Most people default to the post office when they need stamps, then get frustrated by the line. That is rarely the fastest option, and it is almost never the only one.
Stamps are sold at face value in more places than most shoppers realize. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and general retailers carry them right alongside the post office.
Here is where to buy stamps, what each option actually offers, and which ones to skip.
Where to buy stamps: the quick answer
Any post office, most grocery stores and pharmacies, USPS.com, and The UPS Store all sell stamps at face value. That covers nearly every practical option for where to buy stamps without hunting for a specialty shop.
Where to buy stamps at face value
| Retailer | Sells stamps | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USPS post office | Yes | Widest selection, including self service kiosks at larger locations |
| USPS.com | Yes | Ships booklets and rolls to your door, sometimes with a small shipping fee below a minimum order |
| Walmart | Yes | Usually at the customer service desk |
| Kroger and Safeway | Yes | Customer service desk, availability varies by store |
| CVS and Walgreens | Yes | Front register or customer service counter |
| Target | Yes | Customer service desk at most locations |
| Costco | Yes | Sometimes sells stamps in bulk coils at a small discount |
| The UPS Store | Yes | Sold as part of its mailing services, sometimes with a small fee per stamp for single stamps |
| Amazon | Yes | Buy only from authorized sellers with strong ratings to avoid counterfeits |
Our full guide to current stamp prices covers exactly what you should pay at any of these, since face value is the same everywhere legitimate.
Buying stamps at the post office
A retail clerk at any post office counter sells stamps in books, sheets, or rolls. Larger post offices also have self service kiosks that stay open around the clock, even after the retail counter closes.
This is the only place guaranteed to carry every current design and denomination, including specialty and commemorative stamps. It is also usually the slowest option if you just need a quick book of Forever stamps.
Buying stamps at grocery stores and pharmacies
Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, CVS, and Walgreens all commonly stock Forever stamp booklets near the customer service counter. Selection is limited to standard Forever stamps, not commemorative designs or specialty postage.
Stock varies by individual store, so a location running low might not have any on hand that day. Calling ahead avoids a wasted trip if you specifically need stamps right now.
Buying stamps online
USPS.com sells stamps directly and ships them to your address, which is convenient if you plan ahead. Amazon also carries stamps through third party sellers, but only buy from sellers with strong ratings and reviews.
Counterfeit stamps do circulate through some online marketplaces. A price noticeably below face value on a bulk listing is the clearest warning sign of a fake.
Buying stamps at the UPS Store
The UPS Store sells stamps as part of its broader mailing services, separate from UPS the shipping carrier itself. UPS as a shipping company does not sell postage stamps, since stamps are a USPS product.
Some UPS Store locations charge a small convenience fee for single stamps rather than a full book. Confirm pricing before counting on this option for a large order.
Places to avoid overpaying
Some independent shipping and mailbox stores mark up single stamps well above face value. That premium buys convenience, not a better stamp, since every legitimate Forever stamp works identically regardless of where you bought it.
Check a retailer’s price against the current face value from our stamp pricing guide before paying extra for convenience.
How many stamps to buy at once
A standard book contains 20 stamps, and a roll typically contains 100. Our guide to stamp roll sizes covers when a roll makes more sense than a book.
Buying ahead of an announced price increase locks in the lower rate, since Forever stamps never lose value. Our guide to how Forever stamps work explains that protection in full.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy stamps besides the post office?
Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, CVS, Walgreens, Target, Costco, and The UPS Store all commonly sell stamps at face value. USPS.com and Amazon are the main online options.
Does Walmart sell stamps?
Yes, typically at the customer service desk. Selection is limited to standard Forever stamp booklets.
Does CVS sell stamps?
Yes. Our full guide to buying stamps at CVS covers pricing, availability, and what to expect at the register.
Does the UPS Store sell stamps?
Yes, as part of its mailing services. That is separate from UPS the shipping carrier, which does not sell postage stamps.
Can I buy stamps online?
Yes. USPS.com sells them directly, and Amazon carries them through authorized third party sellers. Stick to sellers with strong ratings to avoid counterfeits.
Is it ever cheaper to buy stamps somewhere other than the post office?
Rarely, since face value is standard everywhere legitimate. Costco occasionally offers a small bulk discount on coil rolls, but most retailers sell at the same price as USPS.
The bottom line
Where to buy stamps comes down to convenience more than price, since legitimate retailers all sell at the same face value. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and general retailers cover most everyday needs without a trip to the post office.
Save the post office counter for specialty designs or larger orders it is better equipped to handle. For current pricing on whatever you buy, see our stamp price guide.
