Complete Guide to Kalshi
Everything you need to know about Kalshi. Learn to trade on the first CFTC-regulated prediction market with US bank transfers and full compliance.
US Legal Platform
Kalshi is the first and only federally regulated prediction market exchange in the United States. Regulated by the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission), Kalshi offers a fully compliant way for US residents to trade on real-world events.
What is Kalshi?
Kalshi is a prediction market exchange where you can trade on the outcomes of events. Unlike crypto-based platforms, Kalshi operates with US dollars and provides tax documentation, making it easy for US residents to participate legally.
How to Get Started
- Create an account - Sign up at kalshi.com with your email
- Verify your identity - Complete KYC verification (required by law)
- Fund your account - Deposit USD via bank transfer, debit card, or ACH
- Start trading - Browse markets and make your first trade
Funding Options
- Bank transfer (ACH) - Free, takes 1-3 business days
- Debit card - Instant, small fee applies
- Wire transfer - For larger deposits
Minimum deposit is typically $25. No cryptocurrency required!
Market Categories
Kalshi offers markets across various categories:
- Politics - Elections, legislation, policy decisions
- Economics - Inflation, interest rates, GDP
- Weather - Hurricanes, temperature records
- Entertainment - Awards, box office, streaming
- Finance - Stock prices, crypto prices, IPOs
Key Benefits
- CFTC regulated - Full consumer protection
- Tax reporting - 1099 forms provided for tax filing
- USD deposits - No cryptocurrency required
- FDIC protection - Funds held in regulated financial institutions
- 24/7 support - Customer service available
Kalshi vs Polymarket
| Feature | Kalshi | Polymarket |
|---|---|---|
| US Legal | Yes | No |
| Currency | USD | USDC (Crypto) |
| KYC Required | Yes | No |
| Tax Forms | Yes (1099) | No |