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. In contrast to conventional betting platforms that apply a 5-15% vigorish to every wager, Polymarket operates with greater openness in its pricing — though it is not cost-free. Below is a comprehensive overview of all charges you will face.
Trading fees
Polymarket operates via an order book system (the CLOB — Central Limit Order Book). Your fee obligations shift depending on whether you provide or consume liquidity:
- Maker orders (limit orders that provide liquidity): 0% fee
- Taker orders (market orders that consume liquidity): ~1-2% effective fee via spread
- Reward tokens: Prolific makers can earn MATIC rewards through Polymarket's liquidity incentive scheme
The hidden cost: bid-ask spread
Your principal expense when trading on Polymarket stems from the spread — the differential between the highest purchase price and lowest sale price available. In high-volume markets (presidential contests, major blockchain developments), spreads remain narrow: 1-2 cents. In low-volume markets (specialised research questions, lesser-known political scenarios), 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 establish your account balance varies based on your funding approach:
- MoonPay (credit card): 3.5-5% — user-friendly yet pricey
- Crypto transfer (Polygon USDC): gas fee only, usually less than $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 convert to traditional currency, you will incur your exchange's standard withdrawal charge (ordinarily $1-5 per transaction).
How PolyGram compares
PolyGram taps into the identical Polymarket order book, meaning trading spreads remain the same across platforms. Where PolyGram delivers value is during account setup — simplified onboarding without expensive MoonPay charges. Review your transaction history to monitor precise costs on each position. Start trading on PolyGram →