Getting Started with Polymarket from the UK (2026)
The registration process for Polymarket typically takes around 10 minutes to complete. Essential requirements include a digital wallet (MetaMask remains the most widely adopted choice), USDC tokens on the Polygon blockchain, and a valid email account. Initial trading does not mandate identity verification, though high-volume participants may eventually face verification requests.
Step 1: Set Up Your Wallet
Download MetaMask either as a browser plugin for Chrome or Firefox, or via the mobile application. Generate a fresh wallet and carefully preserve your 12-word recovery phrase in a secure location — this represents your sole means of account restoration.
Step 2: Acquire USDC on Polygon
- Purchase USDC through a UK-based crypto platform (such as Coinbase, Kraken, or Revolut)
- Transfer your USDC to your MetaMask address using the Polygon blockchain (avoid sending via Ethereum mainnet)
- Configure Polygon within MetaMask: chainId 137, RPC https://polygon-rpc.com
Step 3: Link Your Wallet to Polymarket
Navigate to polymarket.com and select "Connect Wallet". Choose MetaMask (alternatively, use WalletConnect on mobile devices). Confirm the connection request in your wallet application. Your Polymarket profile is instantly activated using your wallet's public address.
Step 4: Fund Your Account
Select "Deposit" from the Polymarket dashboard. Your Polygon-based USDC holdings will become visible. Transfer your chosen amount into the trading account — the practical floor for deposits is $1.
Step 5: Execute Your Initial Trade
Explore available markets, choose your desired outcome, specify your stake, and confirm with "Buy". Settlement occurs within seconds via the Polygon network.
Can UK Users Access Polymarket?
Polymarket operates without geographic restrictions for UK residents using conventional web browsers. UK internet service providers do not restrict access to the platform. The service functions as an information market rather than a gambling service, and therefore operates independently of UKGC licensing requirements.