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Steam Trading Restrictions Guide 2026: Trade Holds, Bans & Limits

Steam trading restrictions exist to protect users from scams and unauthorized access. Understanding these systems helps you trade efficiently while keeping your account secure.

Trade Holds

Standard Trade Holds

• No Mobile Authenticator: 15-day hold on all trades
• New Authenticator: 7-day hold for first week
• New Device: 7-day hold after device change
• With Authenticator: No hold (instant trades)

Item-Specific Holds

• New purchases: 7-day hold from Steam Market
• New case openings: 7-day trade restriction
• Event items: May have extended restrictions

Market Restrictions

New Account Limits

• Must spend €5+ on Steam
• 30-day wait after first purchase
• Limited market access until requirements met

Listing Limits

• Maximum price: €1,800 per item
• Listing cap: 200 active listings (can increase)
• Annual limit: €2,000 for basic accounts

Increasing Limits

1. Verify identity with Valve
2. Add tax information
3. Build account history

Account Bans

VAC Bans

• Triggered by cheating software
• Restricts trading in banned game
• Permanent, no appeals
• Doesn’t affect other games

Trade Bans

• Scamming/fraud related
• Can be temporary or permanent
• Affects all trading
• Appeal through Steam Support

Community Bans

• Behavior violations
• May restrict market/trading
• Duration varies

Avoiding Restrictions

Recovering from Restrictions

Trade Hold Recovery

1. Wait out the hold period
2. Re-enable authenticator properly
3. Keep device consistent

Ban Appeals

1. Contact Steam Support
2. Provide evidence if wrongly banned
3. Be patient – appeals take time
4. VAC bans cannot be appealed