As Microsoft prepares to wave goodbye to Skype on May 5, 2025, and usher users into the arms of Microsoft Teams, many are left wondering: what’s the fate of those hard-earned Skype Credits? If you’ve got a stash of credits in your account, here’s a breakdown of what to expect as the clock ticks down—and beyond.
Credits Don’t Vanish, But There’s a Catch
Good news first: your Skype Credits aren’t going poof the moment Skype shuts its doors. You’ll still be able to use them after the May 5 cutoff, even though the standalone Skype app will be history.
Microsoft keeps the legacy alive by letting you tap into your credits through two channels: the Skype web portal or a handy “Skype Dial Pad” feature inside Microsoft Teams. So, whether you’re calling a landline or a mobile number, those credits will still have your back—for a while, at least.
But here’s the rub: you can’t stock up anymore. Microsoft pulled the plug on buying Skype Credits or renewing subscriptions for new users in late February 2025, and existing users will hit a wall on April 3, 2025. After that, it’s a use-it-or-lose-it scenario with whatever’s already in your account. No topping off the tank, so plan wisely.
No Refund Party on the Horizon
Don’t hold your breath if you’re hoping for a cash-out option for unused credits. Microsoft hasn’t given any hint about refunding leftover Skype Credits after the shutdown.
Their game plan encourages users to burn through their balances via the web or Teams rather than cutting checks. That said, keep an eye out—policies could shift as the deadline nears—but as of March 2025, it’s looking like a spend-it-or-forget-it deal.
How Credits Fit Into the Teams Transition
When you leap Microsoft Teams (the free version) with your Skype login, your chats and contacts will tag along seamlessly. Your Skype Credits, though? They don’t exactly “move” to Teams in a shiny new form. They stay linked to your Skype account and are accessible for calls through the Dial Pad or web portal.
Think of it as a bridge—Teams Free doesn’t have its pay-as-you-go calling setup for new purchases, but it’s throwing a lifeline to Skype users with existing credits. It’s a nod to the past, not a feature for the future.
The Clock Is Ticking—January 2026 Looms
Here’s where it gets real: your Skype Credits might not have an expiration date stamped on them, but your Skype account does. Microsoft’s only holding onto your Skype data—including those precious credits—until January 2026.
If you don’t log into Teams or take steps to preserve your account by then, it’s game over. Inactive accounts will be wiped, and any leftover credits will vanish into the digital ether. So, if you’ve got a balance, mark your calendar and start dialing.
What Should You Do?
With Skype’s curtain call approaching, your options are clear. Spend those credits now—catch up with far-flung friends or family before the app darkens. After May 5, pivot to the Skype web portal or Teams to keep the calls flowing. And if calling’s a big part of your routine, start scouting alternatives—Teams isn’t selling credits, and Skype’s pay-as-you-go days are numbered.
In short, your Skype Credits get a reprieve after May 2025, but they’re on borrowed time. Use them while you can, because come January 2026, Microsoft’s pulling the plug for good. Time to make those calls count!
