Buzz
If you dislike waiting in line at the post office to buy stamps, you're not alone. The great news is that there are now numerous methods to buy stamps that don't even require you to make a special trip to the United States Postal Service (USPS) office. Whether you'd like to buy stamps online, directly from your mail carrier, or while you're out running errands, it's easy to make your purchase.
Steps
Buying Stamps Online
Visit usps.com. Head over to https://www.usps.com/ from any browser.
Log in or create an account. If you're already a USPS member, log in from the top right corner of the screen. Otherwise, you'll need to set up a new account.
- To create an account, click on 'sign up'. You'll be asked to provide shipping details and generate a password.
Navigate to Quick Tools. Look for this option near the top of the USPS homepage.
Choose 'Purchase Stamps'. Once here, pick the stamp design you prefer. After selecting your desired design, indicate the quantity and possibly the format you prefer.
- For instance, some stamps offer options to purchase sheets or blocks.
Place your stamps in the online cart. After providing the necessary stamp details, simply add them to your cart.
Proceed to checkout. When you've finished selecting stamps, click on 'checkout' and follow the payment instructions. Payment must be made with a credit card, although a debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo can be used as credit.
- VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards are accepted without requiring a PIN. Currently, PayPal cannot be used for stamp purchases.
Printing Postage Online
Visit usps.com. Head over to https://www.usps.com/ using any web browser.
Log in or create an account. If you already have an account with USPS, sign in from the top right corner of the screen. Otherwise, you'll need to register for a new account.
- To register, click on 'sign up'. You'll be prompted to provide shipping details and set a password.
Navigate to Mail and Ship. This option should be readily visible when you land on the USPS homepage.
Click 'Print and Ship'. Here, you'll need to generate a shipping label by filling out the sender and recipient addresses. Additionally, you'll specify the shipment date, whether it's flat rate (if not, provide measurements), the value, and the type of mailing service desired.
- You may need to weigh the package to accurately calculate postage. If you frequently ship packages, investing in a digital scale might be beneficial. Postal scales are available for purchase on the U.S. Postal Service website.
- You'll have the option to select preferences for tracking, receipts, and delivery notifications.
Choose a service type. This will display delivery options and prices. Ensure your parcel matches the selected delivery option and price by noting the packaging sizes.
Select a delivery option. Pick a package size/delivery option/price and click 'Add to Cart'.
Proceed to checkout. Once you're done shopping, choose 'checkout' and follow the payment instructions. Payment must be made with a credit card, although a debit card with a VISA or MasterCard logo can be used as credit.
- VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards are accepted without requiring a PIN. Currently, PayPal cannot be used to buy postage.
- After purchasing your postage, you can print a shipping label and attach it to your package or envelope. Take it to your local post office, arrange a home pickup, or drop it off in a USPS dropbox.
Buying Stamps from Retail Outlets
Find a location. Keep an eye out for the USPS logo at places you frequent.
- Stamps are commonly available at:
- ATMs
- Banks
- Big box stores
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- Office supply stores
- Pharmacies
Use the internet to find retail locations. If you're having trouble finding a store that sells stamps, go online and search the USPS website for a list of nearby locations.
- Visit usps.com and click on the 'Quick Tools' section. Choose 'Find USPS Locations' and then select 'Approved Postal Providers' under the Location Types. Enter your location information and search.
Pick out and buy your stamps. Once you've located a store that sells stamps, you'll typically purchase them at the checkout or customer service counter.
- Remember, there are no regulations governing the resale price of stamps. Retailers can sell stamps at a markup, so be mindful of the price you're being charged if you opt to buy stamps this way.
Buying Stamps from Automated Postal Centers (Kiosks)
Locate an automated postal center (APC) or kiosk. While these are often found inside post offices, they can also be found in other public locations. Conduct a quick online search to find a kiosk located outside of a post office.
- Go to usps.com, click on the 'Quick Tools' section, and select 'Find USPS Locations.' Choose 'Self-Service Kiosk' as the location type. Enter your location information and search.
Utilize the touch screen at the APC. This will initiate your transaction.
Click on 'Purchase Stamps'. This option is likely to be displayed prominently.
Select your stamps. Choose the type of stamp you need and specify the quantity you wish to purchase.
- For instance, you can choose from express mail, priority mail, booklets of forever stamps, international postage, or customize your own value postage.
Proceed through the payment process. After selecting your stamps, complete your purchase using a credit, debit, or EBT card.
Retrieve your stamps and receipt. The machine will dispense your stamps and receipt through separate slots. Make sure to collect both before ending your transaction.
Double-check the APC to ensure you are 'logged out'—meaning it's not requesting further input and has returned to the initial screen. This prevents your card from remaining active in the machine and being used by others after you.
Buying Stamps Over the Phone
Call 1-800-STAMP-24 (1-800-782-6724). This is the USPS hotline, available round-the-clock, every day of the week.
Select your desired stamps. Specify the type and quantity of stamps you need. It might be helpful to browse available stamps online before making your call.
Complete your stamp purchase. You'll need to provide your credit card details to finalize your order. Only proceed if you're comfortable sharing this information over the phone. Alternatively, consider purchasing stamps from a kiosk or online if you prefer not to do so by phone.
- A small handling fee will be applied.
Buying Stamps Directly from a Postal Carrier
Inquire if your mail carrier sells stamps. Typically, stamps are only available from postal carriers along rural routes, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Rural carriers usually carry enough stamps to meet their customers' mailing needs.
- Avoid simply leaving your mail and change in your mailbox to cover postage. If your mail carrier doesn't have stamps for sale, this may create extra work for them.
Request a Stamps by Mail order form if stamps aren't available. Your mail carrier can assist you in ordering stamps for delivery using a Stamps by Mail order form. Your mail carrier will provide you with the form to complete, or you can obtain one from the post office.
Send the completed form and payment to the post office. Once you've filled out the form (PS Form 3227-A) indicating the type and quantity of stamps you desire, enclose a personal check or postal money order. There is no fee for stamps by mail. Utilize the Business Reply envelope to avoid using a stamp to order stamps.
- Make the money order payable to 'United States Postal Service'. Never send cash.
Receive your stamps. Expect delivery of your stamps within a few days through your mail carrier.
Helpful Tips
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You can also purchase stamps from various online retailers like Amazon. Please note that shipping costs may apply.
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On the USPS website, you have the option to buy postage-paid envelopes, postcards, and other mailing services and packaging supplies. Navigate to the Postal Store section on the website to explore the range of stamps available for purchase, including collector stamps and those benefiting charities.
