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 matters greatly when you want to measure your actual returns from prediction trading. Compared to conventional betting operators who bake a 5-15% edge into every wager, Polymarket operates with a more open fee framework — though it is not costless. Below is a complete overview of all charges you will face.
Trading fees
Polymarket operates via an order book system (known as the CLOB — Central Limit Order Book). Your fee obligations shift based on your role as either a maker or taker:
- Maker orders (limit orders supplying liquidity): 0% fee
- Taker orders (market orders consuming liquidity): ~1-2% effective fee via spread
- Reward tokens: Prolific makers can accumulate MATIC rewards via Polymarket's liquidity incentive scheme
The hidden cost: bid-ask spread
Your primary trading expense on Polymarket stems from the spread — the difference separating the highest bid and lowest ask. In heavily traded markets (presidential contests, major blockchain developments), spreads remain narrow: 1-2 cents. In thinly traded markets (specialist research questions, fringe political scenarios), spreads expand dramatically 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
Your funding expenses shift depending on which deposit channel you select:
- MoonPay (credit card): 3.5-5% — simple but pricey
- Crypto transfer (Polygon USDC): gas fee only, usually below $0.01
- Bridge from Ethereum: $2-15 in ETH gas, plus 10-30 minute settlement
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 impose a withdrawal cost (normally $1-5 per transaction).
How PolyGram compares
PolyGram taps into the identical Polymarket order book, meaning trading spreads remain the same. PolyGram's advantage lies in account setup — quicker onboarding without the steep MoonPay surcharge. Review your transaction history for precise fee breakdowns on each transaction. Start trading on PolyGram →