Guides
How Polymarket works and how to use it from your country.
Start here
Prediction markets: what they are and how they workWhat a prediction market is, how a contract price reads as a probability, how it differs from polls and bookmakers, where it operates and what can go wrong.What Polymarket is and how it works, without the hypePolymarket is a prediction market: you trade Yes/No contracts on real events and the price is the probability. How it works, the risks and where it works.How to deposit on Polymarket: USDC, card or Coinbase, step by stepThe three ways to deposit on Polymarket, the simplest route from Latin America and Africa (USDC on Polygon), what it really costs and how not to lose funds.
Getting started
What Polymarket is, how it works and whether it suits you. 5 guides
- Is Polymarket legit? What it protects and what it does notPolymarket works as advertised: your balance sits in your wallet and UMA resolves markets. But market, wording, legal and impersonation risks remain.
- Polymarket app: how to install it on Android and iOS and avoid the fakesPolymarket has an official app on the App Store and Google Play, but not everywhere. How to spot the real one and what to do if your store lacks it.
- Polymarket vs Kalshi: key differences and which fits your countryKalshi is a CFTC-regulated exchange for US residents that runs in dollars; global Polymarket runs on crypto and does not accept US users.
- Prediction markets: what they are and how they workWhat a prediction market is, how a contract price reads as a probability, how it differs from polls and bookmakers, where it operates and what can go wrong.
- What Polymarket is and how it works, without the hypePolymarket is a prediction market: you trade Yes/No contracts on real events and the price is the probability. How it works, the risks and where it works.
Deposits and withdrawals
Getting from your currency to USDC and back, and what it costs. 13 guides
- How to deposit on Polymarket: USDC, card or Coinbase, step by stepThe three ways to deposit on Polymarket, the simplest route from Latin America and Africa (USDC on Polygon), what it really costs and how not to lose funds.
How to use Polymarket in Chile: deposits and withdrawals guidePolymarket works in Chile and the regulator has not ruled on it. Buy USDC on Buda, Binance or CryptoMKT, send it over Polygon, withdraw the same way.
How to use Polymarket in Kenya: from shillings to USDC and backPolymarket works in Kenya with no known restriction. Buy USDC with shillings on Binance or Bybit, send it over Polygon, and reverse it to withdraw.
How to use Polymarket in Mexico: deposit and withdraw in pesosPolymarket works in Mexico but does not take pesos. Buy USDC on Bitso, Binance or OKX, send it over Polygon, and reverse the route to cash out.
How to use Polymarket in Nigeria: naira to USDC, step by stepPolymarket works in Nigeria with no known restriction but does not take naira. Buy USDC on Bybit or Luno and send it over Polygon.
How to use Polymarket in Peru: from soles to USDC and backPolymarket works in Peru with no known restriction. Buy USDC with soles on Binance, Buda or OKX, send it over Polygon, and withdraw to the exchange to cash out.
How to use Polymarket in South Africa: rand to USDC and backPolymarket works in South Africa with no known restriction. Buy USDC with rand on Luno, VALR or Binance, send it over Polygon, reverse it to withdraw.- How to withdraw from Polymarket and cash out to your bankWithdrawing from Polymarket is free: your pUSD becomes USDC and goes to the network you choose. Then you sell it on an exchange for your local currency.
- Polymarket deposit not showing up: what to check, step by stepIf your Polymarket deposit is not showing up, check the network, address, token, minimum and the transaction on Polygonscan, then contact support if needed.
- Polymarket fees: what you actually pay per tradeThe official fee table by category, the exact formula, why makers pay nothing, and worked examples with real numbers.
- Polymarket limit orders: how to trade with 0% fees as a makerOn Polymarket only takers pay fees. A limit order that rests in the book makes you a maker, and makers pay nothing. When it pays off and how much you save.
- Polymarket MetaMask and Coinbase: how to connect your wallet and depositPolymarket lets you sign in with email, Google or a wallet such as MetaMask. See the deposit options, how Polygon fits in and how to spot fake sites.
- Polymarket sign up bonus: what exists and how to spot scamsDoes Polymarket give a sign-up or deposit bonus? The one official promotion we found, how the referral code really works and how to spot fake bonuses.
Legal and taxes
Where it is legal, where it is blocked and what happens with tax. 2 guides
- Polymarket taxes explained: what to track before you filePolymarket withholds no tax, but your profits are usually taxable income. How to keep records, convert to local currency and why you need a local accountant.
- Where is Polymarket legal? Country-by-country status in 2026No known restriction in Mexico, Peru, Chile, Nigeria, Kenya or South Africa; blocked in Spain, Argentina, Colombia, India and the Philippines.
Reading the markets
What a price says, how a market resolves and what trading costs. 2 guides
- How Polymarket markets resolve: UMA's oracle in 4 stepsA proposer sets the outcome with a bond, there are 2 hours to dispute it and, if someone does, UMA holders vote. The written rules decide.
- How to read Polymarket odds without fooling yourselfOn Polymarket the price from 0 to 1 is the market's probability. How to read it with spread, liquidity and volume, and compare it with polls and bookmaker odds.
Advanced
API, strategies and risks for people already trading. 2 guides
- Polymarket API guide: read markets and prices with no API keyPolymarket's Gamma API is public and needs no key. Endpoints, parameters, how to parse outcomePrices and pull price history, with curl and JavaScript examples.
- Polymarket strategy: how people win and the risks they carryWinning on Polymarket means buying below the true probability. Legitimate strategies (maker orders, thin markets, early exits) and the risks they carry.