Skrill vs XE: Fees, Rates & Speed Compared
Skrill
3.8Skrill is a digital payments platform owned by Paysafe, offering international money transfers alongside e-wallet services and online payments.
XE
4.4XE is a trusted name in currency exchange, offering international money transfers with competitive rates and no transfer fees for most corridors.
Skrill and XE are both popular choices for international money transfers, but they take different approaches. Skrill, founded in 2001 and headquartered in London, UK, is best known for international money transfers. XE, operating since 1993 from Newmarket, Canada, focuses on large transfers and business payments. This comparison uses real transfer data collected from both providers across 6 popular corridors to show you exactly which one offers better value for your specific needs. Our data shows the difference can be significant — on a £500 GBP → PKR transfer, Skrill delivers ₨9706.97 more to the recipient.
In this comparison
Live comparison: Skrill vs XE across popular corridors
The table below shows how much the recipient receives when sending through Skrill vs XE on 6 popular corridors. Data is refreshed every 6 hours from provider APIs and websites.
| Corridor | Skrill | XE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD → INR($1,000) | — | ₹96,033.71 | N/A |
| GBP → EUR(£1,000) | €1,131.47 | €1,146.94 | XE (+€15.47) |
| USD → PHP($500) | — | ₱28,827.34 | N/A |
| USD → MXN($1,000) | — | MX$17,191.59 | N/A |
| GBP → PKR(£500) | ₨183,877.71 | ₨174,170.74 | Skrill (+₨9706.97) |
| USD → NGN($200) | — | — | N/A |
Amounts shown are what the recipient receives. Based on current scraped data, updated every 6 hours.
Key differences between Skrill and XE
Skrill vs XE: Feature comparison
| Feature | Skrill | XE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 (Good) | 4.4/5 (Excellent) |
| Fee structure | From 0.5% to 3.99% | No transfer fees |
| Exchange rate markup | 1.5% - 3.5% above mid-market | 0.5% - 1.5% above mid-market |
| Transfer speed | Instant to 3 business days | 1-4 business days |
| Supported countries | 200+ | 130+ |
| Supported currencies | 40+ | 130+ |
| Max transfer | $50,000 | $500,000 |
| Payment methods | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card, Skrill Wallet | Bank Transfer, Debit Card, Credit Card |
| Delivery methods | Bank Deposit, Skrill Wallet | Bank Deposit |
| Regulators | FCA | FCA, FinCEN, ASIC, FINTRAC |
| Founded | 2001 | 1993 |
Pros and cons
Skrill
Pros
- Wide country coverage
- Multiple funding options
- E-wallet for repeat transfers
- Fast wallet-to-wallet transfers
Cons
- Exchange rate markup can be high
- Fees vary by payment method
- Customer support can be slow
XE
Pros
- Well-known and trusted brand
- No transfer fees for most transfers
- Supports 130+ currencies
- Rate alerts available
- Excellent currency data and tools
Cons
- Exchange rates include a markup
- No cash pickup option
- Transfer speed can be slow
When to choose Skrill vs XE
Choose Skrill if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You need wider country coverage (200+ vs 130+ countries)
- Skrill's strengths (Bank Deposit, Skrill Wallet) match your needs
Choose XE if:
- You want the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- You're sending large amounts (XE supports up to $500,000)
- You want to lock in an exchange rate with a forward contract
Verdict: Skrill or XE?
Cost: Too close to call
Skrill and XE are closely matched on cost. Across our 6 sample corridors, neither provider consistently delivers more to the recipient. The best choice depends on your specific corridor.
Faster: Skrill
Skrill is generally faster, with transfers arriving in Instant to 3 business days, compared to 1-4 business days for XE.
Coverage: Comparable reach
Both providers have comparable coverage. Skrill supports 200+ countries and 40+ currencies, while XE covers 130+ countries with 130+ currencies.
Bottom line
Skrill and XE serve different needs well. Skrill is best for international money transfers, while XE excels at large transfers and business payments. Your best choice depends on what matters most: cost, speed, coverage, or delivery options.
Frequently asked questions
Is Skrill or XE cheaper for international transfers?
It depends on the corridor. Our data across 6 routes shows Skrill and XE are closely matched on total cost. Skrill charges From 0.5% to 3.99% with a 1.5% - 3.5% above mid-market exchange rate markup, while XE charges No transfer fees with a 0.5% - 1.5% above mid-market markup. We recommend comparing rates for your specific transfer using our calculator.
Which is faster, Skrill or XE?
Skrill typically completes transfers in Instant to 3 business days, while XE takes 1-4 business days. Actual speed depends on the corridor, payment method, and delivery option you choose. Bank transfers tend to be slower than card-funded transfers, and bank deposits are generally faster than cash pickups.
Are Skrill and XE safe to use?
Yes, both are regulated money transfer services. Skrill is regulated by FCA and has a 3.8/5 Trustpilot rating. XE is regulated by FCA, FinCEN, ASIC, FINTRAC with a 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating. Both companies are required to safeguard customer funds under their respective regulatory frameworks.
What are the transfer limits for Skrill vs XE?
Skrill has a maximum transfer of $50,000 (minimum $1), while XE allows up to $500,000 (minimum $1). Limits may vary by corridor, account verification level, and payment method. New accounts typically start with lower limits that increase over time.
Can I get cash pickup with Skrill or XE?
Skrill offers Bank Deposit, Skrill Wallet. XE offers Bank Deposit. Neither provider offers cash pickup — both deliver to bank accounts only.
Should I use Skrill or XE to send money internationally?
It depends on your priorities. Choose Skrill for international money transfers, or XE for large transfers and business payments. We recommend comparing rates for your specific transfer amount and corridor using our calculator above.