In the present study, the shear performance of a cold-formed steel (CFS) 2-bolted beam-to-column moment connection (2BM) is investigated through 39 laboratory connection tests. The chosen design parameters of the test specimen are the thickness, width and depth of the clip-angle. The effect of the design parameters on the ultimate shear strength, initial stiffness and failure modes of the 2BM connection was analysed and design recommendations were proposed. The test results showed that clip angles with aspect ratio (L/D) ≤ 0.36 are prone to tearing failure, while the failure is due to shear local buckling for L/D > 0.36 in a 2BM connection. Two design methods, namely Method-1: empirical design approach and Method-2: generic design approach, are developed to predict the ultimate shear capacity of the 2BM connection. Both Method-1 and Method-2 yielded equal ultimate shear strength, but Method-2 was preferred as it accounts for the change in design variable of the clip-angle and flange-cleat. The design factors were evaluated for Methods 1 and 2 through reliability analysis. The shear strength increment in a 2-bolted moment connection over a 2-bolted shear connection is quantified, and a parametric study is conducted. The relative shear performance of the present 2-bolted moment connection and the existing 3-bolted moment connection is evaluated, and design recommendations are suggested to facilitate the connection selection process. Practical application: A standard 2-bolt clip-angle shear connection allows for basic load transfer with minimal material and fabrication needs. Adding a flange cleat transforms it into a 2-bolt moment connection, increasing ultimate strength by 85 %. Introducing a third bolt creates a 3-bolt moment connection, providing an additional 16 % strength boost over the 2-bolt moment connection while maintaining similar stiffness and ductility. Although the strength gain is slight, it enhances redundancy and durability. However, the costs of adding bolts across a structure, covering material, fabrication, and erection must be considered. A balanced design strategy should use 2-bolt shear connections where appropriate, upgrade to 2-bolt moment connections for added strength, and selectively apply 3-bolt moment connections for enhanced capacity and redundancy, promoting structural efficiency and cost-effectiveness.