Remitly vs Skrill
Side-by-side comparison — pricing, features, ratings, use cases. Find which Money Transfer fits you best.
🔍 Independently researched ·
📊 Data-driven
73/100
Free tier
US-based immigrants and their families who regularly send moderate amounts to popular corridors like India, Mexico, and
★ Best
💰 Pricing
🆓 Free tier available
No subscription required, but each transfer incurs fees based on speed, payment method, and destination. First transfer may be free on select corridors.
Starting at 4 zł (per_transaction)
Fee notes:
- Economy transfer fees start at $0 for select corridors (e.g., US→Mexico) and are typically $0.99 for bank transfers to India.
- Express transfer fees range from $1.99 to $9.99 depending on corridor and payment method.
- FX markup averages about 1% above the mid-market rate but varies by currency pair and transfer size.
- Standard accounts have no monthly fee; costs are per transaction.
- Cash pickup services may incur additional location-specific fees.
⚠ Watch for:
- Credit card payments may trigger cash advance fees (2–4%) from your card issuer.
- Cash pickup can add service charges up to $5–$10 in certain countries.
- Cancellation fees may apply after a transfer has entered processing.
- Some corridors impose a minimum FX markup even for large transfers.
🔧 Features
✓ Express Option✓ Economy Option✓ Remittance Focus✓ Us Corridors✓ Mobile App✓ Free Tier
📋 Assessment
💪 Strengths
- Express transfers are genuinely fast: For corridors like US-to-India and US-to-Mexico, transfers often arrive in under 10 minutes. This is a standout feature for emergency funds or time-sensitive payments, where the convenience of near-instant delivery outweighs the slightly higher fee.
- Economy transfers offer low, flat fees: Often $0 to $1, regardless of amount, for non-urgent transfers. This makes it cost-effective for regular remittances where the recipient can wait 3-5 days. We've seen quarterly promotions that waive fees entirely for first-time users.
- The mobile app is intuitive and feature-rich: It includes saved recipient profiles, transfer tracking with notifications, and a rate alert system. Users can also set up recurring transfers, which streamline regular support for family. The interface is clean and requires minimal navigation, making it accessible even for less tech-savvy users.
- Strong focus on recipient experience: Recipients can choose delivery methods that fit their needs, including bank deposit, cash pickup at locations like 7-Eleven in Mexico, and mobile money options in some regions. This flexibility ensures that even recipients without bank accounts can access funds.
- Transparent fee structure: The app clearly displays the exchange rate and the total amount the recipient will get before you confirm the transfer. This transparency helps users understand the true cost, although the markup is not always prominently highlighted.
⚠ Watch out for
- Exchange rate markups erode savings: While fees are low, the exchange rate is often 1-3% above the mid-market rate, and this is where Remitly makes its profit. For larger transfers, this markup can exceed the cost of a competing service with a higher fee but a better rate. Always compare the total cost, not just the fee.
- Limited corridor coverage: Remitly supports only about 30 countries for sending, which is significantly fewer than pay-as-you-go rivals like Wise. If you need to send to a less common destination, you'll likely need to use another service, making Remitly a one-corridor solution for many users.
- Low transfer limits for new users: New users are typically limited to sending $1,000 or less per transfer until they complete additional verification and build a transaction history. This can be inconvenient for users who need to send a large one-time amount, such as a down payment or tuition.
- No phone support: Customer support is available via email, chat, and an AI-driven FAQ, but there is no phone line. For urgent issues, this lack of immediate human contact can be frustrating, especially for older users who prefer voice support.
- Pricing can be confusing: While the fee is clear, the exchange rate markup is not always upfront. Users must manually compare the rate to the mid-market rate, and the app sometimes shows a 'promotional rate' for first-time transfers that may not persist, leading to sticker shock on subsequent transfers.
🎯 Best for
US-based immigrants and their families who regularly send moderate amounts to popular corridors like India, Mexico, and the Philippines and want a simple mobile app with both fast and low-cost options.
🚫 Who should skip
Anyone with substantial transfer amounts (over $10,000) or needing a wide range of currencies and business features, as Remitly's limits and focus on consumer remittances fall short.
📚 Learning curve
Minimal — setting up a transfer takes only a few minutes, and the app guides you through all options, but understanding the fee and exchange-rate tradeoffs between Express and Economy takes a little attention.
🧑⚖️ Verdict
Remitly is an excellent choice for frequent remitters to India, Mexico, and the Philippines who prioritize speed and convenience and are comfortable with the exchange rate markup. However, if you need to send larger amounts or to less common corridors, or you want the best overall exchange rate, oth
28/100
Free tier
Skrill is best for European users who regularly deposit into online gaming, betting, and forex accounts and want a singl
💰 Pricing
🆓 Free tier available
No monthly fee to hold an account; fees apply to transfers, currency exchange, card usage, and other services.
Fee notes:
- Transfer fees: vary by country, currency, payment method, and amount; typically 1.45% to 4.99% for card-funded transfers, plus applicable fixed fees.
- Currency conversion markup: 3.99% above the mid-market rate for standard conversions; may be lower for premium or high-volume users.
- Bank transfer fees: often free or low cost for SEPA transfers in EUR, but other methods may incur fees.
- Credit/debit card funding: usually incurs a fee of up to 1.45% or more, while bank transfers may be free or minimal.
- Cash pickup: fees vary by corridor; typically start around 1.99% and can be higher depending on destination.
⚠ Watch for:
- FX markup: 3.99% is added to the mid-market rate for currency conversion, which is much higher than many competitors like Wise or Revolut.
- Credit/debit card funding fees can be as high as 1.45% even for domestic transfers, making them non-obvious.
- Inactive account fee: after 12 months of no activity, a monthly inactivity fee of $5 / €5 is charged.
- Currency conversion fee sometimes applies even when sending in the same currency if you use a card funded in another currency.
🔧 Features
✓ Digital Wallet✓ Crypto Buy✓ Prepaid Card✓ Gaming Focus✓ Paysafe Group✓ Free Tier
📋 Assessment
💪 Strengths
- Unmatched acceptance in online gaming and betting: Skrill is one of the most widely accepted payment methods across European online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms. For users who regularly deposit or withdraw from such sites, having a Skrill wallet eliminates the need to use credit cards directly, offering an extra layer of privacy and often faster transaction processing. Many betting platforms also offer exclusive bonuses for Skrill deposits, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent gamblers.
- Built-in crypto exchange: Skrill allows users to trade over 40 cryptocurrencies directly from their wallet balance, without needing to transfer funds to a separate exchange. This integrated approach simplifies the process, especially for beginners, and supports instant conversion between fiat and crypto. The ability to hold crypto alongside fiat in one account provides a convenient way to diversify assets, though the spread and fees are higher than dedicated exchanges.
- Skrill Prepaid Mastercard: The associated prepaid card converts your wallet balance into a widely accepted spending tool. You can use it wherever Mastercard is accepted, both online and in physical stores, and withdraw cash from ATMs. The card is directly linked to your wallet, so funds are available immediately after loading. For users who want to spend their gaming winnings or crypto proceeds without transferring to a bank account, this card is a practical bridge.
- VIP program and loyalty rewards: Skrill's VIP tiers reward high-volume users with lower fees on currency conversion, withdrawals, and card usage. The program is based on rolling 12-month transaction volume, and even mid-tier frequent users can see meaningful savings. Additionally, the Skrill Loyalty Program earns you points for every transaction, which can be redeemed for vouchers or cash, effectively giving active users a small rebate on their activity.
⚠ Watch out for
- High currency conversion fees: Skrill charges a markup of approximately 3.99% above the interbank exchange rate for currency conversions. This is significantly higher than many competitors, such as Wise (0.43% for most currencies) or Revolut (0.5% on weekdays). For international money transfers or payments in foreign currencies, this fee can severely reduce the amount received, making Skrill a poor choice for those seeking cost-effective cross-border transfers.
- Withdrawal and transaction fees are pervasive: Many standard actions incur fees: withdrawing to a bank account costs from €1.50 up to €5.50 depending on currency and method; receiving money into your wallet often incurs a fee (e.g., 1.45% for card payments); and even holding a balance in a currency other than your primary may trigger small service charges. These costs add up quickly, especially for users who move money infrequently or in small amounts. For a straightforward person-to-person transfer, cheaper alternatives exist.
- Inactivity fee erodes dormant balances: After 12 months of no account activity, Skrill applies a monthly inactivity fee of €3.00 (or equivalent), which can gradually drain your balance to zero. This is a particularly harsh policy for users who may hold funds in their wallet for long periods, such as after a big win or when not actively trading. While many wallets have dormant fees, Skrill's relatively high amount makes it important to either use the account regularly or withdraw all funds.
- Account freezes and verification issues: Some users report that their accounts are frozen or subjected to extended verification checks, especially when dealing with gaming-related transactions or large sums. This can lead to delays in accessing funds, which is frustrating and, if the freeze is prolonged, could impact financial planning. While this is common in the e-wallet industry due to anti-money laundering regulations, Skrill's customer service response times in such situations are reportedly slow, exacerbating user frustration.
🎯 Best for
Skrill is best for European users who regularly deposit into online gaming, betting, and forex accounts and want a single e-wallet with optional crypto access and a prepaid card.
🚫 Who should skip
Anyone looking for low-cost international bank transfers or a general-purpose payment app should skip Skrill; Wise, PayPal, or a good credit card often offer lower fees and broader everyday acceptance.
📚 Learning curve
Moderate — sending money is straightforward, but understanding when fees trigger, completing verification, and choosing the cheapest withdrawal method requires you to read the fee schedule carefully.
🧑⚖️ Verdict
Skrill is a solid digital wallet for European users who need a reliable payment method for online gaming, betting, and forex, and who value integrated crypto trading. However, its high fee structure and inactivity penalties make it less attractive for standard money transfers or those who plan to ho
📊 Use Case Suitability
Higher score = better fit. Scores from editorial review.
Use CaseRemitlySkrill
Sending remittances to India95—
Remitly has a dedicated India corridor with competitive exchange rates, multiple
Emergency funds to Mexico90—
Express transfers to Mexico can arrive in minutes, and cash pickup is widely ava
Supporting family in the Philippines92—
Remitly offers low Economy fees, bank and cash pickup options, and reliable mobi
Paying international contractors or freelancers30—
Remitly is designed for person-to-person remittances, not business payments; it
Regular monthly transfers from US to family abroad85—
The mobile app makes recurring transfers easy, and the Economy option saves mone
Funding online betting and casino accounts—95
Skrill is a standard payment method at most European betting sites and casinos,
Transferring funds to forex trading accounts—85
Many forex brokers explicitly support Skrill for funding and withdrawals, and it
Buying cryptocurrency for convenience—65
The built-in crypto feature supports 40+ coins, but it's custodial and has wider
🧭 Which One Should You Pick?
Choose Remitly if...
- You are: US-based immigrants and their families who regularly send moderate amounts to popular corridors like India, Mexico, and
- 👍 Express transfers are genuinely fast, often arriving in under 10 minutes for key corridors like US-t
- 👍 Economy transfers offer low, flat fees (often $0–$1) for non-urgent transfers, making it cost-effect
- 👍 The mobile app is intuitive with good tracking features, notifications, and saved recipient profiles
- 💰 From $0.99/mo
- ⚠ Trade-off: Exchange rate markup can erode savings on cheaper fees; the quoted rate often ex
Choose Skrill if...
- You are: Skrill is best for European users who regularly deposit into online gaming, betting, and forex accounts and want a singl
- 👍 Strong acceptance at online gaming, betting, and forex platforms across Europe, making it a go-to e-
- 👍 Built-in cryptocurrency buying and selling for 40+ coins directly from your wallet balances.
- 👍 Skrill Prepaid Mastercard lets you spend funds anywhere Mastercard is accepted and withdraw from ATM
- 💰 Free tier available
- ⚠ Trade-off: Currency conversion fees of around 3.99% and multiple withdrawal fees make it ex
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Remitly cost and are there any fees?
Remitly itself is free to sign up and use, but each transfer incurs a fee that varies by destination, delivery speed, and payment method. Express transfers (minutes) cost more than Economy transfers (3-5 days), and the exchange rate spread is typically built into the quoted rate.
How does Remitly make money if the app is free to download?
Remitly makes money through transfer fees and the exchange rate spread applied to each transaction. The 'free' pricing refers to no subscription or membership cost, not zero-cost transfers.
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