CSFloat

The CSFloat marketplace operates purely on a P2P basis. Items remain in the seller’s Steam inventory until a buyer completes the purchase, at which point the seller needs to manually confirm the trade. This direct interaction between users avoids the need for bots or skin deposits, allowing sellers to list their items on different platforms simultaneously. The trade-off is a potentially slower process for buyers who must wait for seller approval. However, CSFloat mitigates this by verifying finished transactions, ensuring minimal risk of fraud for users.

Despite being relatively new, CSFloat has captured the attention of the CS2 trading community. Its low fees, integrated float tracking, and useful tools have made it a popular choice for both casual and dedicated traders. Features like “Bargaining,” “Auctions,” and “Smart Buy Orders” enhance the user experience by enabling precise searches and negotiation capabilities, distinguishing it from many established marketplaces.

Since launching in 2020, CSFloat gained significant recognition through its FloatDB and Market Checker extension—free tools that allow collectors to instantly access item float values in the Steam Community Market. The platform then established its own P2P marketplace, focusing on cost-effectiveness and transparency. In August 2023, it rebranded to “CSFloat” to align with the arrival of Counter-Strike 2, replacing the previous name “CSGOFloat”. Although newer compared to others, its developers have released open-source tools, such as the Inspect System and Trade-Up Contract Calculator, which are widely utilized by many trading sites.

CSFloat charges a straightforward 2% fee on each sale, which is significantly lower than nearly all major competitors—BUFF163 is at 2.5%, and Valve’s Steam Community Market is around 15% for CS2 items. However, users looking to convert their balances into cash should also keep in mind transaction fees that apply on top of the 2% commission. Still, the overall costs remain decent, ideal for traders aiming to maximize their returns.

Aside from the marketplace, CSFloat has created a suite of community-driven tools:

• FloatDB: A public database that tracks float values for tens of millions of CS2 skins.

• Market Checker: A browser extension that provides real-time information on float data, paint seeds, rank stats, 3D model previews, and sticker wear for Steam Market listings.

• Trade-Up Contract Calculator: Assists users in calculating expected outcomes and possibilities for trade-up contracts.

• Inspect System: An open-source inspection framework adopted by various sites within the skin-trading space.

These additional features have significantly enhanced CSFloat’s reputation and popularity.

• Ultra-Low Fees: A fixed 2% transaction fee helps sellers retain more of their earnings.

• No API Key Requirement: CSFloat does not request private API keys, adhering to Steam’s guidelines, which lowers compliance and security risks.

• Comprehensive Tools: With features like float tracking and auctions, CSFloat provides various options for customising transactions, including a negotiation system for direct price discussions.

• Avoid Steam’s 7-Day Hold: P2P trades allow for immediate exchanges, skipping the usual waiting period imposed by Steam.

• High Security for Transactions: CSFloat verifies transactions, greatly reducing the chances of scams or undelivered items.

• Smart Buy Orders: Buyers can place specific condition orders, ensuring their purchases match certain criteria without overspending.

• Quick Growth and Liquidity: With a growing user base, competitively priced items tend to sell rapidly.

• No Multi-Game Support: Unlike some competitors, CSFloat is dedicated solely to CS2; it does not support items from DOTA 2, Rust, or Team Fortress 2.

• Limited Payment Options: Currently, only accepts crypto, select credit/debit cards, and Alipay for deposits, which might restrict accessibility in certain areas.

• Extra Cash-Out Fees: Withdrawals incur additional fees beyond the 2% selling commission, so traders need to consider their total costs.

• No Instant Sales: P2P trades depend on finding buyers willing to meet the seller’s price, potentially leading to slower sales for less demanded or overpriced items.

CSFloat’s bargaining feature and auction capability enhance the trading experience. Bargaining permits buyers to suggest lower prices, which sellers can accept, decline, or counter-offer. At the same time, auctions enable items to receive competitive bids, which is useful for unique or high-value skins when the seller is uncertain about the optimal market price.

A standout feature of CSFloat is the ability to view float information and paint seeds directly on Steam listings through the Market Checker plugin. This information is invaluable for committed collectors searching for specific condition levels or unique sticker combinations. The extension also highlights special items (like rare seeds) and streamlines the search for bargains.