Skrill vs PayPal
A side-by-side look at how these two wallets stack up — and which one wins for which job.
| Feature | Skrill | PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 3.6 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 |
| Best for | International online payments | Online shopping & buyer protection |
| Monthly fee | Free; EUR 5/mo inactivity after 12 months | Free |
| Exchange rate | Up to 3.99% | ~3–4% above wholesale rate |
| Send / receive | Free to other Skrill users | Free friends/family same currency; goods & services fees apply |
| Withdrawals | Varies by method | Free standard bank transfer; ~1% instant |
| Card | Yes — prepaid Mastercard (region-dependent) | Limited (debit/credit in some markets, e.g. US) |
| Availability | 120+ countries | 200+ countries/regions |
| Currencies | 40+ currencies | 25 currencies |
| Regulation | UK FCA (Paysafe Group) | FinCEN (US), Luxembourg CSSF (EU) |
| Founded | 2001 | 1998 |
Skrill
Skrill is a long-established Paysafe-owned e-wallet popular for online payments, trading and cross-border transfers, holding 40+ currencies with optional crypto and a prepaid Mastercard. It scores well on acceptance and features but its FX markup (up to 3.99%) and assorted withdrawal/inactivity fees make it pricier than newer neobanks. A solid choice where merchant acceptance matters more than cost.
Pros
- Widely accepted by online merchants and trading platforms
- Buy/sell crypto in-wallet
- Holds 40+ currencies
Cons
- FX markup up to 3.99% is high vs neobanks
- EUR 5/mo inactivity fee after 12 months
- Withdrawal fees vary and add up
PayPal
PayPal is the most widely accepted online payment service, valued for its buyer protection and near-universal merchant coverage. Its convenience comes at a cost: currency conversion markups of roughly 3–4% and layered international fees make it expensive for cross-border transfers compared with dedicated specialists. Best suited to online shopping rather than low-cost money movement.
Pros
- Accepted by millions of merchants worldwide
- Strong buyer and seller protection
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- High currency conversion markup (~3–4%)
- International receiving fees add up
- Account freezes/holds reported by some users
The bottom line
Overall, Skrill edges ahead with a score of 3.6 versus 3.6 — but the right choice depends on your priorities. Check both against your own country and use case before deciding.