Skype Offers e-Gifts in Latest Payments Initiative

Published February 13, 2013, 2:36 p.m. EST

Updated February 13, 2013, 1:36 p.m. EST

1 Min Read

Skype has added e-gifting capabilities to its Windows and Mac desktop voice chatting application.

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Skype’s e-gifting service lets users send Skype credit, which is measured in local currencies, to one another. Users can choose between eight pre-made virtual gift card designs and then customize them with messages. The cards are then sent via email.

Skype has tried many times to mix its voice chatting service with payments. When eBay Inc. owned Skype, the company saw potential for people to send PayPal payments to relatives overseas during Skype chats. Skype is now owned by Microsoft Corp.

Last year, Xoom Corp. offered its new users a $50 Skype credit.

Many companies, including BillMyParents, Dunkin’ Donuts and Pinkberry, are stepping into the digital gifting market, but virtual gift cards have yet to prove themselves as a beneficial product to most companies.

Bailey Reutzel

Bailey Reutzel is a freelance reporter and author of MoneyTripping. She was previously a staff writer at PaymentsSource.

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