Fees, prices and balance

Not the official SkinsMonkey website

How the site prices items, where the commission is hidden, and why your balance should not be treated as cash.

Sources checked: 6 min read

Key facts

  • Bot items include a 10% commission, plus 0–3% extra on popular items.
  • Prices are set automatically and can differ from the Steam Market.
  • Balance and deposits cannot be withdrawn. Balance is only spendable on SkinsMonkey.
  • All trades are final. Payments above USD 1,000 in a short period can trigger identity checks.

How prices are set

SkinsMonkey says its prices are generated automatically from factors such as availability, popularity, demand and StatTrak™ status. Because it is a trading site rather than an open marketplace, its prices often sit below Steam Market prices, but there is no fixed ratio. Treat any comparison as valid only for that item at that moment.

SkinsMonkey also states that it does not pay extra for stickers or special float values. A rare float or an expensive sticker may matter to a collector, but it will not raise the value the site gives you.

Where the commission sits

There is no separate fee line at checkout. According to SkinsMonkey's help centre, items sold by its bots include a 10% commission plus a 0–3% markup on popular items in the displayed price. That is why an item can look more expensive on SkinsMonkey than its Steam Market price right after you receive it.

Item price before commission+10%+3% popular markupShown price (up to)
Example A10.00 → 11.00+0.3011.30
Example B100.00 → 110.00+3.00113.00

Illustration of the stated percentages in neutral units, assuming the markup is applied to the base price. SkinsMonkey does not publish the exact formula.

Balance is not money

When you give more value than you receive, the difference becomes SkinsMonkey balance. The help centre is explicit: balance cannot be withdrawn and can only be used on SkinsMonkey. The Terms of Service describe it as "Drawing Rights", units shown in USD for convenience that cannot be exchanged for money or crypto.

Plan your trade so that little or no balance is left over, unless you intend to spend it on the site later.

Deposits and bonuses

To receive more than you give, you can top up your balance. The homepage lists cards, PayPal, Blik, Klarna, Skrill, Trustly, Paysafecard and several cryptocurrencies. Available methods depend on your country.

  • Deposits cannot be withdrawn. SkinsMonkey says an unused deposit may be refundable, but a partly used one cannot be partly refunded.
  • Bonuses are trading credit. When we checked, the homepage advertised deposit bonuses of up to 35%, plus promo codes. Bonus credit is balance, not money. Read the conditions before you deposit.
  • Identity checks. The Terms say payments above USD 1,000 within a short period are subject to KYC.

Getting cash for skins

SkinsMonkey itself does not pay out money. Its help centre points users who want cash to SkinCashier, a separate service with its own terms. If you use it, read its terms and fees separately. This guide does not cover it.

Trades are final

The Terms state that trades and transactions are final and not subject to return, refund or cancellation. Check the item and the price before you accept, not after.

Price check before you accept

  1. Is it the exact item you want: wear, float, StatTrak™, pattern, stickers?
  2. What is the total difference, and will it come from balance or leave balance behind?
  3. Do you plan to spend any leftover balance on the site?
  4. Is the item trade-locked? Can you wait for it?

Sources