In this guide
Key takeaway: Polymarket charges no explicit trading fee on most trades, but you pay through the bid-ask spread (typically 1-3 cents). Deposits via MoonPay cost 3.5-5%, while crypto deposits cost only gas fees (~$0.01 on Polygon). Withdrawals are free.
Grasping the full scope of Polymarket fees is vital when assessing your net returns from prediction trading. In contrast to conventional betting operators who embed a 5-15% take on every wager, Polymarket's cost framework offers greater clarity — though it is not cost-free. Below is a comprehensive overview of every expense you will face.
Trading fees
Polymarket operates via an order book system (the CLOB — Central Limit Order Book). Your fee obligations shift based on your role as either a maker or taker:
- Maker orders (limit orders that contribute liquidity): 0% fee
- Taker orders (market orders that consume liquidity): ~1-2% effective fee via spread
- Reward tokens: Prolific makers can accumulate MATIC rewards through Polymarket's liquidity incentive scheme
The hidden cost: bid-ask spread
The genuine expense when trading on Polymarket emerges from the spread — the differential between the highest purchase price and lowest sale price. In well-traded markets (presidential contests, major blockchain events), spreads remain narrow: 1-2 cents. In thinly-traded markets (specialised scientific forecasts, minor geopolitical questions), spreads can expand to 5-10 cents.
| Market type | Typical spread | Effective cost |
| US elections | 1-2 cents | 1-2% |
| Major crypto | 2-3 cents | 2-3% |
| Sports events | 3-5 cents | 3-5% |
| Niche markets | 5-10+ cents | 5-10%+ |
Deposit costs
The expense of adding funds to your account fluctuates based on your chosen funding pathway:
- MoonPay (credit card): 3.5-5% — user-friendly yet pricey
- Crypto transfer (Polygon USDC): gas fee only, usually below $0.01
- Bridge from Ethereum: $2-15 in ETH gas, plus 10-30 minute settlement period
Withdrawal costs
Moving USDC out of Polymarket to your personal wallet incurs no charge when utilising the Polygon network. Should you wish to exchange back into traditional currency, your bank or exchange will levy a withdrawal charge (customarily $1-5 per transaction).
How PolyGram compares
PolyGram taps into the identical Polymarket order book, meaning trading spreads mirror the platform exactly. Where PolyGram delivers value is in deposit and withdrawal efficiency — simplified account funding without the steep MoonPay premium. Review your transaction history to monitor precise costs on all your positions. Start trading on PolyGram →