7 min read
Polymarket vs Kalshi
Last updated · fact-checked against live Kalshi and Polymarket data
Quick answer
Key takeaways
- › Polymarket US is our #1 ranked platform for Florida traders.
- › New users: deposit $10 and get a $50 trading bonus with code FLPREDICTS.
- › Polymarket US advertises no platform fee; Kalshi charges a per-contract fee.
- › Both settle in USD and operate under CFTC-regulated structures.
- › Polymarket US is iOS-only; Kalshi also works on web and mobile.
Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.
Why Polymarket leads on volume
Polymarket has scaled into the default global prediction market. USD settlement in the CFTC-regulated U.S. app and an advertised $0 platform fee attract traders who push size — and that liquidity attracts everyone else. Its top World Cup winner markets each carry tens of millions in 24-hour volume.
Quick-glance table
| Polymarket US | Kalshi | |
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 | #3 |
| Welcome offer | $10 deposit → $50 bonus (FLPREDICTS) | Trade $25 → $25 bonus (FLPREDICTS) |
| Platform fee | $0 advertised | Per-contract fee |
| Settlement | USD | USD |
| Access | iOS app only | Web and mobile |
| Top categories | Politics, sports, crypto, culture | Fed/CPI, weather, sports |
When Kalshi is the better choice
If you want web trading, standard U.S. tax documentation, or the deepest weather and hurricane books, Kalshi (#3 on our list) is the stronger pick. Eligible new users can trade $25 and get $25 with code FLPREDICTS, and the per-contract fee is disclosed before you confirm a trade.
When Polymarket wins outright
For politics, global sports, crypto price markets and culture, Polymarket US usually has the deeper book — and the advertised $0 platform fee means the spread is your main execution cost. The $50 bonus on a $10 deposit also lowers the cost of trying it.
Scoring rubric — Polymarket vs Kalshi
Both scored on our public six-criteria methodology.
| Criterion | Weight | Polymarket | Kalshi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory clarity | 30% | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Liquidity & depth | 20% | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Florida availability | 15% | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Fees & offer value | 15% | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| UX & reliability | 10% | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Editorial trust | 10% | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Composite | 100% | 4.8 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
Florida angle
Polymarket US is available to eligible Florida users through its iOS app, which is why it now sits at #1 on our list. New users who deposit $10 and enter code FLPREDICTS can claim a $50 trading bonus. Many Florida traders keep Kalshi as a second account for web access and weather markets, using its trade $25, get $25 offer.
Welcome offer · Kalshi
Trade $25 and get $25
New users: open a Kalshi account, trade $25 in event contracts with the code, and get $25 back.
Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.
Play responsibly
Prediction markets are real-money trading and you can lose your full stake. We recommend 21+. If trading stops feeling fun, call 1-800-GAMBLER or text 988.
Reviewed by Catie Di Stefano. Every guide follows our editorial standards & review methodology. Affiliate links are disclosed under our affiliate disclosure.