What is Buff163?

Buff163 is the world's largest CS2 skin marketplace, offering lower fees, better prices, and a wider selection than most Western alternatives. Originally designed for the Chinese market, it has become the preferred platform for serious traders worldwide.

While Buff163 isn't officially available in the USA, this comprehensive guide will show you how to safely access and use the platform from the United States, including workarounds for common issues faced by American users.

Why Use Buff163?

Lower Fees

Buff163 charges only 2.5% commission, significantly lower than Steam Market's 15% or other third-party sites that charge 5-10%.

Better Selection

With millions of listings, Buff163 offers the widest selection of CS2 skins, including rare patterns and low float items difficult to find elsewhere.

Competitive Pricing

Prices on Buff163 are typically 10-30% lower than Steam Market and often better than other third-party marketplaces.

Detailed Information

Buff163 provides comprehensive details for each skin, including float values, pattern indexes, stickers, and high-quality screenshots.

Setting Up Buff163 from the USA

Create a Steam Account

Ensure you have an active Steam account with CS2. Your Steam account should be in good standing and have Steam Guard mobile authentication enabled for security.

Setting Up a Buff163 Account

Visit buff.163.com and create an account. You'll need to:

Sign in with your Steam account
Verify your email address
Set up additional security measures

Note: You may need to use a VPN set to a supported region during initial setup.

Navigating Language Barriers

Buff163's default language is Chinese. To switch to English:

Use Google Chrome's built-in translation feature
Install a dedicated Buff163 translation browser extension
Use the unofficial English interface option (when available)

Payment Methods for USA Users

Buff163 doesn't directly support USD payments. USA users can:

Use cryptocurrency via third-party services
Purchase Buff balance from trusted sellers
Use international payment processors that support CNY transactions

Important: Always use trusted methods to avoid scams.

Security Considerations

To ensure safe trading:

Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
Verify trade links before confirming transactions
Be cautious of phishing attempts and fake Buff163 sites
Use a secure, dedicated email for your Buff163 account

Payment Options for USA Users

Method	Pros	Cons	Risk Level
Third-party balance sellers	Convenient No need for Chinese payment methods	Higher fees (5-10%) Risk of scams	Medium-High
Cryptocurrency exchange	No geographic restrictions Relatively quick	Volatility risks Technical complexity	Medium
Alipay via intermediaries	Native payment method for Buff Lower fees than balance sellers	Requires Chinese bank details Complex setup	High
Item-for-item trades	No cash transfer needed Works with existing inventory	Limited to what others want Often unfavorable rates	Low

Expert Tips for USA Buff163 Users

Best Times to Buy

Due to the time difference between China and the USA, the best time to find deals is typically:

Early morning in the USA (evening in China)
During Chinese holidays when prices often drop
After major CS2 updates when market volatility increases

Search Optimization

To find the best deals on Buff163:

Use the float range filters for precision
Search by pattern index for rare patterns
Sort by "Price: Low to High" and check new listings frequently
Use the "Wear Value" filter to find BTA (Better Than Average) skins

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Protect yourself from common issues:

Verify all trade links match official Buff163 domains
Be wary of unusually low prices (if it seems too good to be true, it probably is)
Never rush trades, especially for high-value items
Double-check float values and patterns before confirming purchases

Legal Considerations

Be aware of the legal aspects:

Using Buff163 is not illegal in the USA, but comes with risks
Be aware of potential tax implications for high-value trades
Using VPNs may violate some services' terms of use
Consider keeping records of significant transactions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use Buff163 from the USA?

Yes, Buff163 is generally safe to use from the USA with proper precautions. The platform itself is legitimate and widely used by traders worldwide. However, since it's not officially supported in the USA, you'll need to use workarounds for payments and may face additional challenges. The main risks come from payment methods and potential scammers, not from Buff163 itself.

Do I need a VPN to use Buff163?

While not always necessary, many USA users report needing a VPN during the initial account setup process. Once your account is created and verified, you can often access Buff163 without a VPN. If you do use a VPN, choose reputable providers and be aware that using VPNs may violate some services' terms of use.

How do I deposit money on Buff163 as a USA user?

USA users typically use one of these methods: purchasing Buff balance from trusted third-party sellers, using cryptocurrency exchanges that support CNY transactions, or working with intermediaries who have access to Chinese payment methods like Alipay or WeChat Pay. Each method has different risk profiles and convenience factors.

How long do Buff163 transactions take?

After purchasing an item on Buff163, you'll need to accept the trade offer in Steam. This process typically takes 1-30 minutes for the seller to send the trade offer. Once you accept the trade, you'll receive the item immediately, though there may be a Steam trade hold if you don't have mobile authentication enabled.

What should I do if I encounter problems?

If you encounter issues, try the following: use Buff163's support system (though responses may be in Chinese), seek help from community resources like Reddit's r/GlobalOffensiveTrade or Discord servers dedicated to CS2 trading, or consult with experienced Buff163 users. For payment disputes, document everything and work through the payment provider's resolution process.

Buff163 Guide for USA Users