Skype is a great tool for making free computer-to-computer calls to your friends, but you can also use it to make calls to regular telephones (‘landlines’) and mobiles. This isn’t free, though it’s quite cheap and works just like a pay-as-you-go mobile.
So before you use your computer to call everyone you know, you’ll need to buy credit from Skype, in £10 chunks (plus VAT). We’re here to help you hand over your cash.
You’ll need:
- a Skype account (see our guide How to download Skype if you don’t have an account already)
- your debit/credit card or, if you have one, a PayPal account and your login details.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to buy Skype credit
Step 1: Make sure that Skype is running, you’re logged in and the main window is open.
Step 2: Go to the toolbar and click on Skype this will open a drop down menu. Then click on Buy Skype Credit.
This will open a web page to Skype where you can buy credit for your Skype account.
Step 3: On this page you need to tick or untick a box relating to recharging. It is best to untick this box unless you are a continuous user of Skype, as you will be billed continually if your credit goes below £2 and it can then be hard to keep track of. Untick or tick this box as you wish. Click Continue.
Step 4: Choose your payment type from the drop down box. Then enter your payment information which will generate on the screen. Tick the box to accept the Skype conditions of use. Click Pay Now. Follow any further instructions (depending upon your payment type) to complete your purchase.
Step 5: You can now make calls to landlines and mobiles through Skype. Once the payment has worked through the system, the amount of credit you have should be displayed underneath your name in the top-left corner of the main Skype page. To see other details of your account, click Skype in the top menu bar and choose My Account from the drop-down menu.
Done!
Alex Duin is a freelance writer specialising in technology.