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 true cost structure of Polymarket fees is vital for assessing your actual returns on positions. In contrast to conventional betting operators who obscure a 5-15% margin within every wager, Polymarket presents a comparatively straightforward pricing model — though it is not costless. Below is a comprehensive overview of all expenses you will face.
Trading fees
Polymarket operates through an order book mechanism (the CLOB — Central Limit Order Book). Your fee obligations shift based on your role as either 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 gain MATIC rewards through Polymarket's liquidity incentive scheme
The hidden cost: bid-ask spread
The principal expense when trading on Polymarket comes from the spread — the distance separating the highest purchase price and lowest sale price. In heavily-traded markets (presidential contests, significant blockchain developments), spreads remain narrow: 1-2 cents. In less-traded markets (specialised research questions, uncommon political scenarios), spreads can reach 5-10 cents or beyond.
| 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 varies based on which funding avenue you select:
- MoonPay (credit card): 3.5-5% — user-friendly yet pricey
- Crypto transfer (Polygon USDC): gas fee only, seldom exceeding $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 using the Polygon network. Should you wish to exchange back into traditional currency, your bank or exchange will levy a withdrawal charge (usually $1-5 flat rate).
How PolyGram compares
PolyGram taps into the identical Polymarket order book, meaning trading spreads remain the same. The advantage PolyGram delivers is in account setup — simplified funding pathways that sidestep the steep MoonPay costs. Review your transaction history to observe precise charges on each position. Start trading on PolyGram →