Kalshi and Polymarket referral programs, compared honestly

Terms verified 2026-09-04 from the programs' own pages. Venues change these at will; the sources are linked.

KalshiPolymarket
What a referred user getsTrading credits on completing the sign-up requirements ($25 has been the published amount).Program-dependent; the affiliate program pays the referrer, not the user.
What the referrer getsTrading credits, not cash. Credits can only be used to trade; only trading returns are withdrawable.Cash. The partner program lists $10 per referral's first deposit, a 20% share of their perpetuals trading fees, and $0.01 per click, with revenue bounties.
Who can referAny account.Approved affiliates; Polymarket US runs a separate approved-affiliate program by application.

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Sources