Paysafe study: 44% hit payment issues on holiday

Paysafe surveyed 4,500 travellers in seven countries: 44% had payment problems abroad and 70% plan to carry several payment methods this summer.

Providers 1 Jul 2026 2 min read

Paying abroad still often goes wrong. In a new Paysafe study, 44% of travellers report payment issues on trips, and 70% plan to use more than one payment method this summer to be safe.

What did Paysafe publish?

Paysafe released the “Experience Economy Report 2026: Summer Travel” on 30 June 2026. Sapio Research surveyed 4,500 consumers in May 2026 in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Source: Paysafe press release.

Paysafe owns Skrill and Neteller, so it has an interest in the topic. The release names Skrill only in the company description (“digital wallets such as Skrill”) and gives no figures per payment method.

How many travellers have payment trouble?

Bar chart: 80% want smooth digital payment, 70% plan to use several payment methods, 45% abandoned a purchase, 44% had payment issues

91% are planning or considering a leisure trip this summer, and 37% have not yet booked key parts of it. 50% plan to spend more on experiences, 19% more on shopping. At the same time 45% have already abandoned a purchase because of payment difficulties, and 80% say smooth digital payment matters while travelling.

What does it mean for your wallet?

The 70% who plan several payment methods are doing what most people learn the hard way: a card gets blocked, a terminal declines it, a shop does not take it. Having a backup helps.

If you travel with Skrill, check these things before you leave:

Your account is verified, so limits do not stop a payment abroad.
Two-⁠factor login is on and you can receive the code abroad.
You know which currency your balance is in. Conversion fees are listed in your account.
A second option, such as a card, is ready in case something fails.

The study does not say which methods fail most often or why, so it shows the size of the problem, not the cause. Current conditions for Skrill through eWO are on our Skrill page.