How to Add and Use Skype Credit on Windows, Mac, and Linux

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

SkypeCreditPaymentWindowsMacLinuxApplicationsSoftwareCommunicationBillingFeatures

Skype is a communication tool that allows individuals to make audio and video calls over the Internet. It is widely used for both personal and business communications. Skype allows free Skype-to-Skype calls, but if you want to call a mobile or landline number, you will need Skype Credit. Skype Credit is the payment method for all paid Skype products and features. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss how to add and use Skype Credit on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

What is Skype Credit?

Skype Credit refers to prepaid funds that you can use to pay for Skype's premium services. The credit you purchase allows you to make calls to mobiles and landlines, send SMS messages or use other premium features such as Skype Translator. Understanding how Skype Credit works is essential, especially if you plan to use Skype for purposes other than just communicating with other Skype users.

How to add Skype Credit

Adding Skype Credit on Windows

1. Open Skype and sign in with your account.
2. Look for your profile picture on the top left corner of the app.
3. Click on your profile picture to open your account menu.
4. Select 'Skype to Phone' from the options provided. This section will redirect you to the Skype webpage to manage Skype Credit.
5. The 'Skype to Phone' page will display your current Skype Credit balance. If you need more credit, click 'Add Skype Credit'.
6. Select the amount of Skype Credit you want to add. Skype often offers amounts in increments of $5, $10, and $25, but they may vary depending on your currency or country.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the purchase. You will need a payment method which can be a credit card, PayPal, bank transfer, or other available options.
8. Once the payment is confirmed, Skype Credit will be added to your account. You can see this new balance when you return to your Skype interface.

Adding Skype Credit on Mac

1. Launch Skype on your Mac and make sure you’re signed in.
2. Click your name or profile icon at the top of the Skype window.
3. Go to 'Account and Profile' and then click 'Your Account'. A web page will open showing your Skype Credit balance.
4. On this page, find and press the 'Add Skype Credit' button.
5. Select the amount of Skype Credit you want to purchase.
6. Follow the instructions to complete the transaction using your preferred payment method.
7. After successful payment, your Skype Credit balance will be automatically updated.

Adding Skype Credit on Linux

The process for adding Skype Credit on Linux is very similar to that on Mac and Windows.

1. Open your Skype application and make sure you are signed in.
2. Click on your profile icon to access your account menu.
3. Select 'Skype to Phone', which will take you to the Skype settings page.
4. Click 'Add Skype Credit' to choose the amount you want to purchase.
5. Proceed by following the instructions for payment. Make sure you complete the transaction using an accepted payment method.
6. Once payment is completed, your Skype Credit is added instantly.

Using Skype Credit

Calling landlines and mobiles

1. Open Skype and make sure your contact list is visible.
2. Search for the contact you want to call. If the contact isn't available in your Skype list, you can also dial the number directly using Skype's dial pad functionality.
3. Click on the contact to open the calling options. If it's direct-dial, use the Skype dial pad to enter the full phone number.
4. Once you have dialed, click the 'Call' button. At this point, the call will connect from Skype to the telephone network using your Skype Credit.
5. The system will inform you of the call charges or rates. Make sure you monitor your Skype Credit balance during extended calls to avoid disruptions or unexpected disconnections due to low balance.

Sending SMS messages

Sending SMS messages via Skype is another useful feature provided by Skype Credit. Follow the process below:

1. Sign in to your Skype account.
2. Select the messaging interface icon or the 'Chat' feature.
3. Select 'Send SMS', which will allow you to enter a phone number or choose a contact from your list.
4. Write your message and double-check the details to ensure accuracy.
5. Press the 'Send' button to send the SMS. Your Skype Credit will automatically deduct the cost of the SMS based on Skype's pricing rates, which are available in your country or specified sending region.

Managing Skype Credit

Tracking usage

To manage your Skype Credit effectively, it's important to track your usage:

• Go to the 'Account and Profile' section within your Skype app.
• Access 'Usage' or 'Call History', where Skype logs detailed information of calls and SMS services used during a particular period.
• Analyse your consumption patterns and plan your future top-ups of Skype Credit to avoid running low on credit unexpectedly.

Auto-recharge facility

Skype offers an auto-recharge option to prevent you from running out of credit:

1. Go to your Skype Credit or payment settings page.
2. Enable the Auto-recharge feature given on this page.
3. Set your preferred recharge amount and minimum balance limit. Once it goes below the set limit, Skype will automatically refill your credit.
4. Make sure your payment method is valid and has funds to successfully auto-recharge.

Troubleshooting common problems

Payment issues

Occasionally, there may be problems adding Skype Credit, such as failed transactions.

• Check that your connected payment method is active and has sufficient funds.
• Check the payment provider’s status updates to confirm it is not experiencing any service downtime.
• Make sure your internet connection is stable while shopping.
• If the problem persists, contact Skype Support for further assistance.

Credit not shown

After a purchase, sometimes the credit doesn't appear right away:

• Log out of Skype and sign in again to refresh your account balance.
• Verify that the payment went through by checking any confirmation emails or bank transaction history.
• If the problem persists, contact Skype Support with the transaction details.

Questions to ask

Is Skype Credit refundable?

Skype Credit is usually non-refundable. It's important to check Skype's refund policies in your region or contact support for specific cases.

Can I transfer Skype Credit to another account?

No, Skype does not allow credit transfers between accounts. Make sure you are topping up the correct account.

Will Skype Credit expire?

Skype Credit remains valid as long as you use it at least once within 180 days. After this period, unused credit may expire, so it is important to use it within the allotted time frame to maintain its validity.

By understanding the process of adding, using and managing Skype Credit on Windows, Mac and Linux, you can unlock the full potential of Skype's offerings beyond Skype-to-Skype calls. This increases communication efficiency and ensures access to a wide range of contacts around the world through affordable internet-based calling solutions.

  Share This Article

If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can request an update