CS.MONEY’s dual model enables both P2P and bot-based trading. In the P2P mode, items remain in the seller’s Steam inventory until the buyer commits to purchase; the seller then manually approves the trade. In bot-based transactions, the seller deposits items to a CS.MONEY Steam bot account, and the site automates the handover of goods upon purchase. While P2P provides convenience for sellers (allowing them to list the same skins on multiple platforms), bot-based offers tend to give buyers a more instant, “one-click” acquisition process. Additionally, users can buy and sell items directly for cash on CS.MONEY’s integrated marketplace.

Owing to its early entry into the skin-trading market in 2016, CS.MONEY has secured a massive foothold among both casual and professional traders. Its streamlined design and quick trading mechanism have become strong selling points, attracting millions of unique visitors every month. Well-known esports partnerships—such as sponsorships with BLAST Premier and NAVI—have further boosted the site’s visibility. CS.MONEY’s vast inventory of skins and the ability to find high-value or rare cosmetics make it a go-to option for those wanting immediate access to a wide variety of items.

Having started nearly nine years ago, CS.MONEY quickly gained traction when Valve implemented stricter policies for trading, leaving many players in need of a user-friendly alternative. Over time, the platform’s bot-based system became a cornerstone of quick trades, though it also introduced a P2P component in late 2022 to address the Steam market’s 7-day hold period. While this evolution has improved speed and flexibility, the site has faced challenges. In August 2022, CS.MONEY experienced a significant hacking incident in which about $1.6 million worth of skins were stolen and moved across multiple accounts, forcing a temporary shutdown. Despite these setbacks and controversies regarding pricing practices, CS.MONEY remains a major actor in the trading community, largely thanks to its user-friendly operations and brand longevity.

CS.MONEY applies a 7% commission in Trade mode, which is notably lower than the approximately 15% fee charged on the Steam Community Market. In Market mode, selling fees vary depending on the item’s value, with a 5% fee for items priced under $1,000 and a reduced 3% fee for higher-priced items. While some third-party marketplaces offer lower fees, CS.MONEY positions its pricing around convenience and access to a large inventory rather than the lowest possible commission.

Beyond its core marketplace, CS.MONEY offers a skin wiki, a 3D inspection tool, and several other resources aimed at helping users better evaluate item floats and cosmetic details.

By combining P2P and bot-based trading, CS.MONEY grants traders flexibility and speed. Its extensive catalog of CS2 skins allows users to find nearly any item they desire, from well-known favorites to extremely rare cosmetics. A straightforward user interface enables even newcomers to understand the trading process within seconds, which is further enhanced by the existence of a mobile app for on-the-go transactions. Additionally, the market introduction in late 2022 allows for direct cash payouts to Visa accounts, addressing longstanding requests for real-money withdrawals.

While CS.MONEY's Trade mode applies a 7% commission, which is lower than Steam’s standard 15% fee, some competing third-party marketplaces offer lower transaction costs. In Market mode, selling fees depend on the item price and are set at 5% for items valued under $1,000 and 3% for higher-priced items. The platform offers real-money withdrawals via bank cards, though payout availability may vary by region, which can be a limitation for some international users.