Head-to-head
Skrill vs PayPal: Which E-Wallet Wins in 2026?
PayPal has more merchants. Skrill has cheaper FX, instant gaming deposits, crypto built-in, and a cash-back loyalty program. Here's when each wins.
Open a Skrill accountFull feature comparison
| Feature | Skrill | PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant checkout fee | 1.9% flat | 2.9% + fixed |
| FX markup | 1.29%–3.99% (VIP-dependent) | ~4% on all cards |
| Send money to friends | 1.45% (free bank withdraw at VIP) | Free within country, ~4% abroad |
| Gaming & betting | Accepted at 200+ brands, instant deposits | Blocked or restricted in most markets |
| Crypto buy/sell | Built-in, 30+ coins | Limited to a few coins, US-mostly |
| Loyalty rewards | Knect — cash back in wallet | None |
| Prepaid card | Skrill Prepaid Mastercard | PayPal Debit (US only) |
| Currencies | 40+ | 25 |
| Countries | 180+ | 200 |
| Best for | Gaming, crypto, Forex, freelancers | General e-commerce |
Where Skrill beats PayPal
- Cheaper for international sending — Skrill VIP FX starts at 1.29%; PayPal is stuck near 4% on card-funded transfers.
- Gaming & Forex — Skrill is the default cashier at bet365, PokerStars, and most Forex brokers. PayPal blocks or restricts them in most markets.
- Crypto — Skrill lets you buy, sell, and transfer 30+ coins with high limits. PayPal's crypto is US-restricted and can't be moved off-platform easily.
- Knect loyalty — earn points on eligible payments and redeem as cash. PayPal offers no equivalent.
Where PayPal still wins
- Buyer protection on physical goods — PayPal's dispute system is more consumer-friendly for eBay/Etsy-style purchases.
- Merchant reach on general e-commerce — checkout button on more mainstream stores.
See our full Skrill review and fees breakdown for the numbers behind every row above.
Frequently asked questions
Is Skrill cheaper than PayPal?
For merchant checkout Skrill's flat fee (typically 1.9%) beats PayPal's 2.9% + fixed, and Skrill's FX markup at VIP tiers drops to 1.29% versus PayPal's ~4%.
Can I send money from Skrill to PayPal?
Not directly. You must withdraw from Skrill to your bank, then top up PayPal from the same bank account.
Which is safer, Skrill or PayPal?
Both are regulated (Skrill by the FCA in the UK, PayPal by the CBI in Ireland) and safeguard customer funds. PayPal offers stronger buyer protection on physical goods; Skrill is stricter on chargebacks.
Is Skrill accepted at more sites than PayPal?
For gaming, betting, Forex brokers, and crypto exchanges — yes. For general e-commerce PayPal has wider merchant coverage.