POLYMARKET FEES, ACTUALLY EXPLAINED

On this page · 5

1. Worked example: 100 shares at 50¢
2. Polymarket vs Kalshi costs
3. When Polymarket wins on cost
4. When Kalshi wins on cost
5. Pick your venue

Short version: Polymarket US is a CFTC-regulated app that trades in US dollars. Any trading fee is shown on the order screen before you confirm, so check that preview rather than relying on a quoted rate. The other real cost is the bid/ask spread, which is small in big markets and wider in niche ones.

TL;DR:

• 💸 Trading fee: shown on each order before you confirm
• 💵 Funding: US dollars in the app — no crypto, no network fees
• 📉 Spread: penny-wide in big markets, 5–10¢ in niche ones
• 🎁 New users: deposit $10, get a $25 trading bonus with code TXPREDICTS

Worked example: 100 shares at 50¢

You buy 100 YES shares at 50¢: $50.00, plus whatever fee the order screen shows. On a deep market like the Super Bowl winner, the spread costs roughly $0.01 per share round-trip. You exit at 60¢ for $60.00. Gross profit: $10.00, minus the fees shown on your two orders and about $1 of spread. The same maths works on Kalshi — compare the fee preview for the same market in both apps.

Polymarket vs Kalshi costs

Cost	Polymarket US	Kalshi
Trading fee	Shown on each order	Scaled, peak ~0.7% one-way
Deposit	US dollars in the app	ACH free · debit small fee
Withdrawal	To your bank from the app	Free ACH
Welcome offer	Deposit $10, get $25	Trade $25, get $25

When Polymarket wins on cost

• Deep, liquid markets — penny spreads on elections and major sports keep costs low.
• Holding to resolution — no exit order, so no exit spread.
• New accounts — the $25 bonus on a $10 deposit is the biggest starter credit for the smallest deposit.

When Kalshi wins on cost

• Niche or new markets — wider spreads on Polymarket can cost more than Kalshi's fee.
• Weather and economics — Kalshi lists more of these contracts, often with tighter spreads.

More: Polymarket taxes (Texas) · How to use Polymarket · Kalshi fees compared

Pick your venue

Four CFTC-regulated exchanges that accept Texans (status in Texas: Available, as of 3 October 2026). Full comparison →

Frequently asked questions

Does Polymarket charge trading fees?

Polymarket US shows any trading fee on the order screen before you confirm, so you always see the full cost. Check the fee preview rather than relying on a quoted rate — fees can differ by market.

What are the hidden costs on Polymarket?

The main hidden cost is the spread between the best bid and best ask. The deepest markets (elections, Super Bowl) have penny-wide spreads; niche markets can be 5–10¢ wide. Use limit orders and check the order book before you trade.

Polymarket fees vs Kalshi fees?

Both are CFTC-regulated and both fund in dollars. Kalshi uses a published per-contract fee that peaks near 50¢ prices; Polymarket US shows its fee on each order. Compare the fee preview on the same market in both apps before you trade.

Are there deposit or withdrawal fees on Polymarket?

Check the Polymarket US app's cashier for current deposit and withdrawal terms — they are shown before you confirm a transfer. You fund and withdraw in US dollars; no crypto exchange is involved.

Can I see fees before placing a trade?

Yes. The Polymarket US app shows your fill price and any fee before you confirm the order.