Skrill – Services, pricing, comparisons and reviews

Last updated on 29 September 2023

Skrill, originally known as Moneybookers, is a UK-based online wallet service that facilitates convenient digital payments for personal and business use. This in-depth article offers a comprehensive review of Skrill’s services, pricing, comparisons with similar platforms, and customer reviews.

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Headline numbers

  • Over 40 million customers worldwide.
  • Accessible in more than 200 countries and 40 different currencies.
  • Supports over 100 deposit methods.
  • Present in the market for more than 20 years.

Skrill fees and charges

DetailSkrill WalletSkrill Prepaid MastercardSkrill Rapid TransferSkrill Payment ProcessingSkrill Digital Wallet for CasinosSkrill Money TransferSkrill Virtual Prepaid Card
Product nameSkrill WalletSkrill Prepaid MastercardSkrill Rapid TransferSkrill Payment ProcessingSkrill Wallet for CasinosSkrill Money TransferSkrill Virtual Prepaid Card
Contract lengthNo ContractNo ContractNo Contract12 Months12 MonthsNo ContractNo Contract
Terminal costN/AN/AN/A£250£250N/AN/A
Consumer card fees1.45%£10 Annual FeeFrom 1%From 1.5%£From 1.5%From 1.5%£0.02
Business card feesN/AN/AN/AFrom 1.5%From 1.5%N/AN/A
Card not present (CNP) feesN/AN/AN/AFrom 1.5%From 1.5%N/AN/A
Minimum monthly chargeNoneNoneNone£20£20NoneNone
Refund fees£5£6£0.01£3£3£3£3
Chargebacks£15£15£15£15£15£15£15
Replacement deviceN/A£10N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
PCI complianceCompliantCompliantCompliantCompliantCompliantCompliantCompliant
Early terminationN/AN/AN/A£150£150N/AN/A
Skrill fees and charges

Note: The above are typical fees as of June 2023. Fees can vary based on specific agreements or specific country regulations. Please check with Skrill for the most accurate and current information.

Company information

DetailInformation
Founded (date, location)2001, London, United Kingdom
Website URLwww.skrill.com
Phone number+44 203 308 2520
FSCS protected?No
FCA regulated?Yes
Company information

Pros and cons of Skrill

Pros

  • Broad international coverage with over 200 countries and 40 currencies.
  • Multiple deposit and withdrawal methods.
  • Competitive fees for international transfers.
  • Advanced security measures, including 2-factor authentication.

Cons

  • Not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
  • Some users report long processing times for account verification.
  • Fees can accumulate with inactive accounts.
  • Customer service may be less responsive than some competitors.

Skrill products and services

Skrill Wallet

Enables customers to send and receive payments worldwide in 40 different currencies. You can upload funds using a variety of methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and other local payment methods depending on your location. Skrill charges a fee of 1.45% for transfers. Receiving money into your Skrill account is free.

Skrill Prepaid Mastercard

Allows you to access your Skrill funds instantly, wherever Mastercard is accepted. Available to residents of authorised European Economic Area (EEA) countries. There is a £10 annual fee for the card, with a foreign transaction fee of 3.99%. See prepaid cards.

Skrill Knect

Skrill’s loyalty programme which allows users to earn points when they transact using their Skrill wallet or prepaid Mastercard. Points can be exchanged for a variety of rewards, including cash vouchers, gift cards, and bonuses.

Skrill for Business

Offers a comprehensive payment solution for online businesses, including an integrated payment gateway, quick checkout capability, and fraud and risk management. Fees are negotiated on a per-business basis.

Skrill Rapid Transfer

This instant banking solution allows businesses to accept payments directly from their website or app without customers leaving the site. It supports over 170 banks worldwide and charges a fee starting from 1% per transaction.

Skrill Payment Processing

This service enables businesses to accept payments in numerous currencies and from various methods, including cards, wallets, and local payment options, boosting the potential for international growth.

Skrill Digital Wallet Integration for Online Casinos

This service is tailored for the online gambling industry, enabling easy and secure deposits and withdrawals for customers. It supports multiple currencies and payment methods.

Skrill Money Transfer for Business

Ideal for small businesses and freelancers, this service facilitates low-cost international money transfers. Fees vary depending on the countries and currencies involved.

Skrill Virtual Prepaid Card

This digital card can be used for online purchases where Mastercard is accepted. It offers an additional layer of security for business transactions since it isn’t linked to a physical card.

Skrill reviews

Review PlatformRating
TrustPilot3.2/5
Google Reviews3.6/5
Reviews.io2.7/5
Average3.16/5
Skrill reviews

Alternatives to Skrill

  1. PayPal: A widely-used payment platform with a broad international reach. May offer more intuitive user interface but with potentially higher fees.
  2. Wise: Previously known as Transferwise, this is a good alternative for international transfers due to its use of real exchange rates and transparent fee structure.
  3. Revolut: A fintech company that offers multi-currency accounts, low-cost international transfers, and a prepaid debit card.

Additional considerations

Before choosing a digital wallet like Skrill, consider the following:

  • Understand the fee structure thoroughly, especially for international transactions.
  • Check the availability of customer service in your location.
  • If you are a business, consider the integration of the platform with your existing infrastructure.

Skrill company history

Founded in London in 2001 under the name Moneybookers, Skrill has grown to become one of the world’s leading digital payment companies.

In 2010, Moneybookers was rebranded as Skrill, offering an enhanced suite of payment and money transfer services. The company was acquired by Paysafe Group, a global provider of end-to-end payment solutions, in 2015.

FAQ

Is Skrill safe for business use?

Yes, Skrill is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and utilises advanced encryption technologies to ensure the safety of transactions.

How can my business benefit from using Skrill?

Skrill offers various payment solutions tailored for businesses such as a payment gateway, quick checkout capability, and fraud and risk management.

Are there any fees involved in using Skrill for my business?

Yes, there are transaction fees, currency conversion fees, and potentially other charges depending on your usage. Contact Skrill’s business team for a detailed fee structure.

Can I integrate Skrill with my e-commerce platform?

Yes, Skrill offers easy integration with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce.

Is Skrill’s customer service reliable?

Reviews about Skrill’s customer service are mixed. Some users find it responsive, while others have reported long waiting times.

What currencies are supported by Skrill?

Skrill supports over 40 different currencies, making it suitable for international businesses.

What happens if a customer disputes a transaction?

In the event of a disputed transaction, Skrill’s customer service will guide both parties through the process of investigation and resolution.

Is there a mobile app for Skrill?

Yes, Skrill has a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices, which allows you to manage your account and transactions on the go.

What is Skrill Knect?

Skrill Knect is Skrill’s loyalty programme. It allows users to earn points when they transact using their Skrill wallet or prepaid Mastercard, which can be exchanged for a variety of rewards.

Can I have multiple currencies in my Skrill account?

Yes, you can hold multiple currencies in your Skrill account, which can be beneficial for businesses dealing with international customers.

Does Skrill have a physical card I can use?

Yes, Skrill offers a Prepaid Mastercard for customers residing in authorised EEA countries.

What are the limits for sending money with Skrill?

The transaction limits depend on your account status. Skrill’s VIP program offers higher limits, among other benefits.

What is the processing time for Skrill transactions?

The majority of Skrill transactions are processed instantly. However, bank transfers may take 2-5 business days to process.

Can I use Skrill for cryptocurrency transactions?

Yes, Skrill allows users to buy and sell a range of cryptocurrencies directly from their account.

What are the fees for using Skrill’s Prepaid Mastercard?

The Skrill Prepaid Mastercard has a £10 annual fee. Other fees, like those for ATM withdrawals and foreign transactions, can apply.

Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of?

Skrill’s fees are outlined in its terms and conditions. However, be aware that inactivity for over 12 months can result in a service fee.

Can I send money to a person who doesn’t have a Skrill account?

Yes, but the recipient will need to create a Skrill account to retrieve the funds.

How do I prevent unauthorised access to my Skrill account?

Skrill provides two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security to your account.

How does Skrill handle fraud prevention?

Skrill has robust anti-fraud measures in place and is compliant with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS Level 1).

Can I withdraw money from my Skrill account to my bank account?

Yes, you can withdraw funds from your Skrill account to your personal or business bank account. Fees may apply.

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Reviewed by , Managing Director

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