What are the different types of Skype subscriptions and pay-as-you-go options?

    Back to search results

    Subscriptions * are monthly calling plans that let you make unlimited or fixed-minute calls to landlines (and mobiles where applicable). A subscription is great if you make a lot of calls. All subscriptions are renewed automatically and offer a savings compared to our standard rates. You can cancel at any time. Need help troubleshooting a subscription?

    Skype Credit * is a pay-as-you-go option. Purchase some Skype Credit, and then call whoever you want at low rates. Skype Credit is a good option if you need to make a few calls and only want to pay for what you use.

    A Skype Number is a phone number you pay for monthly. People can call you from their mobile or landline, and you answer the call in Skype. A Skype Number is a great option if you or your friends and family live in different countries, or plan to travel abroad and want an affordable way to keep in touch.

    Yes. You can purchase as many subscriptions as you like.

    You can't add more minutes to your subscription by buying the same one again, but if you run out of minutes, you have a few options: you can buy a different subscription, upgrade to an unlimited subscription where available, or buy some Skype Credit to pay as you go until your existing subscription is automatically renewed.

    If you have more than one subscription, Skype uses them in the following order:

    • By subscription type – unlimited subscriptions are used first, then limited ones.
    • By expiration date – subscriptions with the nearest expiration date are used first. 
    Note: When you upgrade to a new subscription, the previous one will be cancelled and replaced with the new one once you've used all the minutes or the expiration date has passed. 
     

    Subscriptions are 1, 3, or 12-month calling plans that let you make unlimited, or fixed-minute calls to landlines (and mobiles where applicable). A subscription is great if you make a lot of calls.

    Skype Credit allows you to pay as you go. Purchase some Skype Credit, and then call whoever you want at low rates. Skype Credit is a good option if you need to make a few calls and only want to pay for what you use each month.

    You can also use your Skype Credit to purchase other Skype features that aren’t free, like subscriptions and Skype Numbers.

    Free trials are available in certain regions if you didn't have a subscription before. Only subscriptions below a certain price are available for free trials. If your region is unavailable, stay tuned. We are working on adding more. You can sign up for a free trial on the subscription page.

    Why are some subscriptions not available as free trial?
    Only Subscriptions below a certain price are available for free trials currently.

    Why am I not eligible for a free trial?
    Free trials are available only to new subscribers who didn't have a Skype Subscription before. Free trials are only available in certain regions. If your region is still unavailable, stay tuned. We are working on adding more.


    * A fair usage policy applies to unlimited subscriptions and Skype Credit. 

    Ready to learn more?
    Skype to Skype calls are free anywhere in the world
    How do I purchase Skype Credit?
    How do I cancel or change my Skype subscription?