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M-Pesa vs Skrill
M-Pesa and Skrill are both payment receiving platforms. On a $1,000 payment you keep about $1,000 on M-Pesa and $955.10–$972 on Skrill, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
Updated · from each platform’s published fees and payout terms · how we verify
Key differences
- On a $1,000 payment you keep about $1,000 on M-Pesa and $955.10–$972 on Skrill, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
- Both pay out via Bank transfer. Only M-Pesa offers Cash agents. Only Skrill offers Debit card and Crypto.
- Skrill is the older platform — founded in 2001, 6 years before M-Pesa (2007).
- M-Pesa is based in Kenya, Skrill in United Kingdom.
- M-Pesa focuses on Kenya and Tanzania, while Skrill operates internationally.
Which should you choose?
Choose M-Pesa if…
- Keeping more of each payment matters most — its fee is lower.
- You want to withdraw via Cash agents.
- You live in Kenya or Tanzania.
Choose Skrill if…
- You want to withdraw via Debit card and Crypto.
- You prefer a long track record (since 2001).
Side by side
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M-Pesa
The mobile money system that runs East Africa - anyone with a SIM card can receive payments, and small busines…
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Skrill
A digital wallet long popular with freelancers and online workers for receiving and sending money internationa…
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|---|---|---|
| Type | Payment receiving like Payoneer | Payment receiving like Payoneer |
| Category | Payments | Payments |
| Vetted | No | No |
| Work from home | No | Yes |
| Fees | Free deposits, tiered P2P and agent withdrawal fees | Free to receive, 2.99% to send, 2.8% withdrawal (min EUR 3.50), 4.49% FX |
| Withdraw via | Cash agents, Bank transfer | Bank transfer, Debit card, Crypto |
| Availability | Kenya + 7 African markets | Worldwide |
| Local to | Kenya, Tanzania | — |
| Founded | 2007 | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Nairobi, Kenya | London, United Kingdom |
| Popularity | 54 views · 0 likes | 38 views · 0 likes |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, M-Pesa or Skrill?
On a $1,000 payment you keep about $1,000 on M-Pesa and $955.10–$972 on Skrill, before withdrawal or currency-conversion costs.
Where are M-Pesa and Skrill available?
M-Pesa: Kenya + 7 African markets. Skrill: Worldwide.