Kalshi's sign-up bonus is a trading credit, unlocked by completing steps (verify, deposit, make a qualifying trade) before a deadline. The amount is set per offer: Kalshi's own has run as 'trade $25, get $25', while partner offers advertise 'up to' larger figures that need more trading to reach. A code must be added within 72 hours of creating the account; credits have to be traded before anything from them can be withdrawn; and it's US users only. Everything else is marketing.
How to unlock it
- Create an account (18+, US). Enter a code at sign-up if you have one, or within 72 hours under Explore → Your rewards → Have a code?
- Verify your identity.
- Deposit ($10 minimum).
- Complete the qualifying trade(s) shown on your bonus card before the deadline.
- Tap Unlock bonus. Credits land in your account.
What 'up to' means
A ceiling. An offer that says "up to $500" pays in steps tied to how much you trade; a $25 trade unlocks the first step, not the ceiling. Kalshi's own help center says as much. Read the steps on the bonus card and decide whether you'd be trading that much anyway. If not, take the first step and stop.
Strings
- Credits are trading credits with withdrawal restrictions; most require trading the credited amount on an eligible product first.
- Credits may be product-specific (event contracts) and not transferable.
- Standard deposit holds still apply to your own money.
- Unused credits expire per the offer's terms.
Compared with the others
Novig's $25–$50 credit for a $10 deposit is the simplest; Polymarket US's $20–$50 for $20 is similar in scale; FanDuel Predicts pays $100 for five days of $1 trades. Kalshi's offers scale with trading, which suits someone who'll use the platform and not someone collecting bonuses. See the promo overview.
Based on Kalshi's Referral Program FAQ and partner offers observed through October 15, 2026. Offer terms in your account govern.