Is Polymarket legal in the US?

Yes. Polymarket relaunched US access in late 2025 and operates under CFTC oversight. It is available to US traders.

Do I need a crypto wallet to use Polymarket?

No. Polymarket creates a managed wallet for you during signup. You don't need to write down a seed phrase or use MetaMask.

What's the easiest way to deposit?

Use the in-app card onramp. From the dashboard, click Deposit, choose Card, enter the USD amount, and complete the payment. Funds arrive in your Polymarket wallet within minutes.

What's the minimum deposit?

Polymarket has no hard minimum, but most onramp partners require at least $10–$25 per transaction.

How long does KYC take?

Typically 5–60 minutes after submitting your ID and selfie.

What if I send USDC on the wrong network?

This is the most common way new users lose money. Always send USDC on the Polygon network — never Ethereum mainnet. If you sent on the wrong chain, contact Polymarket support immediately.

Are prediction markets legal in the US?

Yes. federally-regulated event-contract platforms operate under federal commodities law, which preempts state gambling statutes. That makes Kalshi, Polymarket, Sleeper, Chalkboard, Novig, Rebet, and Crypto.com legal for US traders to use today — even in states where traditional online sportsbooks remain unavailable.

Who regulates the platforms I am trading on?

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) — the same federal agency that regulates futures, options, and swaps. Platforms operate as Designated Contract Markets (DCMs) and must follow rules on disclosures, market integrity, customer protection, and segregation of customer funds.

Do I need to pay tax on my winnings?

Yes. Profits are taxable as either short-term capital gains or ordinary income at both federal and state levels. There is no de minimis exemption. Some Kalshi contracts may qualify for Section 1256 60/40 treatment. Consult a CPA — this is not tax advice.

Is my money protected if a platform fails?

federally-regulated event-contract platforms are required to keep customer funds segregated from operational capital. That gives meaningful protection in the event of operator bankruptcy, but it is not the same as FDIC insurance. Only fund accounts with money you are prepared to lose.

What disclosures should I read before trading?

Read each platform's contract resolution rules carefully — they vary across venues for the same event. Also review our editorial Disclosure for how we earn revenue from affiliate partnerships and how that affects (and does not affect) our coverage.

What are the age and residency requirements?

You must be 21 or older and a US resident with a valid government ID. KYC verification is mandatory and typically completes in 5–60 minutes.

Guide · 6 min read

How to Deposit on Polymarket: Step-by-Step (2026)

By Catie Di StefanoPublished April 21, 2026Updated August 6, 2026

Funding a Polymarket account from a US bank or debit card, end to end. KYC, USDC mechanics, settlement times, and what to do if a deposit hangs.

Some links on this page are affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you sign up, at no cost to you. How we make money.

Independent educational guide. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to FIFA or any official World Cup body.

How to Deposit on Polymarket: Step-by-Step (2026)

Sources

Every figure on this page is checked against primary sources — regulator filings, exchange documentation and official results. Prices and rules change; verify with the operator before trading.

1.Polymarket Learn — how the exchange works — Polymarket
2.Polymarket documentation — markets, fees and resolution — Polymarket
3.Customer advisories and investor protection notices — U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission
4.Designated Contract Markets (DCMs) — U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission
5.The Commodity Exchange Act & regulations — U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission

Editorial coverage

Polymarket is the world's largest prediction market, with a US iPhone app for event contracts.

We don't operate Polymarket and don't accept signups on this site. For state-specific availability and guidance, jump to the sibling editorial site for your jurisdiction.

Learn more about prediction markets in soccer

Guide

Frequently asked questions

Is Polymarket legal in the US?: Yes. Polymarket relaunched US access in late 2025 and operates under CFTC oversight. It is available to US traders.
Do I need a crypto wallet to use Polymarket?: No. Polymarket creates a managed wallet for you during signup. You don't need to write down a seed phrase or use MetaMask.
What's the easiest way to deposit?: Use the in-app card onramp. From the dashboard, click Deposit, choose Card, enter the USD amount, and complete the payment. Funds arrive in your Polymarket wallet within minutes.
What's the minimum deposit?: Polymarket has no hard minimum, but most onramp partners require at least $10–$25 per transaction.
How long does KYC take?: Typically 5–60 minutes after submitting your ID and selfie.
What if I send USDC on the wrong network?: This is the most common way new users lose money. Always send USDC on the Polygon network — never Ethereum mainnet. If you sent on the wrong chain, contact Polymarket support immediately.

Legal & Compliance

Legality, regulation, and your protections

For full guardrails, see our Responsible Trading guide and our editorial Disclosure. This page is informational, not legal or tax advice.

Responsible Trading

Trading safely: the questions that matter

Is trading prediction markets the same as gambling?: No. Prediction markets are federally-regulated event contracts — financial derivatives, not casino games. That said, you can still lose every dollar you put in. Treat capital at risk as money you are prepared to lose.
How much should I trade with?: Only with money you can afford to lose without affecting rent, bills, or savings goals. A common rule of thumb: cap total prediction market exposure at 1–5% of your discretionary income.
What are the warning signs of problem trading?: Trading to recover losses, hiding activity from family, borrowing to fund deposits, missing work or sleep, or feeling unable to stop. If any of these apply, step away and call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Where can I get help in the US?: Call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (free, confidential, 24/7) or visit ncpgambling.org. Most platforms also offer self-exclusion and deposit limit tools in account settings.
Can I set deposit or loss limits?: Yes. Kalshi, Polymarket, Sleeper, and Chalkboard all offer self-imposed deposit limits, loss limits, and cooling-off periods. Set them when you open the account, not after a bad week.

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit ncpgambling.org.

Next steps

Ready to get started?

Kalshi

The regulatory leader.

Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.