How to Sign Up to Polymarket from the UK (2026)
Getting started on Polymarket is straightforward and typically takes around 10 minutes to complete. You'll require a cryptocurrency wallet (MetaMask remains the most widely used option), some USDC tokens on the Polygon blockchain, and a valid email account. Initial account setup does not demand KYC verification, though users engaging in substantial trading volumes may eventually be required to complete identity checks.
Step 1: Download a Wallet
Set up MetaMask by installing it as a browser extension on Chrome or Firefox, or download the MetaMask application for your mobile device. 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: Add USDC to Polygon
- Acquire USDC through a UK-based cryptocurrency exchange such as Coinbase, Kraken, or Revolut
- Transfer your USDC to your MetaMask wallet address via the Polygon network (ensure you do not use Ethereum mainnet)
- Configure Polygon within MetaMask: use chainId 137 and RPC endpoint https://polygon-rpc.com
Step 3: Connect to Polymarket
Navigate to polymarket.com and select "Connect Wallet" from the interface. Choose MetaMask or WalletConnect if accessing via mobile device. Confirm the connection request in your wallet application. Your Polymarket profile is instantly generated based on your wallet's public address.
Step 4: Deposit USDC
Select the "Deposit" option within the Polymarket application. Your Polygon-based USDC holdings will become visible. Transfer the desired quantity to your trading account — the practical floor is approximately $1.
Step 5: Place Your First Trade
Explore available prediction markets, choose your desired outcome, specify your stake amount, and confirm by clicking "Buy". Your transaction will settle within seconds thanks to Polygon's speed.
Is Polymarket Available in the UK?
Absolutely. UK-based users can access Polymarket without geographical restrictions using any standard web browser. The service operates freely without ISP-level blocking in the United Kingdom. Polymarket functions under information market classification rather than gambling regulation, meaning it does not require a UKGC gambling licence.