Kalshi Sign Up in 2026
Kalshi sign up is free: email, Google, or Apple on kalshi.com, then KYC. The contract you accept is the English Member Agreement. A translation on this site is not that contract, and a restricted address fails the same form.
What you need
Go to kalshi.com and click Sign Up
Navigate to kalshi.com on desktop or download the Kalshi iOS/Android app. Click "Sign Up" in the top right corner. You'll see three signup methods: Email & Password, Sign in with Google, or Sign in with Apple. All three lead to the same KYC checkpoint. Google and Apple skip the email confirmation step.
Enter your email and create a strong password
If choosing email signup, enter a unique email address and create a strong password you don't reuse on other sites. Store it in a password manager — this account will hold real money. You'll receive a verification email; click the link to confirm your inbox.
Complete KYC identity verification
All CFTC-regulated platforms are legally required to verify your identity before you can deposit or trade. Kalshi's KYC process requires: your legal name (as it appears on your government ID), date of birth, residential address, and the last 4 digits of your SSN (for US users). Most users are verified instantly. If something doesn't match, Kalshi may request a photo of your driver's license or passport.
Set up two-factor authentication (recommended)
After your account is created, go to Settings → Security and enable 2FA via an authenticator app (Google Authenticator or Authy). This protects your account from unauthorized access. SMS verification is also required during signup for fraud prevention.
Verify your phone number
Kalshi requires SMS verification during signup. Enter your phone number and enter the 6-digit code sent to your phone. This is used for fraud detection and account recovery — not for marketing.
Link a bank account or funding method
Once your identity is verified, connect a funding method. ACH bank transfer is the most common — Kalshi uses Plaid to connect your bank in 30–60 seconds. If your bank isn't on Plaid, you can manually enter routing and account numbers (takes 1–2 business days for micro-deposit verification). You can also use a debit card, wire transfer, PayPal, Venmo, or crypto.
Make your first deposit and trade
You're now ready. Make a deposit (minimum is low — typically $10–$20), browse available markets, and place your first trade. We recommend starting small to learn how the platform works before sizing up.
Why does Kalshi require KYC?
Kalshi is a CFTC-regulated Designated Contract Market — the same regulatory category as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Federal law requires identity verification for all users before they can deposit or trade. This is not optional and cannot be bypassed with a VPN. Why the CFTC designation still matters more than the app rating.
Don't use a VPN to bypass restrictions
Using a VPN to access Kalshi from a restricted jurisdiction violates the terms of service and can result in account suspension and forfeiture of funds. A Polish address cannot trade event contracts. Morocco, Mexico, the Philippines, and Israel can apply; local currency is still not a Kalshi rail.
Kalshi sign up questions
How does Kalshi sign up work?
On kalshi.com, choose email and a password, Google, or Apple. All three continue to the same identity check. Creating the account has no fee. You cannot deposit or trade until KYC clears.
Is Kalshi sign up free?
Yes. There is no fee to create the account. ACH deposits are free. A debit-card deposit costs about 2%. Trading fees are separate and peak near 50¢.
Can I sign up for Kalshi from any country?
No. Morocco, Nigeria, and Israel can apply on the list this site tracks. Poland cannot trade event contracts. Cuba is a sanctions stop. A mainland Chinese address does not complete registration. Confirm the live list on kalshi.com before you send an ID.