Microsoft has officially phased out two of Skype’s key premium offerings: credits and custom phone numbers. Users of the popular communication platform will now have to adapt to new subscription-based services, which replace the pay-per-use credit system previously offered by Skype.
End of Credits and Custom Phone Numbers
Starting with the latest updates, users can no longer purchase Skype Credits, a feature that allowed them to make calls and send messages to non-Skype numbers. Instead, Microsoft is now pushing subscription plans, which come with a range of calling options based on user needs and location. The changes were confirmed by a Skype moderator on Microsoft’s forums, who shared that users would be limited to subscriptions, with no current options for purchasing credits.
For users who relied on Skype for SMS messaging, the transition will be especially tough. As of now, sending outbound SMS texts from Skype is no longer possible, unless Microsoft introduces an ongoing SMS texting subscription in the future.
Skype’s Transition and Continued Offerings
Skype-to-Skype calls, which remain free, are unaffected by the changes. However, users who previously relied on Skype to make calls to landlines or non-Skype mobile numbers will now be required to opt for a monthly subscription. The platform’s Caller ID feature, which shows users’ real cell numbers during calls, will still be functional for these users.
These changes reflect Skype’s broader shift away from its initial vision as a global communication tool to a more niche service, with alternatives like Zoom and WhatsApp dominating the market. The phase-out of credits and phone numbers is part of this transition, as Microsoft continues to focus on Teams as its main platform for business communication.
As a result, Skype users are now left with two choices: adapt to the new subscription-based model or explore other services offering virtual phone numbers and VoIP capabilities.