Getting money into a prediction market is usually straightforward. Getting it out can be more complicated, especially if you are using a crypto-native platform or encounter verification issues. This guide covers the withdrawal process for every major prediction market platform, including timelines, fees, common problems, and tips for smooth withdrawals.
Kalshi
Kalshi is a CFTC-regulated exchange that supports standard US banking methods for deposits and withdrawals.
Withdrawal Steps
- Log in to your Kalshi account and navigate to the Portfolio or Balance section.
- Click Withdraw.
- Select your withdrawal method — ACH bank transfer is the most common option.
- Enter the amount you want to withdraw (minimum withdrawal is $1.00).
- Confirm the transaction.
Timeline and Fees
- ACH bank transfer: 1-3 business days, no fee from Kalshi (your bank may charge a receiving fee, but this is rare).
- Wire transfer: Same day or next business day, may carry a fee depending on the amount.
- Minimum withdrawal: $1.00.
Requirements
You must have completed full identity verification (KYC) before withdrawing. If you deposited recently, there may be a holding period before funds are available for withdrawal. Unsettled positions are not available for withdrawal until the market resolves and the payout is credited.
Polymarket
Polymarket operates on the Polygon blockchain and uses USDC (a US dollar stablecoin) as its currency. Withdrawals require a few more steps than traditional platforms because you must move crypto to a fiat off-ramp.
Withdrawal Steps
- Log in to Polymarket and go to your Wallet or Portfolio.
- Click Withdraw and enter the amount in USDC.
- Provide a destination wallet address — this should be your personal crypto wallet or an exchange wallet (like Coinbase, Kraken, or Binance) that supports USDC on the Polygon network.
- Confirm the transaction. The USDC transfer happens on-chain and is typically completed within a few minutes.
- Once the USDC arrives in your exchange account, sell it for USD.
- Withdraw the USD from your exchange to your bank account via ACH or wire.
Timeline and Fees
- USDC transfer from Polymarket: Near-instant (1-5 minutes), minimal gas fee on Polygon (fractions of a cent).
- USDC to USD conversion on exchange: Instant or near-instant.
- USD withdrawal from exchange to bank: 1-3 business days via ACH.
- Total end-to-end: Typically 1-4 business days to have dollars in your bank account.
Important Notes
Make sure you are sending to a wallet that supports USDC on the Polygon network. Sending to an address that only supports Ethereum mainnet USDC could result in lost funds. Most major exchanges now support Polygon USDC, but always verify before your first withdrawal.
If you do not have an existing crypto exchange account, you will need to create one and complete that platform's KYC process before you can convert USDC to fiat. This adds time to your first withdrawal.
Robinhood
Robinhood Sports (prediction markets) operates within the broader Robinhood brokerage platform, making withdrawals seamless if you already use Robinhood for stocks or crypto.
Withdrawal Steps
- Open the Robinhood app and go to your Account section.
- Tap Transfer and then Transfer to Your Bank.
- Enter the amount and select your linked bank account.
- Confirm the transfer.
Timeline and Fees
- Standard transfer: 1-3 business days via ACH, no fee.
- Instant transfer: Available for Robinhood Gold subscribers (up to a limit), funds available immediately in your bank account.
- Prediction market winnings are combined with your general Robinhood balance — there is no separate prediction market wallet.
Important Notes
Funds from recently settled prediction market contracts may have a brief holding period before becoming available for withdrawal. If you sold shares at a profit, standard settlement times (T+1) apply before those funds can be withdrawn.
FanDuel
FanDuel Predicts operates within the FanDuel ecosystem. Withdrawals use the same methods available for FanDuel sports betting.
Withdrawal Steps
- Log in to FanDuel and navigate to your Account or Wallet.
- Select Withdraw.
- Choose your withdrawal method: bank transfer, PayPal, Venmo, or check.
- Enter the amount and confirm.
Timeline and Fees
- Bank transfer (ACH): 1-3 business days, no fee.
- PayPal: 1-2 business days, no fee.
- Venmo: 1-2 business days, no fee.
- Check: 7-10 business days, no fee.
- Minimum withdrawal: Varies by method, typically $10-$20.
Important Notes
First-time withdrawals may require additional identity verification, which can add 24-48 hours. FanDuel requires you to withdraw using the same method you used to deposit (up to the deposit amount) before using an alternative method.
DraftKings
DraftKings Pick6 and prediction market offerings share the DraftKings wallet. Withdrawal methods are consistent with the broader DraftKings platform.
Withdrawal Steps
- Log in to DraftKings and go to your Account.
- Select Withdraw.
- Choose your method: bank transfer, PayPal, check, or DraftKings prepaid card.
- Enter the amount and confirm.
Timeline and Fees
- Bank transfer (ACH): 2-5 business days, no fee.
- PayPal: 2-5 business days, no fee.
- Check: 7-14 business days, no fee.
- DraftKings prepaid card: Instant (card must be set up beforehand).
- Minimum withdrawal: $20 for most methods.
Important Notes
DraftKings processes are generally slower than FanDuel for bank transfers. If you have bonus funds, those typically have play-through requirements before they become withdrawable. Deposits made via credit card may require a bank transfer or check withdrawal instead.
PredictIt
PredictIt operates under a CFTC no-action letter and has a unique withdrawal structure with notable limitations.
Withdrawal Steps
- Log in to PredictIt and navigate to My Account.
- Click Withdraw.
- Choose PayPal or request a check.
- Enter the amount and confirm.
Timeline and Fees
- PayPal: 5-10 business days processing by PredictIt, then instant transfer from PayPal to your bank.
- Check: 10-15 business days.
- Fee: PredictIt charges a 5% fee on profits (not on your original deposit amount). If you deposited $500 and your account balance is $700, the 5% fee applies to the $200 in profits ($10 fee).
- Withdrawal fee: An additional $0.50-$1.00 processing fee may apply depending on the withdrawal method.
Important Notes
PredictIt withdrawals have been consistently the slowest among major platforms. The $850 maximum investment per contract also means that your total withdrawable balance is inherently limited. PredictIt has been winding down operations since the CFTC withdrew its no-action letter in 2023, so check the platform's current status before trading.
Manifold Markets and Metaculus
Both Manifold Markets and Metaculus are play-money platforms. There is no fiat withdrawal because you are not trading with real money.
- Manifold uses Mana (M$), a virtual currency. Top performers can direct charitable donations based on their Mana balance, but there is no cash conversion.
- Metaculus uses a reputation-based scoring system with no tradeable currency at all.
These platforms are valuable for forecasting and practice but should not be used if your goal is financial returns.
Common Withdrawal Issues and Troubleshooting
Identity Verification Holds
Most platforms require completed KYC before allowing withdrawals. If you skipped verification during signup, you will need to provide government-issued ID, proof of address, and potentially a selfie before your first withdrawal. This can take 24-72 hours for manual review.
Pending Market Settlements
You cannot withdraw funds that are tied to unresolved markets. If a market is awaiting resolution, those funds are locked until the outcome is determined and your positions settle. Check your available balance (not total portfolio value) to see what is actually withdrawable.
Deposit Method Requirements
Several platforms require you to withdraw to the same method used for deposits, at least up to the deposit amount. If you deposited $500 via a bank transfer, you must withdraw at least $500 back to that bank before using PayPal or another method for profits above the deposit amount.
Weekend and Holiday Delays
ACH transfers do not process on weekends or bank holidays. A withdrawal initiated on Friday afternoon may not begin processing until Monday and may not arrive until Wednesday. Plan withdrawals accordingly if you need funds by a specific date.
Large Withdrawal Reviews
Withdrawals above certain thresholds ($5,000-$10,000 depending on the platform) may trigger additional security reviews. This is standard anti-money-laundering compliance and can add 1-3 business days. Providing documentation promptly speeds up the process.
Tax Implications
Remember that prediction market profits are taxable income. Platforms may issue 1099 forms for significant earnings. Kalshi and Robinhood issue 1099-B forms. Polymarket users are responsible for self-reporting crypto-based gains. Consult a tax professional, especially if you have traded across multiple platforms.