19 legitimate ways to get free stamps in 2024

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If you are an avid stamp collector, you may be interested in finding ways to expand your collection without spending money.

In this post, I’ll share some great places that offer free stamps to collectors. However, before we dive into the list, it’s important to note that there is no legal way to obtain free stamps for sending mail. So, if you’re looking for stamps for mailing purposes, you’ll have to purchase them or find other ways to get discounted stamps.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in adding new stamps to your collection, then this list is for you. The free stamps you’ll receive from these sources will either be used or collector editions with no legal value, but they can still be great additions to your collection.

So, let’s explore the different ways you can get free stamps for your collection.

Where can I get stamps for free?

Here are some legitimate ways to acquire free stamps for your collection:

1. International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors

If you’re an avid stamp collector looking to expand your collection, you can request stamps to the International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors.

This organization is dedicated to promoting the hobby of stamp collecting and has a vast collection of stamps from all over the world. You can contact them to request specific stamps or themes that you’re interested in, and they may be able to assist you in adding new and exciting pieces to your collection.

2. Vista Stamps

If you love collecting stamps, you might be interested in joining the Vista Stamps Stamp Approval Club. This is a great way to receive customized stamps in the mail that match your interests, without spending time searching for them yourself.

You will receive a free stamp gift upon signing up, a great incentive to try the club. Once you’re a member, Vista Stamps will mail you a selection of stamps based on your interests. You’ll have 20 days to examine the stamps and decide which ones to keep.

The best part about this club is that you only pay for the stamps you want to keep, and you can return the rest. There are no hidden fees or membership costs, so you can rest assured you’re getting a great deal. However, it’s worth noting that you will need to pay for return postage if you decide to return any stamps.

3. Arpin Philately

Arpin Philately is a renowned stamp collecting company that offers a unique Stamps on Approval Club for stamp enthusiasts. If you join this club, you will receive a customized selection of stamps delivered to your mail. You will have a generous 20-day period to examine the stamps and decide which ones you want to keep.

You can purchase only the stamps that you like and return the rest without any obligation to buy. The best part about this club is that there are no membership or club fees, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for stamp collectors. Additionally, as a goodwill gesture, you will receive a free stamp gift with your first order.

However, please note that the return postage will be at your expense.

4. Kidstamps

Are you based in the UK and between the ages of 5 and 19? If so, you may be interested in joining Kidstamps – a free postal club dedicated to young stamp collectors. By joining the club, you’ll access various exciting benefits, from receiving free stamps and collecting cards to participating in competitions and attending events.

To join Kidstamps, simply send an application and a stamp-addressed envelope to their address. Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a gift pack containing everything you need to start your stamp-collecting journey. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the world of stamps and connect with fellow collectors – sign up for Kidstamps today!

5. Contact local businesses

Many businesses receive a considerable amount of mail daily, and a stamp comes with every mail. You can take advantage of this fact and ask a business near you if they would save any stamps for you. It’s a great way to get free stamps without spending a dime. You may be surprised that most places just throw away the stamps that come with their mail and would be more than happy to save them for you.

All you need to do is ask politely, and you may end up with a decent collection of stamps that you can use for your mailing needs. It’s a win-win situation for you and the business: They get to help someone out in a small way, and you get to save some money on stamps.

6. Ask friends and coworkers

If you want to save on postage costs, you can easily collect stamps from your friends or coworkers. You could simply ask them to save stamps from their mail for you.

7. Ask family members

A great way to start your stamp collection is by asking your family members to save any stamps they receive in the mail for you. This way, you can get a variety of stamps from different sources.

You can also let them know what kinds of stamps you are interested in collecting, so they can keep an eye out for those specific types. It’s a simple and easy way to build up your collection over time.

8. Ask at local schools

Schools receive a significant amount of mail daily, from letters and bills to promotional materials and brochures. If you are a stamp collector or someone who uses stamps frequently, you can request the schools to save the stamps from the mail they receive. This way, you can acquire a substantial number of stamps and even rare or unique ones that you may not have encountered otherwise.

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9. Pen pals

Getting a pen pal is a good way to build your collection. By having a pen pal, you can exchange letters with each other and include some great stamps in the envelope.

This is an exciting way to expand your stamp collection while also connecting with someone from a different part of the world. Not only does it provide an opportunity to explore different cultures, but it also helps to improve your writing skills and communication abilities.

10. Check the attic

It’s possible that some old stamps are attached to letters stored in the attic. It’s worth looking, as you never know what treasures you may stumble upon in your home. These stamps could hold significant historical, monetary, or even sentimental value to you or your family. So, it’s definitely worth checking out!

11. Join a local stamp club

Are you looking for a stamp club nearby? If so, you might want to consider joining. Not only will you get the chance to meet other stamp enthusiasts, but you may also receive free stamps from other members eager to help beginners.

You can visit the American Philatelic Society website to find a stamp club near you. They have a search feature that allows you to find clubs by state or zip code. Once you find an interesting club, you can attend their meetings to learn more about stamp collecting and meet other collectors.

12. Go to a stamp show

Look for stamp shows near you, and don’t hesitate to attend them. At these events, you will find a large gathering of stamp enthusiasts and collectors happy to share their knowledge and expertise with you. Additionally, many people are willing to give stamps to beginning collectors for free, which can be a great way to grow your collection without breaking the bank.

13. Put an ad in your local newspaper

Place an ad in your local newspaper expressing your interest in any stamps people receive. While some people may ask for a small fee for their stamps, many are generous enough to give them away for free. Keep in mind that some of the stamps might not be worth much, but they can still be valuable additions to your collection. By taking advantage of this opportunity, you can build up your collection without spending a lot of money.

14. Check on Stamp Forums

Check out some stamp forums with members willing to give stamps to collectors just starting out. However, keep in mind that this isn’t the easiest way to get stamps. You can’t just sign up for a forum and ask for stamps in your first post. To increase your chances of receiving stamps, you need to become an established forum member and actively participate in discussions. That means making a good number of posts and contributing to the community in a meaningful way.

Fortunately, there are many stamp forums that you can join to start your stamp-collecting journey. Some popular ones include Stamp Community Forum, Stamp Boards, Stamporama, Stamp Bears, and Stamp Exchange. By joining these forums and engaging with other members, you can get free stamps, learn from experienced collectors, share your knowledge, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts.

15. OfferUp

Similar to Craigslist, OfferUp is a platform where people can buy and sell items locally. However, OfferUp has a designated section where users can list items they give away for free, including stamps.

While there’s no guarantee that free stamps will always be available, it’s definitely worth checking to see if anyone in your local area is offering them. Simply head to the free section on the website and search for stamps to see if there are any listings that interest you.

16. Craigslist

Craigslist can be your go-to platform if you’re looking for free stuff. It’s a great place to find free items people no longer need or want. While it’s true that vintage and collectible stamps are not commonly found on Craigslist, sometimes they do pop up. So, it’s always worth taking a look.

To find the free section in your city, navigate to the “For Sale” section and browse through the listings. You never know what you might find for free!

17. St. Vincent Stamps

St. Vincent Stamps gives stamps away for free! However, the stamps you receive are selected randomly, so you never know what you might get. To take advantage of this offer, you must send a self-addressed envelope to the website. Once they receive your envelope, they will send you some stamps as a free gift.

18. Check the mail

If you plan to discard any mail, it’s always a good idea to check for stamps. If you come across any stamps, make sure to handle them with care while removing them from the envelope. Be gentle and cautious to avoid causing any damage to the stamp in the process. This simple step can help you preserve valuable stamps you can use or sell in the future.

19. Freecycle

If you need free shipping supplies and postage material, I highly recommend checking out Freecycle. Freecycle is a platform where people give away items they no longer need for free, and you can often find useful items such as stamps.

By browsing through the listings on Freecycle, you may come across someone giving away stamps for free.

20. American Philatelic Society

The Young Stamp Collectors of America club is a paid membership program, hence its last listing. It caters to stamp collectors aged between 6 and 17. As a new member, you will receive a treasure package that includes a variety of stamps and informative materials to help you develop your love for stamp collecting.

The club is an excellent platform to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for stamp collecting.

The bottom line

If you’re eager to collect stamps but have a limited budget, consider checking out the places listed above.

It’s great to discover the variety of places where you can get stamps for free!