Team Fortress 2 Trading Guide: Keys, Metal and Hats
Team Fortress 2 has one of the oldest player economies on Steam, built around hats, weapons and cosmetics. Trading can build an impressive backpack without spending much money — if you know how the currencies work and how to avoid scams.
Last updated: Tips & tricks · Oct 18, 2026 · 2 min read
TF2 currencies
Trades are priced in a few standard items:
- Mann Co. Supply Crate Keys are the main high-value currency.
- Refined Metal is used for cheaper items.
- Reclaimed and Scrap Metal are smaller units of Refined.
- Duplicate weapons can be crafted into Scrap Metal.
Pricing items
Use community price guides and current listings to price items. Prices depend on quality, effects and paint. Unusual hats are the most valuable items, and their price depends heavily on the effect and hat combination.
Start small
Begin by trading duplicate weapons and cheap cosmetics, then work up to hats. Buying and selling a few common items to learn the market is safer than making a big trade on your first day.
Trade safely
Use Steam trade offers and check every item before accepting. Scammers impersonate friends or trade bots, send fake login pages or ask you to 'verify' items. Protect your Steam account with the Steam Guard Mobile Authenticator and never share your login.
Trade holds
Steam may hold trades for a few days if you don't use the mobile authenticator, so set it up to trade instantly and more safely.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main currency in TF2 trading?
Mann Co. Supply Crate Keys for high-value items and Refined Metal for cheaper ones.
How do I get Scrap Metal in TF2?
Craft two duplicate weapons into one Scrap Metal.
How do I avoid TF2 trading scams?
Use Steam trade offers, check every item before accepting, never log in through links and use the Steam mobile authenticator.