CIR animation

We compare platforms & may earn a commission.Learn more.

Email Alerts
Prediction market comparison

Polymarket vs Kalshi

International Polymarket and Kalshi use different access, funding and regulatory structures. Location is the first deciding factor: U.S. residents cannot trade on Polymarket.com.

Quick answer

Choose by account fit and access

International Polymarket is built for eligible non-U.S. crypto-native users, while Kalshi fits users who prioritize regulated event contracts and dollar-based account access. U.S. customers seeking the Polymarket brand must use Polymarket US instead.

Polymarket logo

Polymarket

Best for: Eligible non-U.S. users seeking crypto-native market breadth

The international Polymarket website is a separate product from Polymarket US and is not available to U.S. residents.

VS
Kalshi logo

Kalshi

Best for: Users seeking regulated event contracts and USD funding

A U.S.-regulated event market with broad public-event coverage.

$25 bonus when you trade $25. Use code COIN1.

Side-by-side details

Start with availability, then compare funding, fees and the markets you actually want to trade.

ComparePolymarketKalshi
Best fitEligible non-U.S. users seeking crypto-native market breadthUsers seeking regulated event contracts and USD funding
Platform typeInternational crypto prediction marketRegulated event-contract exchange
AvailabilityInternational users only; restricted countries excludedU.S. and eligible international countries
App accessInternational web platformWeb and mobile account
FundingCrypto and USD depositsUSD funding
Fee structureCategory-based taker fees; makers pay no trading feeTransaction fees vary by market and expected contract earnings
Market coverageSports, Elections, Macro, Crypto, AISports, Elections, Macro, Crypto, AI

Choose Polymarket if

  • +You live outside restricted jurisdictions and meet current eligibility rules.
  • +You prefer crypto-native funding and order-book trading.
  • +Broad politics, crypto, sports and culture discovery matters most.

Polymarket.com excludes U.S. residents and other restricted jurisdictions; physical-location rules also apply.

Choose Kalshi if

  • +You want regulated event-contract access with a conventional account.
  • +USD funding and formal exchange rules are priorities.
  • +You want to compare markets across sports, elections, macro and technology.

Kalshi fees and available contracts can vary by market, event and jurisdiction.

Considering another provider? Compare Polymarket alternatives and Kalshi alternatives, then check the worked fee comparison for the cost of entering and exiting a trade.

Frequently asked questions

Can U.S. residents use Polymarket.com instead of Kalshi?

No. Polymarket.com excludes U.S. residents. U.S. customers must use the separate Polymarket US product.

Which platform supports crypto funding?

International Polymarket is crypto-native. Kalshi uses account-based funding methods; confirm its current deposit options directly.

Which platform has lower fees?

There is no universal answer because fees can vary by category, contract price and order type. Compare the order preview and likely spread for the exact market.