Polymarket Age Requirement 2026: Discover The Minimum Age To Join Polymarket
The Polymarket age requirement is currently set to 18 years old. If you want to create an account here or trade in the prediction markets, you’ll need to meet this requirement, as it’s mandated by federal law.
This age requirement is set by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), making it non-negotiable. Strict ID verification is required before you can make your first deposit or buy shares in your first event contract. Don’t worry, this guide walks you through the process, including everything you need to know to get started at Polymarket in the US.
Is Polymarket actually legal in the United States?
Polymarket has been an established international prediction market platform for quite some time, but it has only recently started its US expansion. So, for those wondering if Polymarket is legal, the short answer is yes. But it’s actually a little more complicated than this. At the time of writing, the Polymarket website is off-limits for US residents looking to deposit or trade predictions. Instead, you must download the iOS app to access the prediction markets for this brand.
This is unlikely to be the case forever, as Polymarket is actively rolling out across the US. In fact, by the time you read this blog, the platform may be significantly more accessible.
How old do you have to be to use Polymarket?
If you want to download the Polymarket app for prediction trading, you must be at least 18 years old. This is a requirement set at the federal level by the CFTC, which is responsible for regulating prediction market platforms like Polymarket. If you don’t genuinely meet this minimum age requirement, it’s not worth attempting to create an account. You’ll be blocked by the platform's strict KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process, which is also mandatory under CFTC regulations.
Pros and cons of the Polymarket prediction platform
Here is a quick summary of the pros and cons of joining Polymarket:
- Diverse prediction markets
- CFTC-regulated
- 24/7 live support
- Excellent usability
- Strict KYC verification costs time
How to create your first account at Polymarket
The nice thing about joining a popular prediction market like this one is that it features a quick registration process. From start to finish, it took us no more than a few minutes. If you’ve received a Polymarket referral code from your friends, don’t forget to use it here! Let’s take a quick look at the steps required to get started:
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Use any of our links to visit Polymarket now.
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Select the Sign Up button.
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Choose how you want to register (email or by linking existing accounts).
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Follow the on-screen instructions to create your account.
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Complete the necessary verification steps.
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Make your first deposit and start trading.
Which accounts can be linked with Polymarket?
The most basic method of registration is via your email address, but you can speed up the process by linking an account you have with a partner platform. This allows you to register using your existing accounts with Google, Steam, MetaMask, Coinbase, Rabby Wallet, and a few others.
How to complete the KYC verification process at Polymarket
After creating your first account at this prediction market, you’ll be required to complete KYC, even if you registered with a Polymarket promo code. Until you’ve done this, you won’t be able to deposit or trade in the markets. Thankfully, it’s a simple enough process, even for complete beginners. Here’s a list of everything that is required:
| KYC Requirements | What is required? |
| Basic information | Full name, residential address, date of birth, and more are requested during registration. |
| Government-issued ID | Submit a copy of your passport, driver’s license, or national ID. |
| Proof of residential address | Submit a copy of a recent utility/phone bill or bank statement showing your address. |
| Selfie check | Complete a selfie check to ensure you are the owner of the submitted ID document. |
How long does the KYC approval process take?
An automated check is complete immediately on the documents you’ve submitted, allowing you to deposit and trade without delay. Manual checks typically take between 3 and 5 business days, but this shouldn’t affect your experience, especially if you’ve submitted your details correctly.
Tips for proving you meet the Polymarket age requirement
The KYC verification process is used to prevent underage trading by requiring you to submit proof of ID. But if you don’t follow the instructions carefully when submitting your documents, they could be rejected. This will delay your ability to make deposits and trade in the markets, and could even lead to an account suspension if you fail multiple submissions.
To ensure you’re submitting documents properly, follow these basic tips:
- Valid ID document – Make sure you’re submitting a valid and accepted government-issued ID. Expired or unofficial documents are one of the fastest ways to get rejected.
- Clearly visible details – Your name, date of birth, photo, and ID number should be easy to read, so be sure to take the photo in good lighting and avoid cropped edges.
- Match your account info – The name and date of birth on your Polymarket account should match your ID perfectly.
- Follow selfie instructions carefully – If you’re asked to take a selfie or complete a live verification, make sure your face is fully visible and remove anything that could block identification.
Which payment methods does Polymarket accept?
With KYC verification complete, it’s time to make your first deposit. Polymarket focuses on cryptocurrency payments, primarily via USD Coin (USDC), which ensures instant, affordable deposits. Don’t worry, if you don’t already have crypto in your wallet, you can purchase it directly through the platform using fiat payment methods such as debit and credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more via gateways like MoonPay.
How does prediction trading at Polymarket actually work?
If you’ve met the Polymarket age requirement, created your account, and made a deposit, it’s time to start thinking about the prediction markets, the same way you do with Crypto.com age. You can trade predictions on events ranging from sports and politics to economics, culture, climate, technology, and more. This brand is actually known for having some of the deepest coverage when compared to rival prediction market sites, so there’s certainly a lot on offer.
Purchasing event contract shares
When you’ve found a specific event that you would like to predict, you’ll notice there are two outcomes: yes or no. This means you can purchase either “Yes” or “No” shares depending on the outcome you think is most likely. The price of each ranges from $0.01 to $0.99, and is clearly visible through the Polymarket interface.
This price is actually set by the market, not Polymarket. The more likely the market believes a specific outcome, the more expensive the event share will be. For instance, a price of $0.75 per share suggests an implied probability of 75%.
Deciding whether to trade or hold your position
Since price is determined by market sentiment, markets can fluctuate rapidly, especially as new information comes to light. This allows you to sell your shares in the event contract, exiting the position early to either lock in early profits or minimize losses. It’s a strategy more prevalent for futures markets than short-term ones, and you’ll also need to consider the impact of Polymarket fees when trading.
Should you choose to hold your contract shares until the event concludes, you’ll receive a $1 payout per share. Conversely, any incorrectly predicted event contract shares will award $0.
Conclusion: What is the age requirement to use Polymarket?
To summarize, the minimum age requirement at Polymarket is 18. It’s a strict rule with no workarounds, and multiple verification checks are in place to make sure you meet the requirement. For instance, shortly after registration, you will be asked to submit a valid copy of your government-issued ID. Without completing this ID verification, you won’t be able to deposit or trade in the markets.
The good news is that once you’re fully set up, you’ve got an exciting collection of prediction markets to explore. It’s an easy-to-use platform with secure payments, responsive support, and plenty more to offer. You can get started today by following any of the links on this page.