Can I Use Polymarket in California? How to Deposit (2026)

For the current legal status and the court cases, see Is Polymarket legal in California?

Polymarket (opens in a new tab) US is available to eligible California residents (dispute pending) through the Polymarket US app (minimum age 18; we recommend 21+). The app runs on a CFTC (opens in a new tab)-regulated exchange and clearing organization and works in US dollars, so funding it is closer to opening a brokerage account than buying crypto. Here's the step-by-step.

Is Polymarket legal in California?

Available, dispute pending (as of October 13, 2026). Polymarket returned to US users after acquiring CFTC-registered exchange QCX in 2025. The Polymarket US app is available in 49 states plus D.C., including California (Nevada is excluded). For the full regulatory picture, see our California legality guide.

What do I need before I start?

• The Polymarket US app.
• A government-issued ID and your Social Security number for identity verification.
• A US bank account or another payment method the app accepts.
• An email address and a phone number.

How do I deposit, step by step?

1. Open Polymarket US through our link and create your account.
2. Enter code CAPREDICTS when the app asks for a promo code.
3. Verify your identity.
4. Tap Deposit, choose a payment method and enter a dollar amount. The app shows any fee and the timing before you confirm.
5. Deposit at least $10 to unlock the $25 trading bonus.

You don't need crypto: most people deposit US dollars. Polymarket US also accepts USDC where available.

What does it cost?

The app shows its trading fee on each order and any deposit or withdrawal fee before you confirm. If you deposit US dollars, there are no crypto network or conversion fees. Your other cost is the bid-ask spread, which is usually tight on big markets.

How do withdrawals work?

Withdrawals are free and go back to the method you deposited with, once the deposit has cleared (usually 3 to 4 business days). For comparison, see how to withdraw from Kalshi.

What about USDC?

You don't need it. Most people deposit US dollars by debit card, bank transfer (ACH), Apple Pay, PayPal or Venmo. Polymarket US also accepts USDC where available, but you don't need crypto to use it. Wires need at least $5,000. If you use USDC, start from the app's deposit screen; Polymarket's international site is a separate product that isn't open to US residents. See our USDC and Polymarket guide.

What about taxes?

Trading profits are taxable federally and in California. Keep the app's trade history and any tax documents it provides; see our California prediction market tax guide.

Sources

• Polymarket: Help Center (opens in a new tab)
• Circle: USDC documentation (opens in a new tab)
• Coinbase, sending crypto (opens in a new tab)

About the author

Catie Di Stefano

Catie Di Stefano has spent 15 years in the regulated gambling industry, starting at Betsson Group in Malta and spending nearly five years at Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) before building an independent consultancy across European and US iGaming brands, including a licensed engagement with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City under a New Jersey DGE vendor license. She's been interviewed by the California Business Journal on the rise of online gambling in the US, and spoke on a 2022 Next.io panel specifically about California's gaming market. She went on to build the OnlineGamblers.com brand and hold marketing director roles at Smartico.ai and Vegas Kings, and has been named to multiple iGamingExpress industry rankings. She now covers regulated prediction markets full-time.

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Can I use Polymarket in California?

Available, dispute pending (as of October 13, 2026). Polymarket US is available to eligible California residents (dispute pending) (Polymarket's minimum age is 18; we recommend 21+). Download the app, verify your identity, deposit US dollars and trade. New users who deposit $10 with code CAPREDICTS get a $25 trading bonus.

Is Polymarket legal in California?

Available, dispute pending (as of October 13, 2026). Polymarket US operates under CFTC oversight as a US-regulated event-contract platform, and California residents can use its app today (minimum age 18; we recommend 21+). For sports contracts, whether federal law overrides state gambling rules is contested in the federal courts.

Do I need a crypto wallet to use Polymarket?

No. Most people deposit US dollars by debit card, bank transfer (ACH), Apple Pay, PayPal or Venmo. Polymarket US also accepts USDC where available, but you don't need crypto to use it.

What's the easiest way to deposit?

In the app, tap Deposit, choose a payment method and enter the dollar amount. The app shows any fee and the timing before you confirm.

What's the minimum deposit?

Check the deposit screen in the app for the current minimum. To unlock the welcome offer, deposit at least $10 with code CAPREDICTS and get the $25 trading bonus.

How long does KYC take?

Usually quickly, but it can take longer if the app asks for more documents.

Do you need an SSN to deposit on Polymarket in California?

Yes. The U.S. Polymarket app runs under CFTC oversight through QCX and collects a full SSN during KYC before you can deposit or trade. SSN data is transmitted over TLS and stored under standard financial-data safeguards.

Does Polymarket charge a deposit fee?

Any deposit fee is shown in the app before you confirm. If you deposit US dollars, there are no crypto network or conversion fees.

What's the minimum deposit on Polymarket from California?

Check the deposit screen in the app for the current minimum. $10 is the deposit that unlocks the $25 welcome bonus with code CAPREDICTS.

Can I deposit USDC or other crypto to Polymarket US?

Yes, USDC where available, from the app's deposit screen; it's the only crypto listed. But you don't need crypto: most people deposit US dollars by debit card, bank transfer (ACH), Apple Pay, PayPal or Venmo. Wires need at least $5,000. Polymarket's international site is a separate product that isn't open to US residents.

Can I deposit to Polymarket using a California debit card?

Use the payment methods the app offers on its deposit screen. If your California bank declines a card payment, try another method the app lists, such as a bank transfer, or contact your bank.

Do I need to choose a blockchain network to deposit on Polymarket?

Not for US-dollar deposits, which is how most people fund the app. If you deposit USDC where available, use only the deposit details the app shows you.