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 of Polymarket fees matters when you are working out your net returns. In contrast to conventional sportsbooks that hide a 5-15% edge inside every wager, Polymarket operates with a clearer fee model — though it is not cost-free. Below is a complete rundown of all expenses you will face.
Trading fees
Polymarket operates via an order book system (the CLOB — Central Limit Order Book). What you pay hinges on your role as either a maker or taker:
- 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
Your actual trading expense on Polymarket comes from the spread — the difference between the highest purchase price and lowest sale price available. On heavily traded markets (presidential races, major blockchain developments), spreads stay narrow: 1-2 cents. On thinly traded markets (specialist research questions, minor geopolitical bets), 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 set up your account varies based on how you choose to fund it:
- MoonPay (credit card): 3.5-5% — quick but pricey
- 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
Moving USDC out of Polymarket to your personal wallet costs nothing when using the Polygon network. Should you wish to switch back to traditional currency, your bank or exchange will levy a withdrawal charge (normally $1-5 per transaction).
How PolyGram compares
PolyGram taps into the identical Polymarket order book, meaning trading spreads work out the same. The advantage PolyGram offers is in getting started — a smoother account setup process without the steep MoonPay charges. Review your transaction history to view precise costs for each position. Start trading on PolyGram →