Explore the Prediction Markets Hub
Compare prediction market platforms — Polymarket, Kalshi & more.
Setting up Polymarket as a UK user takes about 20 minutes. **Here's the complete step-by-step process** — from creating an account to making your first trade.
**Before you start:** Polymarket is not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and technically restricts UK users. Read our [legal guide](/prediction-markets/is-polymarket-legal-uk) before proceeding. Consider Kalshi as a regulated alternative.
What You Need Before Starting
- A crypto exchange account (Coinbase or Kraken recommended for UK users)
- A MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet — browser extension or mobile app
- Some GBP to convert to USDC
- A VPN if you're accessing from a UK IP address
Step 1: Set Up A Crypto Wallet (10 minutes)
Download MetaMask (metamask.io) as a browser extension or mobile app. Create a new wallet — you'll be given a 12-word seed phrase. **Write this down and store it somewhere physically safe.** This phrase is the only way to recover your wallet if you lose access.
**Wallet tip:** For small amounts on Polymarket, using Coinbase Wallet is simpler than MetaMask and integrates directly with Coinbase for easy USDC purchase and transfer.
Step 2: Buy USDC On A UK Crypto Exchange (5 minutes)
Log into Coinbase or Kraken (both are FCA-registered for UK users). Deposit GBP via bank transfer. Buy USDC — search for "USDC" in the exchange. USDC is a dollar-pegged stablecoin so £100 GBP gets you approximately $125 USDC at current rates.
Step 3: Transfer USDC To Your Wallet (5 minutes)
In Coinbase or Kraken, go to "Send/Withdraw". Select USDC. Enter your MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet address. Make sure you're sending on the Polygon network (not Ethereum — Polygon fees are cents, Ethereum fees can be dollars). Send a small test amount first.
Step 4: Create Your Polymarket Account (3 minutes)
Go to polymarket.com. Click "Sign Up". You can sign up with email, Google, or by connecting your wallet directly. Connect your MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet when prompted. Your wallet is now linked to your Polymarket account.
Step 5: Make Your First Trade
Browse markets — find an event you have a view on. Click into the market and you'll see the current Yes/No prices. Decide your position and amount. Click "Buy Yes" or "Buy No". Confirm the transaction in your wallet.
Step 6: Withdrawing Your Winnings
When a market resolves in your favour, your USDC balance increases automatically. To convert to GBP: transfer USDC back to Coinbase or Kraken, sell USDC for GBP, withdraw GBP to your UK bank account. The full process typically takes 1–3 business days.
World's largest prediction market. Trade on real-world events with real money.
Join Polymarket →FAQ
How much does it cost to make a trade?
Polymarket charges a small trading fee (typically 2% on winnings). There are also Polygon network gas fees which are usually less than $0.01 per transaction.
What happens if I lose my wallet seed phrase?
Your funds are permanently inaccessible — there is no recovery option. This is the most important thing to get right when setting up.
Is there a Polymarket mobile app?
Polymarket has a mobile-optimised website that works well on phones. A native iOS/Android app has been in development — check polymarket.com for the current status.
*Sento earns a commission if you sign up through our links. This never affects our rankings. Prediction markets involve financial risk — never stake more than you can afford to lose. Updated March 2026.*
Want more? Visit the Prediction Markets Hub
Compare prediction market platforms — Polymarket, Kalshi & more.