Getting Started with Polymarket from the United Kingdom (2026)
The registration process at Polymarket typically takes around 10 minutes to complete. You'll need three essentials: a cryptocurrency wallet (MetaMask remains the most widely adopted choice), USDC tokens positioned on the Polygon blockchain, and a working email account. Initial account setup requires no identity verification, though traders with significant activity levels may face verification requests down the line.
Step 1: Install Your Wallet
Set up MetaMask by installing it as a browser plugin (available for Chrome and Firefox) or downloading the standalone mobile application. Generate a fresh wallet and carefully preserve your 12-word recovery phrase in a secure location — this phrase represents your sole means of account recovery.
Step 2: Transfer USDC onto Polygon
- Acquire USDC through a UK-based crypto platform (such as Coinbase, Kraken, or Revolut)
- Move your USDC to your MetaMask address via the Polygon chain (avoid sending to Ethereum mainnet)
- Configure Polygon within MetaMask: use chainId 137 and RPC endpoint https://polygon-rpc.com
Step 3: Link Your Wallet to Polymarket
Navigate to polymarket.com and select "Connect Wallet". Choose MetaMask or use WalletConnect if you're on mobile. Confirm the connection request in your wallet interface. Your Polymarket profile is instantly activated using your wallet's public address.
Step 4: Fund Your Trading Account
Tap the "Deposit" button within Polymarket's dashboard. Your Polygon-based USDC holdings will display immediately. Select how much USDC you'd like to allocate for trading — the practical floor is around $1.
Step 5: Execute Your Opening Trade
Explore available markets, pick the outcome you wish to back, specify your stake, and confirm with "Buy". Your order settles almost instantly thanks to Polygon's speed.
Can UK Users Access Polymarket?
Absolutely. Polymarket operates without geographical restrictions for UK residents accessing it through conventional internet browsers. The service faces no blocking from UK network providers. Polymarket operates under an information market framework rather than a gambling licence, which is why it does not require UKGC authorisation.