Head-to-head
Skrill vs Revolut: Which One Should You Use?
Revolut is a neobank for daily spending. Skrill is a specialist wallet for gaming, crypto, and Forex. You'll usually keep both.
Open a Skrill accountFeature comparison
| Feature | Skrill | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Type | E-wallet + prepaid card | Neobank / IBAN account |
| Gaming & betting | Accepted at 200+ brands | Blocked by default |
| Crypto | 30+ coins, buy/sell/send | 60+ coins, buy/sell only |
| FX fee | 1.29%–3.99% (VIP) | Free to plan cap, then 0.5% + 1% weekends |
| ATM withdrawals | 1.75% via card | Free up to plan cap |
| Salary / IBAN | No | Yes |
| Loyalty | Knect (cash back) | RevPoints (limited) |
| Regulation | FCA (UK) | Bank of Lithuania |
| Best for | Gaming, Forex, crypto, freelancers | Daily spending, travel in EU |
When Skrill wins
- You deposit at betting or poker sites — Revolut cards get declined.
- You send crypto off-platform.
- You receive freelance payments in exotic currencies.
- You want a cash-back loyalty program you can withdraw.
When Revolut wins
- You want a full bank replacement with salary + direct debits.
- You travel in Europe and rarely exceed the free FX cap.
- You want budgeting tools and split-bill features.
Cost example: spending €2,000 abroad in a month
- Revolut Standard — first €1,000 free, remaining €1,000 at 0.5% (plus 1% on weekend spend) ≈ €5–15.
- Revolut Premium — inside the higher cap, effectively €0 in FX but a monthly subscription.
- Skrill (no VIP) — 3.99% ≈ €80.
- Skrill (Diamond VIP) — 1.29% ≈ €26.
For card spending abroad Revolut is clearly cheaper. Skrill's value shows up where Revolut can't go — gaming cashiers, Forex brokers and crypto. Model your own numbers with the fees calculator.
Deposits at betting and casino sites
This is the single biggest practical difference. Revolut applies gambling-merchant blocks by default and its cards are frequently declined at betting cashiers even when the block is disabled. Skrill appears as a named deposit method at 200+ licensed brands, deposits credit instantly, and withdrawals return to the same wallet — usually within 24 hours, faster than a card refund.
Safety and regulation
Revolut holds a banking licence via Lithuania, so balances held with the bank entity carry EU deposit protection up to €100,000. Skrill is an FCA-authorised e-money institution that safeguards balances in segregated accounts but has no deposit-insurance scheme. For large idle balances, that favours Revolut; for working balances you spend and move, the difference rarely matters. See is Skrill safe.
Verdict by use case
- Salary, rent and daily card spend → Revolut.
- Betting, poker and Forex deposits → Skrill.
- Sending crypto off-platform → Skrill.
- Travel and ATM withdrawals → Revolut.
- Cash-back you can actually withdraw → Skrill Knect.
Use both. Salary and daily spend on Revolut; gaming, crypto, and international sending on Skrill. Compare the wider field in our best e-wallets ranking.
Frequently asked questions
Is Skrill or Revolut better for gambling?
Skrill. Revolut blocks most gambling merchants by default and its cards are declined at many betting sites. Skrill is the accepted cashier at 200+ betting brands with instant deposits.
Which is cheaper for FX, Skrill or Revolut?
For small monthly volumes Revolut Standard is cheaper (free FX up to €1,000/month). Above the cap Revolut charges 0.5% + 1% on weekends. Skrill VIP tiers drop to 1.29% with no weekend markup.
Can I use Skrill as a bank account like Revolut?
No. Skrill is an e-wallet with a prepaid Mastercard — no salary IBAN, no direct debits. Revolut works more like a bank account.
Can I transfer money from Revolut to Skrill?
Yes. Top up Skrill using your Revolut card or send a bank transfer from your Revolut IBAN to your Skrill account. Card top-ups are instant; bank transfers take 1–3 days.
Does Revolut allow crypto withdrawals like Skrill?
Revolut lets most users buy and sell crypto and, on supported plans, withdraw to external wallets with network fees. Skrill supports buying, selling and sending 30+ coins directly from the wallet balance.
Which is safer, Skrill or Revolut?
Both are regulated e-money providers that safeguard customer funds — Skrill by the FCA in the UK, Revolut through its Lithuanian banking licence, which adds EU deposit protection on balances held with the bank entity.
Should I use Skrill or Revolut for travel?
Revolut, for free ATM allowances and in-cap FX. Keep Skrill for online spending, gaming and sending money to other wallets.