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 for assessing your actual returns on trades. In contrast to conventional betting operators who embed a 5-15% margin into every wager, Polymarket's pricing model offers greater clarity — though it is not cost-free. Below is a comprehensive overview of all charges you will face.
Trading fees
Polymarket operates via an order book system (the CLOB — Central Limit Order Book). Your fee structure hinges on whether you function as a maker or taker:
- Maker orders (limit orders that provide liquidity): 0% fee
- Taker orders (market orders that consume liquidity): ~1-2% effective fee via spread
- Reward tokens: Prolific makers qualify for MATIC rewards through Polymarket's liquidity incentive scheme
The hidden cost: bid-ask spread
Your actual trading expense on Polymarket stems from the spread — the differential between the highest purchase price and lowest sale price. In high-volume markets (presidential contests, significant blockchain developments), spreads remain narrow: 1-2 cents. In lower-volume markets (specialised research queries, uncommon geopolitical scenarios), 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 amount you spend to activate your account varies based on your chosen funding route:
- MoonPay (credit card): 3.5-5% — user-friendly yet pricey
- Crypto transfer (Polygon USDC): gas expense only, usually below $0.01
- Bridge from Ethereum: $2-15 in ETH gas, plus 10-30 minute processing window
Withdrawal costs
Moving USDC out of Polymarket to your personal wallet incurs no charge when using the Polygon network. Should you wish to exchange back into traditional currency, you will incur your payment processor's withdrawal charge (ordinarily $1-5 per transaction).
How PolyGram compares
PolyGram taps into the identical Polymarket order book, meaning trading spreads remain the same. Where PolyGram delivers value is in deposit and withdrawal simplification — efficient account funding without the steep MoonPay surcharge. Review your transaction history to observe precise charges applied to individual trades. Start trading on PolyGram →