Skrill
Skrill is a payment platform regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), designed for individuals and businesses who need to transfer money fast, securely, and across different countries. Known previously as Moneybookers, the company was acquired by Paysafe, and it has become a trusted tool for freelancers, traders, and international merchants.
This Skrill review focuses on how users send and receive money, manage their wallet, and conduct global money transfers through a user-friendly interface. You can use Skrill via web or mobile, and even download the Skrill app for more flexibility.
It supports over 40 types of currency and allows international transfers to bank accounts, prepaid cards, and digital wallets. With the Skrill prepaid card, EU-based users gain direct access to funds for purchase, withdrawal, and everyday use.
The platform is especially popular in gaming, e-commerce, and high-risk industries. With a transparent fee structure and support for cryptocurrency, it offers a modern alternative to traditional banks and even platforms like PayPal and Neteller.
However, user opinions vary. Some reviewers report a great experience and timely transaction processing, while others highlight issues with verification, customer service, and delayed access to funds.
Characteristic | Details |
---|---|
Regions | Global (except a few restricted) |
Getting started | Online application |
Annual fee | Free / VIP tiers apply |
Commission per transaction | 1.45% (standard) |
Payment methods accepted | Cards, bank transfers, crypto |
Fraud & Risk management | Standard tools + 2FA |
Accepted Currencies | 40+ |
Set up type | Hosted + API |
Onboarding & Approvals | 1–3 business days |
Recurring Billing | Yes |
Charges on Refunds | Yes |
SDK Stacks | REST API, Mobile SDK |
Settlement time | 1–3 days |
Payouts support | Yes |
Split payments | No |
RegionsGlobal (except a few restricted) | |
Getting startedOnline application | |
Annual feeFree / VIP tiers apply | |
Commission per transaction1.45% (standard) | |
Payment methods acceptedCards, bank transfers, crypto | |
Fraud & Risk managementStandard tools + 2FA | |
Accepted Currencies40+ | |
Set up typeHosted + API | |
Onboarding & Approvals1–3 business days | |
Recurring BillingYes | |
Charges on RefundsYes | |
SDK StacksREST API, Mobile SDK | |
Settlement time1–3 days | |
Payouts supportYes | |
Split paymentsNo |
Pros
- Easy to use Skrill for money transfers
- Free to open account
- Fast transfer to 130+ countries
- Supports cryptocurrency
- VIP program for loyal users
Cons
- High transaction fees
- Frequent user complaints
- Limited customer support
- Account freezes reported
- Split payments not supported
Why Use Skrill for International Money Transfers
Skrill offers a digital wallet that simplifies international money transfers, making it suitable for both individuals and businesses. Whether you need to deposit, withdraw, or process a payment, Skrill allows real-time access to your funds through a secure, regulated by the Financial Conduct platform.
Its broad range of supported currency, relatively fast transaction speeds, and the option to receive payments globally make it appealing for freelancers, digital nomads, and e-commerce vendors. Integration with gaming platforms and support for credit card and bank transfers only adds to its versatility.
How to Open an Account and Start Transferring
To open a Skrill account, simply provide your email address, create a password, and complete the verification process. You’ll need to verify your identity using a passport or government-issued ID and confirm your bank details.
Once your account is active, you can start making payments, send remittance, and withdraw to your bank accounts or Skrill prepaid card. Business users can integrate Skrill into their payment system via REST API or hosted checkout.
Reviewer Insights: Great Experience or Trouble?
Reading actual feedback helps: we recommend you read customer service reviews on Trustpilot or Reddit before committing. A typical reviewer may either report a great experience or voice concern about delayed replies from customer support, particularly during the verification phase.
Some users struggle with long response times, unclear KYC steps, or having to verify documents multiple times. Skrill has taken steps to combat fake reviews by verifying profiles and adding a “labeled verified” badge on select reviewer accounts.
Is Skrill Safe for Every Transaction?
Skrill is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and includes standard features like encryption, two-factor authentication, and AML compliance. But no system is perfect. Users have reported negative experiences like locked wallets, frozen funds, and blocked withdrawal requests involving high-value transactions.
Skrill responded by tightening its onboarding and verification protocols and adding better transparency. The platform also started flagging suspicious behavior earlier to reduce risks in transaction processing.
The Real Cost of Using Skrill for Transfers
While opening a Skrill account is free, you will pay for almost every transfer and currency conversion. The standard fee per transaction is 1.45%, while currency conversion fees can hit 3.99%. If your account is inactive for over 6 months, a €5 fee applies.
Skrill charges also apply to withdrawals (starting at €5.50) and some deposit methods. However, the VIP loyalty program reduces many of these costs for high-volume users.
Who Should Use Skrill: Business Types and Use Cases
Skrill works best for high-volume or high-risk online industries like forex, gaming, or e-commerce. It’s a solid tool for global money transfers where you want to send and receive money without opening local bank accounts in each region.
Freelancers in need of fast international payouts also benefit — especially those working across different countries who need to manage currency fluctuations and exchange rate markups efficiently.
Can Brick-and-Mortar Customers Use Skrill?
Offline businesses aren’t the core audience, but physical clients in the EU can use the Skrill prepaid card to purchase items or withdraw from ATMs. For in-store payment, Skrill’s support is minimal compared to modern POS systems.
However, small businesses that offer online + offline hybrid services may still find value in the platform, particularly for handling online payment flows.
FAQ
Is Skrill safe for large transactions?
Skrill uses industry-standard encryption, FCA regulation, and KYC checks. However, many users report account freezes, especially with high transaction volumes. Businesses handling large sums should ensure full compliance and maintain documentation to avoid unexpected reviews.
Why is my Skrill account frozen?
Account freezes usually happen due to missing KYC documentation, suspicious activity, or sudden transaction spikes. Skrill’s risk algorithms automatically block accounts in such cases. To resolve it, users must provide ID, address proof, and sometimes business invoices or source-of-funds documentation.
Can I receive crypto payments through Skrill?
You can't receive crypto directly from users, but Skrill allows buying and selling major cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) via fiat balance. It's more of an exchange feature than a crypto payment gateway.
Does Skrill work with PayPal or Stripe?
No. Skrill operates independently and doesn’t offer direct integration with PayPal or Stripe. If you need to use multiple gateways, you’ll need third-party tools or manual reconciliation.
How long do Skrill withdrawals take?
Withdrawals typically take 1–3 business days. Bank delays, compliance checks, or international transfers can stretch this to 5–7 days in some cases. Express withdrawals are available for VIP users.