How To Post a Card So It Arrives Properly

We design and print cards and prints in the UK and post them ourselves, so the timings below are the ones we work to every day. Royal Mail sets the official dates; we've flagged where the real world differs from the leaflet.

Most cards that go wrong go wrong before they're posted: wrong stamp, wrong size, no postcode. All of it is avoidable in about thirty seconds.

Letter or large letter

• A letter is up to 24cm x 16.5cm, 5mm thick and 100g. Most standard cards fit.
• A large letter goes up to 35.3cm x 25cm and 2.5cm thick. Square cards, A5 cards and anything with a badge inside land here.
• Underpaying doesn't get the card sent slower - it gets the recipient a fee to pay before they can have it.
• If in doubt, take it to a Post Office counter and let the scale decide.

Which class to buy

• First Class: usually next working day, including Saturdays. It is aimed at next day, not guaranteed - it's a target, not a promise.
• Second Class: supposed to be two working days, but in practice it can take up to five days anywhere in the UK.
• Neither class is tracked, so "where is it" has no answer once it's in the box.
• Working days mean Monday to Saturday. Sunday and bank holidays don't count at all.
• The last collection time on the postbox is the real deadline - miss it and your card starts its clock tomorrow.

Addressing it so it doesn't wander

• Postcode on its own line, capitals, no punctuation.
• House number and street on one line - flat number first if there is one.
• Your own address on the back flap, so it comes home rather than disappearing.
• Dark ink on a light envelope. Sorting machines can't read silver pen on navy.
• Don't put the stamp over the corner or the edge - it needs to be flat, top right.

Keeping it in one piece

• Use the envelope that came with the card, not a smaller one.
• Cardboard-backed envelopes are worth it for prints and photos.
• Anything rigid inside - a badge, a keyring - makes it a large letter and risks tearing the envelope.
• Never post cash. Send a gift card or a bank transfer instead.
• For a print, roll it or use a stiff-backed mailer; folding a print once ruins it.

Shop all cards

Prints that post flat

A5, A4 and A3 art prints, drawn in house and printed in the UK.

How to write it so it lands

• Square card means large letter postage.
• Postcode in capitals on its own line.
• Your address on the back flap.

Where to shop next

• When to post a birthday card
• Royal Mail last posting dates
• How long does first and second class take?
• What to do when a card is going to be late
• What to write in a birthday card
• Wall art and prints
• All guides
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

Why do square cards cost more to post?

Square envelopes can't go through automated sorting machines, so Royal Mail charges them as a large letter rather than a standard letter.

What stamp do I need for a birthday card?

A standard letter stamp covers most cards up to 24cm x 16.5cm, 5mm thick and 100g. Square cards, A5 cards and anything with a badge or keyring inside need large letter postage.

What happens if I underpay postage?

The card is held and the recipient is asked to pay a fee plus a surcharge before it is delivered, which usually adds several days too.