Most banks do not sell stamps, but some will order them for you

The short answer: your bank is unlikely to have stamps at the counter. A few large banks—mainly Bank of America and Wells Fargo—will order stamps for you if you ask, but this takes several days and requires a trip back to pick them up. For stamps you need today, the post office, grocery stores, and pharmacies are faster and more reliable.

Banks stopped stocking stamps years ago because the volume dropped too far to justify shelf space. Fewer people mail physical letters now, and the post office itself handles most stamp sales. If your bank does order them, you are paying the same price as anywhere else—there is no discount for banking there.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks do not keep stamps in stock and will not order them for you.
  • The United States Postal Service (USPS) sells stamps at post offices, online at usps.com, and through their mobile app.
  • Grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores often sell stamps at the counter without requiring an order.
  • If your bank does order stamps, expect to wait three to five business days and pay the standard USPS price.

Where to buy stamps right now

The fastest option is a post office. Every location sells stamps at the counter, and you walk out with them when ready. You do not need to be a customer or have an account. Hours vary by location, but most are open weekdays and some on Saturday mornings. Find your nearest post office at usps.com or call 1-800-275-8777.

Grocery stores and pharmacies stock stamps at the checkout counter. Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, and most supermarket chains carry them. Availability varies by location—call ahead if you are unsure. Prices are the same as the post office.

Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K often sell stamps, though not every location does. Again, a quick call confirms whether they have them in stock.

Buying stamps online or by mail

The USPS website (usps.com) sells stamps in books of 20 and ships them to your address. Delivery takes three to five business days. You can also order through the USPS mobile app, which offers the same timeline.

If you have a post office box or mail a lot, you can order stamps by phone at 1-800-782-6724 and have them delivered to your address or held for pickup at your local post office. This is useful if you are housebound or do not have time to visit in person.

What banks will and will not do

Large national banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo have said they will special-order stamps for customers, but this is not a standard service. You have to ask a teller directly, and they will place the order with a postal contractor—not the post office itself. The order takes three to five business days, and you have to return to the branch to pick them up. You pay the same price as buying them anywhere else.

Smaller regional banks and credit unions rarely offer this service at all. Call your bank's customer service line to ask, but do not count on it. Even if they say yes, you are better off going to a post office or grocery store unless you are already at the bank for another reason.

Why banks stopped selling stamps

Banks used to stock stamps because many customers paid bills by mail and needed them regularly. As online bill pay became standard in the 2000s, stamp sales dropped sharply. Banks removed them from shelves to make room for other products and services. The post office became the natural place to buy stamps, and that is where the infrastructure stayed.

A few banks kept the special-order option as a courtesy to older customers or those in rural areas without nearby post offices. But it is not a core service, and staff turnover means some branches may not even know they can do it.

Stamps for bulk mailing or business use

If you mail dozens of letters regularly, USPS Forever Stamps are the best option. They never expire and always cover first-class postage, even if the price goes up. You can buy them in bulk online at usps.com or at any post office.

Businesses that mail thousands of pieces can set up a postage meter or permit imprint account with the post office. This is a separate process from buying stamps and requires an process. Contact your local post office or visit usps.com/business for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy stamps at an ATM?

No. ATMs dispense cash only. Some post offices have stamp vending machines near the entrance, but these are not common. Your best bet is the post office counter or a nearby grocery store.

Do I need to be a customer to buy stamps at a bank?

If a bank offers to order stamps for you, you typically do not need an account. But since most banks do not offer this service, the question rarely comes up. Call ahead to confirm.

What if my local post office is closed?

Go to a grocery store, pharmacy, or convenience store instead. They are usually open longer hours and on weekends. If you need stamps urgently and nothing is open, the USPS app lets you order online for delivery in a few days.

Are stamps cheaper anywhere?

No. The price is set by USPS and is the same everywhere—post offices, banks, grocery stores, and online. As of 2024, a single first-class stamp costs the same regardless of where you buy it.

Can I return stamps if I change my mind?

Yes. USPS will refund or replace unused stamps if you return them within one year with your receipt. Banks, grocery stores, and other retailers have their own return policies, so ask at the point of sale.