Before you start trading on Kalshi, you'll want to know what it costs. Kalshi has kept fees competitive as the platform has grown through 2026. Here's a complete breakdown of the current fee structure—trading fees, deposit costs, withdrawal fees, and hidden costs to watch for.
TL;DR
- Trading fees: Currently 0% (promotional)
- Deposit fees: Free for ACH, small fee for debit card
- Withdrawal fees: Free for ACH
- No account fees: No monthly or inactivity charges
Trading fees
Kalshi currently charges 0% trading fees on most markets. This is a promotional rate to attract traders and build liquidity.
This means:
- No commission when you buy contracts
- No commission when you sell contracts
- No spread markup from Kalshi (you trade peer-to-peer on the order book)
Will this change? Probably. Zero fees aren't sustainable forever. Kalshi may introduce trading fees in the future, but they haven't announced specific plans.
For now, enjoy the free trades.
Deposit fees
How much it costs to fund your Kalshi account:
- ACH bank transfer: Free. Takes 1–3 business days.
- Wire transfer: Free from Kalshi's side. Your bank may charge $15–$30.
- Debit card: ~2.9% + $0.30 fee. Instant deposit.
Best option: ACH is free and works for most people. Use debit card only if you need instant funding.
Withdrawal fees
Getting your money out:
- ACH withdrawal: Free. Takes 1–3 business days.
- Wire withdrawal: May have fees depending on amount and bank.
Kalshi doesn't charge withdrawal fees for standard ACH transfers. This is better than many competitors (PredictIt charges 5%).
Hidden costs to watch
Kalshi's fee structure is transparent, but there are indirect costs:
- Spread: The difference between bid and ask prices. In thin markets, this can be wide. You're not paying Kalshi, but you're paying the market.
- Slippage: Large orders can move the price against you. Use limit orders for bigger trades.
- Opportunity cost: ACH deposits take 1–3 days. If you need to trade immediately, the debit card fee might be worth it.
How Kalshi compares
| Platform | Trading fee | Withdrawal fee |
|---|---|---|
| Kalshi | 0% | Free (ACH) |
| Polymarket | 0% | Gas only (~$0.01) |
| PredictIt | 10% on profits | 5% |
| Robinhood Events | 0% | Free |
Kalshi and Polymarket are the cheapest options. PredictIt's fees are significantly higher.
How to minimize costs
- Use ACH for deposits and withdrawals. It's free.
- Trade liquid markets. Tighter spreads = less slippage.
- Use limit orders. Avoid paying the spread on market orders.
- Don't overtrade. Even with 0% fees, you lose money to spreads on every trade.
What about taxes?
Kalshi fees don't include taxes. Prediction market profits are generally taxable income. Kalshi provides tax documents (1099s) for US users.
Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Find trades worth the cost
Low fees mean nothing if you're trading without an edge. Alphascope helps you find better trades:
- News → Catch market-moving stories before prices adjust.
- Predictions → Compare Kalshi prices to Polymarket. Find divergences.
FAQ
Does Kalshi charge trading fees?
Currently no. Kalshi offers 0% trading fees as a promotional rate. This may change in the future.
Is there a fee to withdraw from Kalshi?
No. ACH withdrawals are free. Wire transfers may have bank fees.
Why does debit card deposit have a fee?
Credit/debit card processing costs money (~2.9%). Kalshi passes this cost to users who want instant deposits.
How does Kalshi make money with no fees?
Kalshi has raised venture capital and is focused on growth. They'll likely introduce fees once they've built sufficient liquidity and market share.
Are Kalshi fees better than PredictIt?
Yes. PredictIt charges 10% on profits and 5% on withdrawals. Kalshi charges nothing on trades and free ACH withdrawals.