Yes, you can send money from Skrill to a bank account, but the method depends on which country you're in and what type of Skrill account you hold
Skrill is a digital wallet and money transfer service. If you have money sitting in a Skrill account, you can move it to a linked bank account through a process called a withdrawal. The money does not go directly — it passes through Skrill's payment network first, then lands in your bank account after a delay that varies by country and bank.
The most common route is the SEPA transfer for users in Europe, which typically takes one to three business days. Users in the UK can use Faster Payments, which is usually next-business-day. Outside Europe, the method changes: some countries support direct bank transfers, while others require you to use a debit card or third-party service as an intermediary.
Skrill charges a fee for withdrawals. The amount depends on your withdrawal method and your account status — verified accounts usually pay less than unverified ones. You will also see the exchange rate Skrill applies if you are converting currency.
Key Takeaways
- SEPA transfers from Skrill to a European bank account take one to three business days and require you to link your bank account first.
- Skrill charges a withdrawal fee that varies by country and method; verified accounts typically pay lower fees than unverified ones.
- You must verify your identity and bank account ownership before Skrill will process a withdrawal to that account.
- If your country does not support direct bank transfers, you may need to withdraw to a Skrill debit card first, then transfer from there to your bank.
How to link your bank account to Skrill
Before you can withdraw money, Skrill needs to know which bank account is yours. Log into your Skrill account, go to the Wallet section, and select "Add a Bank Account" or "Link Bank Account" (the exact wording varies by region). You will enter your IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or your account and routing numbers, depending on your country.
Skrill will then send a small test deposit to that account — usually between 0.01 and 0.10 in your local currency. This deposit arrives within a few days. Once it lands, you log back into Skrill, confirm the amount, and your bank account is verified. Only then can you withdraw money to it.
This verification step protects both you and Skrill: it proves you own the account and prevents someone else from linking your bank details without permission. If you do not see the test deposit after a week, check your bank's spam or pending transactions folder, or contact Skrill support.
Withdrawal methods and timelines by region
| Region | Method | Typical Timeline | Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | SEPA transfer | 1–3 business days | 1.50–2.50 EUR (varies by account status) |
| United Kingdom | Faster Payments | Next business day | 1.50–2.50 GBP |
| United States | ACH transfer | 3–5 business days | 2.00–3.50 USD |
| Canada | EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) | 2–4 business days | 2.00–3.50 CAD |
| Australia | Direct bank transfer | 1–2 business days | 2.00–3.50 AUD |
Timelines assume both Skrill and your bank are processing during regular business days. Weekends and public holidays add extra days. If you initiate a withdrawal on a Friday evening, expect it to land on Tuesday or Wednesday at the earliest.
Fees shown are approximate and change periodically. Skrill also applies an exchange rate markup if you are withdrawing in a currency different from the one your Skrill balance holds. Check the exact fee and rate before you confirm the withdrawal — Skrill shows both on the confirmation screen.
What happens if your country is not listed
Some countries do not have a direct bank transfer option through Skrill. If you are in one of these places, you have two alternatives: withdraw to a Skrill debit card (if available in your country), then transfer from the card to your bank account; or use a third-party money transfer service that Skrill partners with.
The debit card route takes longer — the card itself arrives by mail in one to two weeks, and then you need to set up a transfer from the card to your bank. The third-party route depends on which service Skrill offers in your region; common partners include Wise (formerly TransferWise) and local money transfer operators. Each has its own fees and timeline.
Check Skrill's withdrawal page for your specific country to see which methods are available. If none are listed, contact Skrill support to ask about alternatives — they sometimes have options not shown on the main withdrawal screen.
Fees, exchange rates, and what reduces them
Skrill's withdrawal fee is not fixed — it depends on your account status and your country. A verified account (one where you have provided identity documents and proof of address) pays a lower fee than an unverified account. Verification usually takes a few days and requires a photo ID and a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your name and address.
If you are withdrawing in a currency different from your Skrill balance, Skrill converts the money and adds a markup to the exchange rate. This markup is typically 1.5% to 2% above the mid-market rate. You can see the exact rate Skrill will use before you confirm the withdrawal.
To minimize costs, verify your account before your first withdrawal, and withdraw in the same currency your Skrill balance holds whenever possible. If you must convert currency, compare Skrill's rate to what your bank offers — sometimes it is cheaper to withdraw in one currency and let your bank convert it.
What to do if your withdrawal is delayed or fails
A withdrawal that does not arrive within the stated timeline usually means one of three things: Skrill has not yet sent it, your bank is processing it slowly, or there is a mismatch between your Skrill account details and your bank account.
First, log into Skrill and check the status of your withdrawal. Skrill shows whether it is pending, processing, or completed. If it shows completed but has not arrived at your bank, wait one more business day — banks sometimes hold transfers for verification. If it still has not arrived, contact your bank with the withdrawal reference number from Skrill and ask them to trace it.
If Skrill shows the withdrawal as failed or rejected, the most common reason is a mismatch in your account details — your IBAN or account number does not match what your bank has on file. Log back into Skrill, double-check the account number you linked, and try again. If the problem persists, unlink the account and re-verify it from scratch.
Skrill support can see the reason for a failed withdrawal. If you cannot resolve it yourself after two attempts, contact them with your withdrawal reference number and they will investigate.
Security and fraud protection during withdrawals
Skrill uses encryption and verification steps to protect your money during a withdrawal. Your bank account is verified before any money leaves Skrill, and Skrill monitors for unusual withdrawal patterns that might signal fraud.
On your end, make sure you are logging into Skrill through the official website or app — never click a link in an email claiming to be from Skrill. Phishing emails sometimes ask you to "verify your account" or "confirm your withdrawal" and direct you to a fake site that steals your login. If you receive an unexpected email about a withdrawal you did not make, do not click any links — go directly to Skrill.com and log in to check your account.
If you see a withdrawal you did not authorize, report it to Skrill immediately. They can freeze your account and investigate. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovering the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for money to appear in my bank account after I request a withdrawal?
It depends on your region and bank. SEPA transfers in Europe typically take one to three business days. UK Faster Payments are usually next-business-day. US ACH transfers take three to five business days. Weekends and public holidays add extra time. Skrill processes the withdrawal within 24 hours; the rest of the delay is your bank's processing time.
Can I withdraw money from Skrill if my account is not verified?
Yes, but you will pay a higher withdrawal fee. Unverified accounts are charged more per transaction. Verification takes a few days and requires a photo ID and proof of address. Most people verify their account before their first withdrawal to save money on fees.
What if I enter the wrong bank account number when I link my account?
Skrill sends a test deposit to verify the account. If the account number is wrong, the test deposit will fail and you will not be able to verify it. You can then unlink the account and add the correct one. If you somehow withdraw to a wrong account number, the money goes to whoever owns that account — Skrill cannot reverse it.
Does Skrill charge a fee if my withdrawal fails?
Skrill does not charge a fee for a failed withdrawal. If your bank rejects the transfer, Skrill refunds the money to your Skrill balance at no cost. You can then try again with corrected details or choose a different withdrawal method.
Can I withdraw money from Skrill to someone else's bank account?
No. Skrill only allows withdrawals to bank accounts registered in your name. The account must match the name on your Skrill account. This is a fraud prevention measure.