbox rentals.
You can even buy postage stamps.
One advantage of buying your stamps here is that they are open for extended hours and on Saturdays, making it more convenient for those who work during the week.
What’s more, The UPS Store offers a loyalty program called UPS My Choice, which gives you unique benefits such as free shipping supplies and delivery notifications.
#8. Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are convenient for picking up stamps because most people visit them at least once a week.
And since many stores are open late and on weekends, this makes them an excellent option for those with a busy schedule.
Most have stamps for sale at the customer service desk or cash register.
If you can’t find them, ask a member of staff, and they will be able to point you in the right direction.
Some supermarkets where you can buy stamps include Safeway, Kroger, Food Lion, Grocery Outlet, and Meijer.
#9. Gas Stations
If you’re running low on gas and need to pick up a few stamps, then you’re in luck.
Many gas stations sell stamps so you can turn two errands into one.
However, it’s worth noting that not all gas stations sell stamps, so it’s always best to call ahead or check the website before making a special trip.
#10. Convenience Stores
If you need to buy stamps and don’t have time to go to the post office, then your local convenience store is the next best thing.
Most convenience stores sell stamps, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding them.
Remember that the selection may be limited, so if you’re looking for a specific type of stamp, it’s best to go to the post office.
Some convenience stores that sell stamps include 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Quiktrip.
#11. Office Supply Stores
Office supplies stores are another option when it comes to postage stamps.
Both Office Depot and Staples offer this service to customers.
And if you live near a college, visit the campus bookstore as most also sell postage stamps.
#12. Local Pharmacies
You’re in luck if you need to buy stamps and pick up a prescription simultaneously.
Many pharmacies sell stamps, so as with the gas station option, you can get more done in one stop.
Some of the most popular pharmacies that sell stamps include CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid.
#13. Stamps.com
Another option to buy stamps online is to use Stamps.com.
This online postage service offers a variety of features to customers, including the ability to print your stamps from home.
To use the service, you must sign up for an account and download the software.
Once you’ve done that, you can buy and print postage stamps whenever needed, without ever needing to leave your house.
They run specials for new accounts, allowing you to get a set amount of free postage.
The downside is the subscription fee cancels out most of the savings if you don’t regularly need stamps.
#14. Retail Stores
While most retail stores don’t sell postage stamps, some larger ones do, including your local Walmart and Target.
Head to the customer service desk, and they will be able to help you.
You may even want to check with other big box stores in your area as more places offer postage stamps as an added service.
But don’t expect a discount on the price of stamps.
#15. Amazon
Many stamps on Amazon sell at face value and above, but if you are patient, you could stumble across a great deal.
Look for bulk items such as a hundred rolls at $50, which could give you an overall discount of around 10-15%.
As with buying anything on Amazon, make sure you read the reviews before you make a purchase.
There is the risk of some third-party sellers selling counterfeit stamps.
The good news is these illegitimate sellers are found quickly and removed, but there is still the chance you encounter one before they get caught.
#16. eBay
eBay is always a great option for anything, and stamps are no different.
You can find various stamps at all different price points, and in many cases, you can buy Forever Stamps at a discount.
However, as with Amazon, you need to be aware of the risks of counterfeit stamps when making a purchase.
Research the seller before you buy to ensure you’re getting what you paid for.
#17. Discount Stamps Websites
There are several discount stamp websites where you can get a roll of stamps for less than the retail price.
The only catch is for many of these sites, you have to place a minimum order of $500.
This high price may sound like a lot to an individual and is unlikely to be worth your investment, but it’s perfect for businesses that send lots of mail.
#18. Your Local Mail Carrier
If accessing your local post office or retail office suppliers is an issue for you, you can use the help of your local mail carrier.
Request an order form from your mail carrier and return it to them along with a check or money order to pay for the stamps.
In a few days, your mail carrier will deliver your stamps free of charge.
#19. Check Rebate Websites
Rebate sites such as Swagbucks and Rakuten allow you to earn cash back on your online purchases.
If you buy stamps from an office supply store or another online retailer, you may be able to earn cash back on your purchase, lowering your cost.
But before you do this, there are some things to consider.
First, not all retailers that sell postage in-store sell stamps online.
Second, you must read the fine print to ensure stamps are not excluded from earning cash back.
How To Get Free Stamps
I get asked a lot about how to get free stamps.
The truth is, there is not any real way to get free stamps.
For collecting old postage stamps, you can get free stamps by asking friends and family to save their mail, for example.
But if you want free stamps to use to mail letters, you are out of luck.
You might hear of a way or see a video of someone opening a letter, and inside is a book of Forever Stamps.
But to get these stamps at no cost, they send a book of Forever Stamps to three other people, making the book they got in the mail not free.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about buying postage stamps, here are the answers to many of your questions.
Where Is The Cheapest Place To Buy Stamps?
The cheapest place to buy stamps is online using Amazon or eBay since you can buy them at a discount.
You might also want to check out warehouse clubs, as many sell stamps for less than retail price.
Is there a way to buy discounted stamps?
Yes.
Some sellers on eBay and Amazon offer discounts on Forever Stamps.
You can also save money by signing up for a free stamps.com account, but this is a one-time savings.
A better option is to buy stamps using a cashback or rewards credit card.
Using one of these cards earns you points that you can convert to cash or discounted travel in the future.
How much does it cost to buy stamps?
A single Forever Stamp costs $0.60, with a book of 20 costing $12.
Note these stamps are suitable for domestic mailing only.
Does CVS Sell Stamps?
Yes, CVS sells stamps, though not in every store.
It’s a good idea to ring ahead and check before making a special trip.
Or use a store locator to find which location is closest to you.
Do I pay tax on stamps I buy at retail stores?
There are no applicable taxes that you pay when you buy postage stamps.
You only pay the price of the stamp or stamps you buy.
Can I Save Money Buying Stamps In Bulk?
You can save money buying stamps in bulk, though generally, stamps sell at a flat rate no matter where you buy them from or how many you purchase.
Whether you buy stamps from the grocery stores, office supply stores, or the post office, you’re likely to find that the stamps cost the same.
The only place you might be able to save money on a bulk order is at an online website.
Where can I buy stamps on a Sunday?
There are many places you can buy stamps on Sunday.
Some examples are ATMs, warehouse clubs, office supply stores, grocery stores, and others.
Where is the best place to buy stamps if I’m a collector?
For stamp collectors, the USA Philatelic Catalog is a great place to start.
It provides an online order form for you to purchase stamps.
This specialty website allows you to find postage stamps, including unique stamps that may not be available at the United States Post Office or on the USPS website.
If you’re looking for older or unique stamps, it may be a good idea to source a dealer who sells stamps online and allows you to request the stamps you’re looking for.
Can you still put money in the mailbox for a stamp?
Yes, you can still put money in the mailbox for stamps.
Leave the amount of money it will take to pay for postage, and the letter will be mailed.
Do postage stamps expire?
Postage stamps never expire.
If you buy a stamp worth a fixed amount, the value of the stamp will go down as the cost to mail a letter increases.
For example, if you have 10-cent stamps and it costs $0.50 to mail a letter today, you need five stamps.
But if the cost to mail that same letter increases to $0.70, you need additional stamps.
Buying Forever Stamps avoids this issue as they increase in value when the cost of mailing a letter increases.
Using the same example above, even if the price to mail a letter rises to $0.70, you would still only need to use one Forever Stamp.
How many stamps do I need to mail a letter?
The number of stamps you need for first-class mail depends on the weight and destination of the letter.
For letters sent within the United States, you will need one first-class stamp for letters weighing one ounce or less.
You need two first-class stamps for letters weighing more than one ounce but not more than two ounces.
Every additional ounce costs an additional $0.15.
For letters sent to Canada or Mexico, you will need two first-class stamps for letters weighing one ounce or less.
To be clear, first-class stamps are the same as Forever Stamps.
Final Thoughts
There are the best places to buy stamps.
Unlike in the past, the Post Office isn’t the only place you can go.
You can buy stamps at the post office, grocery stores, online stores, and more.
And since you can’t get many discounts on stamps, determine the most convenient option for you and purchase your stamps there.