How Polymarket Works
A complete step-by-step guide to trading on the world's largest prediction market platform.
Create Your Account
Getting started with Polymarket is simple and takes just a few minutes.
- Visit Polymarket.com and click "Sign Up"
- You can register using your email address or connect an existing crypto wallet
- Supported wallets include MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, WalletConnect, and more
- Complete any required verification steps based on your region
- Your account is now ready to fund and start trading
Fund Your Account
Polymarket uses USDC (USD Coin) for all trading activities.
- USDC is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar (1 USDC = $1)
- You can purchase USDC directly on Polymarket using a credit card or bank transfer
- Alternatively, transfer USDC from an external wallet or exchange
- Deposits are processed on the Polygon network for low fees and fast transactions
- Your balance will appear in your account within minutes
Browse Available Markets
Explore hundreds of markets across various categories.
- Markets are organized by category: Politics, Sports, Crypto, Entertainment, Economics, and more
- Each market shows a question and the current probability (price) of each outcome
- Popular markets include US elections, cryptocurrency prices, sports championships, and economic indicators
- Use filters and search to find markets that interest you
- Market rules and resolution criteria are clearly stated on each market page
Understand Pricing
Share prices represent the probability of an outcome occurring.
- Shares are priced between $0.01 and $0.99
- A price of $0.65 means the market estimates a 65% probability
- If you buy "Yes" shares at $0.65 and the outcome is Yes, you receive $1.00 per share
- Your profit would be $0.35 per share (minus small fees)
- If the outcome is No, your shares become worthless
Place Your Trades
Buy shares in outcomes you believe are likely to occur.
- Select a market and choose "Yes" or "No" based on your prediction
- Enter the amount you want to invest
- Review the potential payout shown before confirming
- Your order is executed instantly against the market
- Your position appears in your portfolio immediately
Manage Your Portfolio
Track your positions and optimize your returns.
- View all your active positions in the Portfolio section
- Monitor how probabilities change over time
- You can sell shares at any time to lock in profits or cut losses
- Set up alerts for significant price movements
- Diversify across multiple markets to manage risk
Market Resolution & Payouts
When events conclude, markets are resolved and payouts distributed.
- Markets resolve based on real-world outcomes
- Resolution sources are specified in each market's rules
- Winning shares automatically pay out $1.00 each
- Losing shares become worthless ($0.00)
- Payouts are credited to your account balance instantly via smart contracts
Withdraw Your Winnings
Cash out your profits whenever you want.
- Navigate to the Withdraw section in your account
- Enter the amount of USDC you want to withdraw
- Provide your external wallet address
- Withdrawals are processed on the Polygon network
- Convert USDC to your local currency on any major exchange
Pro Tips for Success
Do Your Research
Read market rules carefully and research the topic before trading. Knowledge is your edge.
Manage Risk
Never invest more than you can afford to lose. Diversify across multiple markets.
Look for Mispricings
The best opportunities come when you have information the market hasn't priced in yet.
Time Your Exits
Consider selling before resolution to lock in profits, especially as certainty increases.
Ready to Start Trading?
Join millions of traders on Polymarket today.