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 net trading returns. Rather than following the conventional bookmaker model—which typically embeds a 5-15% margin into every wager—Polymarket adopts a more open approach to pricing. That said, costs are not absent. Below is a comprehensive overview of all charges you should anticipate.
Trading fees
Polymarket operates via an order book system (the CLOB — Central Limit Order Book). Your fee obligations shift based on your role in the transaction:
- Maker orders (limit orders that add liquidity): 0% fee
- Taker orders (market orders that remove liquidity): ~1-2% effective fee via spread
- Reward tokens: Active makers can earn MATIC rewards through Polymarket's market-making incentive programme
The hidden cost: bid-ask spread
The true expense when transacting on Polymarket stems from the spread—the differential separating the highest purchase price and lowest sale price. In highly traded markets (presidential contests, major blockchain developments), spreads remain narrow: 1-2 cents. In thinly traded markets (specialised research questions, obscure geopolitical scenarios), spreads can widen significantly 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 incur when adding funds to your account fluctuates based on your chosen funding route:
- MoonPay (credit card): 3.5-5% — user-friendly yet costly
- Crypto transfer (Polygon USDC): gas fee only, typically under $0.01
- Bridge from Ethereum: $2-15 in ETH gas, plus 10-30 minute wait
Withdrawal costs
Sending USDC from Polymarket back to your personal wallet incurs no charge when using the Polygon network. Should you wish to convert your holdings back into traditional currency, your chosen exchange will levy its own withdrawal charge (usually $1-5 per transaction).
How PolyGram compares
PolyGram taps into the identical Polymarket order book, meaning trading spreads remain the same across both platforms. Where PolyGram delivers value is through improved account setup—simplified funding processes that sidestep expensive MoonPay rates. Review your transaction history to monitor precise costs associated with individual trades. Start trading on PolyGram →