Head-to-head
Skrill vs Wise: Wallet vs Transfer Service
Wise is the cheapest way to move money between bank accounts. Skrill is the specialist wallet for gaming, crypto, and merchant payments. They solve different problems.
Open a Skrill accountFeature comparison
| Feature | Skrill | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Type | E-wallet + prepaid card | International transfer service |
| FX | 1.29%–3.99% (VIP) | Mid-market + ~0.4% |
| Merchant checkout | Yes (1.9% flat) | No — bank transfers only |
| Gaming & betting | Accepted at 200+ brands | Restricted / declined |
| Crypto | Buy/sell 30+ coins | None |
| Local receiving accounts | No | Yes (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, more) |
| Loyalty (Knect) | Yes — cash back | None |
| Best for | Gaming, crypto, merchant payments | Cheap bank-to-bank transfers |
Use Wise when
- You are wiring money from bank to bank between countries.
- You need a local receiving account (get paid in USD as a non-US resident).
- You want the cheapest possible mid-market FX with no wallet features.
Use Skrill when
- You deposit at gaming, betting, or Forex-broker sites.
- You want to buy or send crypto directly from the wallet.
- You pay at online merchants that accept Skrill checkout.
- You want a rewards program that pays you back in cash.
Most specialists use both. Wise for pure remittance, Skrill for everything else.
Frequently asked questions
Is Skrill or Wise cheaper?
For pure bank-to-bank remittance Wise is cheaper (~0.4% on mid-market FX). For merchant checkout, gaming deposits, or when you already hold a wallet balance Skrill is cheaper.
Can I use Wise for gambling?
Wise's terms restrict use for gambling and Wise cards are often declined at betting sites. Skrill is the standard cashier at 200+ gambling brands.
Does Wise support crypto like Skrill?
No. Wise does not offer crypto buy/sell. Skrill has a built-in crypto service with 30+ coins.