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How to Withdraw from Prediction Markets: Step-by-Step

Complete guide to withdrawing funds from Polymarket, Kalshi, and other prediction markets. Crypto withdrawal, bank transfer, fees, and timing explained.

Sarah Whitfield
Markets Editor — Political Forecasting · · 3 min read
✓ Fact-checked · 📅 Updated 1 May 2026 · 3 min read
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Key takeaway: Exiting prediction markets generally requires converting your holdings into USDC (or USD), moving funds to your personal wallet or bank account, and then exchanging to your home currency. Depending on your chosen platform and withdrawal method, this can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 3 business days.

Understanding how to withdraw from prediction markets matters as much as mastering the deposit process. Many beginning participants concentrate on acquiring shares but encounter unexpected complications when attempting to realise their gains. This article walks through the major platforms available.

Withdrawing from Polymarket

  1. Exit your position — place your shares for sale on the market (or hold until market settlement if you prefer to collect the full amount)
  2. Go to Portfolio → Withdraw
  3. Choose your withdrawal network — Polygon (minimal cost, nearly instantaneous) or Ethereum (steeper gas charges, 5-15 min window)
  4. Provide your wallet address — verify this carefully; once sent on the blockchain, transactions cannot be reversed
  5. Authorise the withdrawal — your USDC will show up in your external wallet between 1-10 minutes using Polygon
  6. Exchange to fiat currency — move USDC to Coinbase, Kraken, or Binance and exchange for EUR/USD/GBP, then complete your bank transfer

Withdrawing from Kalshi

Kalshi operates through conventional banking infrastructure given its status as a CFTC-authorised exchange:

  1. Go to Account → Withdraw
  2. Pick your connected bank account (ACH) or electronic wire
  3. Specify the amount and approve
  4. Your money arrives in 1-3 business days (ACH) or the same day (wire, $25 charge)

Common Withdrawal Issues

Issue Cause Solution
Withdrawal stuck in pending status for extended periodBlockchain traffic delays or regulatory screeningAllow 24 hours to elapse, then reach out to customer service
Incorrect network chosenTransferred USDC via Polygon to a wallet that only accepts EthereumRecovery is possible if you own the corresponding private key
Identity verification renewalSubstantial withdrawal amount activates additional compliance screeningFurnish the required paperwork without delay
Minimum withdrawal threshold not reachedExchange enforces a floor amount for withdrawalsAdd funds to your account to satisfy the minimum requirement

Withdrawal Fees by Platform

Platform Method Fee Speed
PolymarketPolygon USDC< $0.011-5 min
KalshiACHFree1-3 days
KalshiWire$25Same day
PolyGramPolygon USDCFree1-10 min

Tax Implications of Withdrawals

The act of withdrawing itself does not create a taxable event — however, liquidating your shares (ending your position) certainly does. Consult our prediction market tax guide for comprehensive information on compliance obligations across the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom.

PolyGram streamlines the process of taking funds out through an intuitive integrated deposit and withdrawal interface. Start trading on PolyGram →

Sarah Whitfield
Markets Editor — Political Forecasting

Sarah has tracked political prediction markets and election forecasting since the 2020 US cycle. Focus: US presidential, congressional, and UK parliamentary contracts.