Everyone needs to buy stamps at some point, but the best places to buy stamps will depend on your individual needs.
Sometimes you want the ease of stamps being delivered right to your front door. Other times you may need stamps on the weekend.
If you are trying to figure out where you can buy stamps, we’ve got you covered with this list of the most convenient options.
Top Places to Purchase Stamps
Not all of the places we talk about here will allow you to purchase stamps at any time.
However, there are enough options that you should be able to find a place to make a postage stamp purchase whenever it suits your needs.
Keep in mind that some of these options will include a service charge. Make sure to read the fine print when you’re making your purchase.
1. ATMs
Many automated teller machines sell postage stamps. Better yet, you can often buy stamps at ATMs even if you don’t bank at the company that owns the ATM.
ATMs are often available 24/7, making them one of the most convenient places to buy postage stamps.
However, nearly every ATM charges a service fee of some sort when they sell you postage stamps.
In addition, if you’re buying stamps at an out-of-network ATM (an ATM that’s not fee-free as declared by your bank), you could pay a second fee for your stamps.
Note that not all ATMs sell stamps, so you’ll have to check ATMs near you to find out if the machine carries stamps.
Some banks have information about their ATMs on their websites. This is a way you could check to see if ATMs near you sell stamps.
Hint: Many Wells Fargo ATMs sell stamps. There are thousands of Wells Fargo ATMs around the world.
2. Banks
Similarly, some banks sell postage stamps. Again, you’ll get charged a fee if you purchase stamps at a bank.
The fee will vary based on the bank and what its service charges are.
However, if you need to buy stamps and the bank is your best option, you might find the fee worth it.
It’s important to note that there are a limited number of banks that sell postage stamps.
For instance, you may not find postage stamps for sale at smaller, local banks.
That said, many larger banks have some branches that sell postage stamps.
Banks you might want to check with to see if they sell stamps include:
- Wells Fargo
- U.S. Bank
- FifthThird Bank
Since not all branches of the banks named above sell stamps, it’s probably best to call before making the trip.
Also, be aware of the business hours of banks before you go to buy stamps. You don’t want to get to the bank only to find that they are closed.
3. Gas Stations or Convenience Stores
There are many gas stations and convenience stores that sell postage stamps.
Some of the larger gas stations and convenience stores that sell stamps include:
Holiday Stationstores, which are owned by Circle K, might also carry postage stamps.
Again, no matter which store you choose to go to buy stamps, you’ll want to call first to see if that particular location carries stamps.
Many gas stations and convenience stores are open 24/7, so you might find these the best option for buying postage stamps.
Also, it doesn’t hurt to check with smaller, local convenience stores and gas stations to check if they sell postage stamps.
4. Grocery Stores
Nationwide chain grocery stores might also sell stamps. You can check with the cashier at your grocery store or stop by the customer service counter.
Some of the grocery store chains that might carry postage stamps include:
- Fry’s Foods (AZ only)
- Food Lion
- Food City (AZ only)
- Giant Eagle
- Albertsons
- Hannaford
- Bakers
- Hy-Vee
- Kroger
- Publix
- Winn Dixie
- Safeway
- Wegmans
- ShopRite
- Meijer
Note that big box stores like Walmart may sell postage stamps as well. However, there’s a good chance that you’ll only be able to get them online from Walmart.
You can check at the service counter at your local Walmart to see if they carry stamps in-store. However, my local Walmart only offers postage stamps online, so be prepared to order stamps via their website.
Buying your postage stamps at your local grocery store might be convenient for you as you’re shopping there anyway.
5. Office Supply Stores
Do you like to frequent office supply stores? If so, there are a few office supply stores that carry postage stamps.
Office Max/Office Depot and Staples are two stores that typically carry postage stamps. Other local office supply stores may carry stamps as well.
As with other suggestions here, it’s best to call and check if the store carries stamps before you go since some locations may carry them while others may not.
Expect a surcharge on top of the regular USPS price for stamps.
6. Stamps.com
There are hundreds of online stores that will sell you postage stamps and ship them to you. However, Stamps.com is one of the most popular sites for buying stamps.
With Stamps.com you can print your own postage and your own shipping labels in seconds.
Using this site can help you completely eliminate trips to the post office. You can use the site to get correct postage printed for almost any package.
Then simply give your package to your postal carrier and you’re done.
Know that there is a fee of $17.99 per month to use this service. However, there is a 4-week trial period that can help you decide if the cost is worth it.
Having a Stamps.com membership is probably most cost-efficient for people who mail a lot of items.
7. Over the Phone
Another way to buy stamps is to place an order over the phone. The USPS has a phone number where you can call to have stamps mailed to you.
The phone number for the USPS online ordering center is 1-800-782-6724 (or 1-800-STAMP24).
When you call this line to order stamps, you can specify the type of stamps you need, give your payment information and wait for your stamps in the mail.
It’s important to note that this USPS line is not always available. Due to the pandemic, you may be redirected to order stamps online if staffing isn’t available to order over the phone.
8. eBay
Believe it or not, there are many sellers that sell postage stamps on eBay. All you need to do is head over to the eBay website and type “postage stamps” in the search bar.
You’ll get a long list of sellers that sell Forever stamps as well as other postage stamps.
When purchasing stamps on eBay, we recommend using a trusted seller with lots of good reviews and a high positive feedback rating.
Checking feedback ratings and reviews for a seller can help you avoid getting scammed.
9. Post Offices
You might find that a local post office location is one of the best places to buy stamps.
There are no added service charges when you buy stamps at a post office, and they’re never out of stamps.
The one downside to buying stamps at a United States post office is that, depending on the location near you, the hours may be limited.
Some post office locations situated in larger cities might have longer hours and be open on Saturdays.
However, post offices in smaller towns and rural areas may have limited hours, which can make buying stamps inconvenient.
Also, post offices are closed on most major holidays. This fact can also make it inconvenient to buy stamps at the post office.
That said, the post office can be a very convenient and cost-effective way to purchase stamps, provided you can get there during regular business hours.
Check the USPS website for post office locations and hours near you.
Bonus tip: The United States Post Office is also one of the cheapest ways to ship packages.
10. Wholesale Clubs
You might think that shopping at your local warehouse club, such as Sam’s Club, BJ’s or Costco, will save you money when you’re buying stamps.
You are right. However, don’t expect huge money savings when buying stamps at a wholesale club.
When I checked prices for this article, Sam’s Club was selling a book of 100 Forever stamps for $57.75.
The regular price for a book of 100 Forever stamps is $58.00, so you’re only saving $0.25. But, frugal people will tell you that every penny adds up.
Call or stop by the wholesale club you have a membership at and see if they have postage stamps available for you to buy.
If you don’t have a membership to a warehouse club, check out our review article on Sam’s Club vs. Costco to see which option might be best for you.
Warehouse clubs can be a great place to not only save on food, cleaning items and other household purchases, but they can also be an easy way to save a little money on your stamp purchases.
How Much Do Stamps Cost?
You might be wondering how much stamps cost these days. We’ll go over the cost of a basic postage stamp or book of stamps.
First-Class Stamps
First-class stamps will cover the mailing of a basic letter that weighs up to 3.5 ounces. As of this writing, first-class stamps cost $0.60 each.
You can get a book of twenty for $12.00 or a book of 100 for $60.00
Forever Stamps
Forever stamps are first-class stamps with a twist. They cost the same as first-class stamps.
However, if the price of a stamp goes up, say, to $0.65, you’ll still be able to use your Forever stamps for mailing items.
They’ll be counted as usable first-class stamps no matter how much the price goes up in the future.
If you buy basic first-class stamps that aren’t Forever stamps and the price of postage goes up, you’ll have to add more postage to make up the difference.
For that reason, it’s probably in your best interest to always buy the Forever stamps.
Keeping Forever stamps on hand can be a great way to save money on future postage costs.
FAQs
Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions about the best places to buy stamps.
The cheapest place to get stamps is generally going to be the post office or a warehouse club.
This is because many of the other postage stamp retailers will likely charge you a fee.
Yes, it is safe to buy stamps from most places other than post offices.
As long as you’re buying from a trusted retailer or financial institution, you can be sure you’re getting authorized postage stamps.
The best places to buy stamps on a Sunday would be an ATM or a retailer that is open on Sundays.
Post offices and banks typically aren’t open on Sundays, so retailers and ATMs are likely your best bet. Check your local Post office to see if they have 24-hour kiosk in their lobby as well.
Summary
There are many trustworthy places where you can buy postage stamps.
However, it’s important to remember that it may cost you more money to buy postage stamps from retailers, banks and ATMs, making the post office the best place to buy stamps if you want to save money.
That said, if you are looking for convenience, you might find the fees you’ll pay when buying stamps from places other than post offices worth the money.
To save money, plan ahead and get Forever stamps from your local Post office.
