Skrill Makes Significant Changes for Users in India

Skrill, the global digital payment platform, has confirmed that residents in India can no longer register new accounts. Existing account holders, however, can continue using the service for international transactions, deposits, withdrawals, and cryptocurrency trading.

Indian bank accounts from ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, PNB, Union Bank of India, and SBI are supported, along with debit and credit cards. While the mobile app cannot be downloaded in India, all features remain accessible via the Skrill website. This allows existing users to manage international payments, fund online trading or gaming accounts abroad, and send money overseas.

Available Features for Existing Indian Users

Existing Skrill users in India retain access to a broad range of services. Funds can be deposited and withdrawn using supported Indian banks or cards, though standard transaction fees apply. Skrill allows users to pay international merchants, including online gaming, betting, and forex platforms.

Peer-to-peer transfers within India are not permitted, but international transfers to other Skrill users or directly to bank accounts are available. Cryptocurrency trading is also supported, giving users the option to buy and sell dozens of digital currencies directly from their accounts. 

The website remains the primary interface, as the mobile application cannot be installed in India.

Service Limitations and Regulatory Updates

Skrill has a long history in India, having operated for many years, though specific launch dates are not widely documented. 

In October 2020, Skrill and its parent company Paysafe decided to restrict peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers within India and Bangladesh, effectively ending domestic money transfers between Skrill accounts. Effective November 24, 2025, the platform formally ceased accepting new registrations from Indian residents. 

Users are encouraged to contact Skrill Merchant Services or their Customer Success Contact for assistance with international transfers and account management. Domestic transfers between Indian accounts remain unavailable, and the mobile app cannot be used locally.

Alternatives for Indian Users

With new registrations closed, Indian users seeking digital payment solutions have several alternatives. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a widely adopted system allowing real-time, bank-to-bank transfers using a mobile number or Virtual Payment Address (VPA). 

Popular UPI apps include PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm. Digital wallets such as Paytm and Amazon Pay provide stored-value accounts for quick payments, often integrated with UPI for added convenience. 

Traditional bank transfers through NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS are reliable for high-value or scheduled payments. Debit and credit cards issued by Visa, Mastercard, and Rupay remain widely accepted for online and in-store purchases.

For international transfers, platforms like Wise or the UPI One World system enable multi-currency transactions and regulated cross-border payments.

When choosing a payment method, users should consider speed, security, convenience, transaction limits, and whether the platform supports international transactions. UPI and digital wallets offer near-instant payments for everyday use, while traditional bank transfers remain suitable for larger sums or business purposes.

Skrill continues to support its existing users in India despite these restrictions, ensuring access to international payments and cryptocurrency trading. While the service is no longer open to new registrations, existing account holders can maintain their operations through the website and continue to use supported banks and cards for global transactions.