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Kalshi App: Complete 2026 Guide to the Trading App
Updated March 2026 — Everything you need to know about the Kalshi app, from downloading and setting up your account to trading event contracts on your phone.
Kalshi App at a Glance
- Platforms: iOS, Android, and Web
- Price: Free to download (trading fees apply)
- Trading fee: 2 cents per contract
- Deposits: ACH (free), debit card, wire transfer
- Regulation: CFTC-regulated (U.S. Designated Contract Market)
- Markets: Politics, economics, weather, crypto, sports, culture, and more
- Minimum deposit: No minimum
- Identity verification: Required (KYC) — U.S. residents only
The Kalshi app gives you access to the only CFTC-regulated prediction market exchange in the United States, right from your smartphone. Whether you are tracking election odds, weather forecasts, economic data releases, or crypto price movements, the Kalshi trading app lets you buy and sell event contracts anywhere you have an internet connection.
In this guide, we cover everything about the Kalshi mobile app: how to download it, set up your account, navigate the trading interface, and make the most of its features. We also compare the Kalshi app experience against the desktop web version and competing apps like Polymarket and Robinhood.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Kalshi App?
- How to Download the Kalshi App
- Setting Up Your Kalshi Account
- Kalshi App Features
- Step-by-Step: How to Trade on the Kalshi App
- Kalshi App vs Desktop Experience
- Kalshi App Fees & Minimum Requirements
- Kalshi App Pros and Cons
- Kalshi App vs Polymarket vs Robinhood
- Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Kalshi App
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Kalshi App?
The Kalshi app is the mobile and web trading platform for Kalshi, the first and only federally regulated prediction market exchange in the United States. Kalshi holds a Designated Contract Market (DCM) license from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), making it the legal and regulated way for Americans to trade on the outcomes of real-world events.
Through the Kalshi app, you can trade binary event contracts on hundreds of topics including:
- Politics: Presidential elections, congressional races, policy decisions
- Economics: Federal Reserve interest rate decisions, inflation data, jobs reports, GDP
- Weather: Temperature records, hurricane landfalls, rainfall totals
- Crypto: Bitcoin and Ethereum price milestones
- Sports: Game outcomes and championship winners
- Culture: Award shows, box office numbers, and viral moments
Each contract on Kalshi settles at either $1.00 (if the event happens) or $0.00 (if it does not). You buy contracts at prices between $0.01 and $0.99, which reflect the market's implied probability of the event occurring.
Web App vs Mobile App
Kalshi is available in three forms:
- Web app — Accessible at kalshi.com through any modern browser. Full-featured trading interface optimized for desktop screens.
- iOS app — Native iPhone and iPad application available on the Apple App Store.
- Android app — Native Android application available on the Google Play Store.
All three versions connect to the same underlying exchange. Your account, balances, and positions sync across all platforms in real time. You can place a trade on your phone and monitor it from your desktop, or vice versa.
Why Kalshi's CFTC Regulation Matters
Unlike offshore prediction markets, Kalshi operates under strict federal oversight. This means:
- Customer funds are held in segregated accounts at regulated financial institutions
- Kalshi must follow anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) protocols
- The exchange is subject to regular CFTC audits and compliance requirements
- You receive 1099 tax forms at year-end for straightforward tax reporting
- Market resolution rules are pre-defined and transparent
For a deeper dive into Kalshi's safety and regulatory framework, see our guide: Is Kalshi Safe?
How to Download the Kalshi App
Downloading the Kalshi mobile app is straightforward and free. Here is how to get it on each platform:
Kalshi App for iPhone (iOS)
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad
- Search for "Kalshi"
- Tap the Kalshi app (look for the official Kalshi logo and "Kalshi Inc." as the developer)
- Tap "Get" to download and install
- Open the app and sign up or log in
The Kalshi iOS app requires iOS 15.0 or later and works on iPhone and iPad.
Kalshi App for Android
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android device
- Search for "Kalshi"
- Tap the Kalshi app from Kalshi Inc.
- Tap "Install" to download
- Open the app and sign up or log in
Kalshi Web App (Desktop & Mobile Browser)
If you prefer not to install a native app, you can access Kalshi through any web browser:
- Go to kalshi.com
- Sign up for an account or log in
- Start trading directly in your browser
The Kalshi web app works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and other modern browsers. The mobile browser experience is also functional, though the native apps provide a smoother experience with push notifications and biometric login.
Download the Kalshi App
Free to download. CFTC-regulated. Trade on hundreds of real-world events.
Sign Up for Kalshi →Setting Up Your Kalshi Account
After downloading the Kalshi app, you will need to create an account and verify your identity before you can start trading. Kalshi is required by federal law to verify the identity of all users.
1Create your account
Open the Kalshi app and tap "Sign Up." Enter your email address and create a password. You can also sign up using your Apple ID or Google account for faster onboarding.
2Verify your identity (KYC)
Kalshi requires identity verification as a CFTC-regulated exchange. You will need to provide:
- Your full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (last 4 digits or full)
- Residential address (must be a U.S. address)
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) in some cases
Verification typically completes within minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours in rare cases.
3Enable two-factor authentication (recommended)
For added security, enable 2FA in your account settings. Kalshi supports authenticator app-based two-factor authentication, which protects your account even if your password is compromised.
4Fund your account
Link your bank account for ACH deposits (free, 1-3 business days) or use a debit card for instant deposits (small processing fee). There is no minimum deposit requirement. See the fees section for a full breakdown of deposit methods.
5Start trading
Once your identity is verified and your account is funded, you have full access to all markets on the Kalshi exchange. Browse categories, research events, and place your first trade.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: Must be 18 years or older
- Residency: Must be a U.S. resident (available in most states)
- Identity: Must pass KYC verification
- No state restrictions: Kalshi is available in nearly all U.S. states, though availability of specific market categories may vary by state
Kalshi App Features
The Kalshi trading app packs the full functionality of the exchange into a mobile-friendly interface. Here is a breakdown of the key features available on the Kalshi app:
Market Browsing & Discovery
- Category navigation: Browse markets organized by topic (politics, economics, weather, crypto, sports, etc.)
- Search: Find specific markets by keyword or event name
- Trending markets: See which events are attracting the most trading volume
- Featured events: Curated markets for major upcoming events
- Market details: View contract rules, resolution criteria, order book depth, and price history for each market
Trading
- Buy and sell contracts: Place market orders or limit orders on any Yes/No contract
- Order types: Market orders execute immediately at the best available price; limit orders let you set your own price and wait for a fill
- Real-time pricing: Live bid/ask prices and last-trade data
- Order book visibility: See the depth of buy and sell orders for each contract
- Position management: View all your open positions, average entry prices, and current profit/loss
- Trade history: Full log of all your past trades, settlements, and account activity
Portfolio & Account Management
- Portfolio overview: See your total balance, invested amount, available cash, and unrealized P&L at a glance
- Deposits: Fund your account via ACH bank transfer, debit card, or wire transfer directly through the app
- Withdrawals: Withdraw funds to your linked bank account (ACH free, wire $5)
- Transaction history: View all deposits, withdrawals, and settlements
Notifications & Alerts
- Push notifications: Receive alerts when your orders are filled, contracts settle, or there is important market activity
- Price alerts: Set custom notifications when a market reaches a specific price
- Settlement notifications: Get notified when your contracts resolve and payouts are credited
- Customizable settings: Control which notifications you receive in the app settings
Security Features
- Biometric login: Use Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint authentication for quick and secure access
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Additional security layer for account access
- Bank-level encryption: All data transmitted between the app and Kalshi's servers is encrypted
- Session management: View and manage active login sessions
The Kalshi app displays live pricing data for all markets. When you open any event contract, you can see the current Yes and No prices, the bid-ask spread, recent trade history, and the full order book. This gives you the same level of market transparency as the desktop web platform, formatted for your phone screen.
Step-by-Step: How to Trade on the Kalshi App
Here is a complete walkthrough of placing your first trade on the Kalshi mobile app:
1Browse or search for a market
Open the Kalshi app and use the category tabs or search bar to find an event you want to trade. For example, you might search for "Fed rate cut" or browse the Economics category.
2Select the market
Tap on the event to open the market detail screen. Here you will see the current Yes and No prices, the order book, contract rules, and resolution criteria. Read the contract rules carefully — they specify exactly how and when the contract will be resolved.
3Choose Yes or No
Decide whether you think the event will happen (buy Yes) or will not happen (buy No). For example, if "Will the Fed cut rates in June 2026?" is trading at Yes $0.65 / No $0.35, buying Yes means you believe there is a greater than 65% chance the Fed will cut rates.
4Set your order
Enter the number of contracts you want to buy. Choose between a market order (executes immediately at the current price) or a limit order (executes only if the price reaches your specified level). The app will show you the total cost including fees before you confirm.
5Review and confirm
The confirmation screen shows your total cost, number of contracts, price per contract, and trading fee. Review everything and tap "Confirm" to place your trade.
6Monitor your position
After your trade executes, it appears in your portfolio. You can monitor the current price, your unrealized profit or loss, and sell your position at any time before the contract settles.
7Collect your payout (or take the loss)
When the event's outcome is determined, contracts settle automatically. Winning contracts pay out $1.00 each, and the funds are credited to your Kalshi balance. Losing contracts expire at $0.00. You can withdraw your balance to your bank account at any time.
Current price: Yes $0.42 / No $0.58
Your view: You believe Bitcoin will exceed $100K (buy Yes)
Order: Buy 50 Yes contracts at $0.42
Contract cost: 50 × $0.42 = $21.00
Trading fee: 50 × $0.02 = $1.00
Total cost: $22.00
If Bitcoin exceeds $100K: You receive 50 × $1.00 = $50.00 → Profit of +$28.00
If Bitcoin stays below $100K: You receive $0.00 → Loss of -$22.00
Kalshi App vs Desktop Experience
The Kalshi mobile app and the desktop web platform share the same underlying exchange, but there are practical differences in the user experience:
| Feature | Mobile App | Desktop Web |
|---|---|---|
| Market access | All markets | All markets |
| Order types | Market & limit orders | Market & limit orders |
| Order book | Visible (compact view) | Visible (full depth view) |
| Portfolio view | Full overview | Full overview with more detail |
| Deposits/withdrawals | All methods | All methods |
| Push notifications | Yes | Browser notifications only |
| Biometric login | Face ID / Fingerprint | Not available |
| Screen real estate | Limited (phone screen) | Full monitor |
| Multi-market comparison | One market at a time | Easier with multiple tabs |
| Speed of trading | Fast (one-tap trading) | Fast (keyboard shortcuts possible) |
| Accessibility | Trade anywhere | Requires computer access |
When to Use Which
- Use the mobile app when you are on the go, want to quickly check positions, execute time-sensitive trades, or receive push notifications about market movements and settlements.
- Use the desktop web app when you are doing in-depth research, comparing multiple markets, placing larger or more complex orders, or need the additional screen space for order book analysis.
- Use both together for the best experience. Research and plan trades on desktop, then use the mobile app to execute and monitor when you are away from your computer.
Kalshi App Fees & Minimum Requirements
The Kalshi app uses the same fee structure as the web platform. There are no additional fees for using the mobile app. For a complete fee breakdown, see our Kalshi Fees Guide.
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| App download | Free | iOS and Android |
| Account creation | Free | No subscription fees |
| Trading fee | $0.02 per contract | Same for buy and sell orders |
| ACH deposit | Free | 1-3 business days to settle |
| Debit card deposit | Small processing fee | Instant funding |
| Wire deposit | Your bank's wire fee | Same-day funding |
| ACH withdrawal | Free | 1-3 business days |
| Wire withdrawal | $5.00 | Same-day transfer |
| Settlement | Free | No fee on contract resolution |
| Inactivity fee | None | No penalty for inactive accounts |
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum deposit: No minimum — you can deposit any amount
- Minimum trade: 1 contract (as low as $0.01 per contract)
- Minimum withdrawal: No minimum
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Residency: United States
You can technically start trading on Kalshi with just a few dollars. If you buy 10 contracts at $0.10 each, your total cost is $1.00 + $0.20 (fee) = $1.20. If those contracts win, you receive $10.00 for a profit of $8.80. However, most traders deposit at least $20-$50 to have enough capital to diversify across multiple markets.
For a complete analysis of Kalshi's fee structure, including strategies to minimize costs, read our full Kalshi Fees Explained guide.
Kalshi App Pros and Cons
After thorough testing of the Kalshi app, here is our honest assessment:
Pros
- CFTC-regulated — only federally regulated prediction market in the U.S.
- Native iOS & Android apps — smooth, purpose-built mobile experience
- Full trading functionality — everything the web platform offers
- USD deposits — no cryptocurrency needed
- Free ACH deposits and withdrawals
- Push notifications — real-time alerts on trades and settlements
- Biometric login — Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint
- 1099 tax forms — easy tax reporting
- Hundreds of markets across many categories
- Transparent fee structure — flat 2 cents per contract
- No minimum deposit
Cons
- U.S. only — not available to international users
- KYC required — identity verification can take time
- 2-cent trading fee — higher than Polymarket's near-zero fees
- ACH deposits are slow — 1-3 business days (debit card is instant but has a fee)
- Limited screen space on mobile — desktop is better for deep research
- No advanced charting tools — basic price history only
- Lower liquidity on niche markets compared to Polymarket
- Some market categories may be restricted in certain states
Bottom Line
The Kalshi app is the best option for U.S.-based traders who want a regulated, straightforward, and secure way to trade prediction markets from their phone. The native mobile apps are well-designed and provide full access to the exchange. The main trade-offs are the 2-cent per contract fee (vs. near-zero on Polymarket) and the U.S.-only restriction. For most American traders, the regulatory protection, USD deposits, and tax reporting convenience more than justify the slightly higher fees.
Kalshi App vs Polymarket vs Robinhood
How does the Kalshi app stack up against the other major platforms for trading on event outcomes? Here is a detailed comparison:
| Feature | Kalshi App | Polymarket | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native mobile app | iOS & Android | Mobile web (optimized) | iOS & Android |
| Regulation | CFTC (DCM) | Offshore | CFTC (via partnerships) |
| Currency | USD | USDC (crypto) | USD |
| Trading fee | $0.02 per contract | ~0% maker / 0.01% taker | $0 (zero commission) |
| Deposit | ACH (free), debit card, wire | USDC transfer, card (with fees) | ACH (free), instant deposit |
| Number of markets | Hundreds | Thousands | Limited selection |
| Market categories | Politics, economics, weather, crypto, sports, culture | Politics, crypto, sports, culture, entertainment, global | Primarily politics and major events |
| Tax reporting | 1099 issued | Self-report (crypto) | 1099 issued |
| Availability | U.S. only | Global (restricted in U.S.) | U.S. only |
| Push notifications | Yes | Limited (browser) | Yes |
| Other assets | Prediction markets only | Prediction markets only | Stocks, options, crypto, ETFs |
| Liquidity | Good (growing) | Deepest | Moderate |
Kalshi App vs Polymarket
Kalshi is the better choice if you want federal regulation, USD deposits, automatic tax forms, and native mobile apps. Polymarket is better if you want the lowest possible fees, the widest market selection, and the deepest liquidity — but it requires cryptocurrency (USDC) and operates offshore without CFTC oversight.
For U.S.-based traders who value regulatory protection and simplicity, Kalshi is the stronger pick. For global traders or those comfortable with crypto, Polymarket offers a compelling alternative. See our Kalshi Alternatives guide for a broader comparison.
Kalshi App vs Robinhood
Robinhood offers zero-commission event contracts and the convenience of trading alongside your stocks and crypto portfolio. However, Robinhood's event contract selection is much more limited than Kalshi's, and Robinhood earns revenue through wider spreads and payment for order flow. If event contracts are your primary focus, Kalshi's dedicated platform with deeper markets is the better tool. If you already use Robinhood and want to dabble in a few high-profile events, Robinhood's event contracts are a convenient option.
Read the full comparison: Kalshi vs Robinhood.
Try the Kalshi App Today
CFTC-regulated. USD deposits. Native iOS & Android apps. Hundreds of markets.
Sign Up for Kalshi → Compare AlternativesTips for Getting the Most Out of the Kalshi App
Here are practical strategies to improve your experience trading on the Kalshi app:
-
Enable push notifications selectively.
Turn on notifications for trade executions and settlements, but consider turning off marketing notifications to avoid alert fatigue. The settlement notifications are especially useful so you know instantly when your contracts resolve.
-
Use biometric login.
Enable Face ID or fingerprint authentication for quick, secure access. This is especially important if you need to act fast on a time-sensitive market.
-
Start with limit orders.
Market orders execute immediately but at the current ask price. Limit orders let you set your own price and often save you 2-5 cents per contract by avoiding the bid-ask spread. The Kalshi app makes it easy to switch between order types.
-
Deposit via ACH to avoid fees.
ACH deposits are free and work with any U.S. bank account. Plan ahead since ACH takes 1-3 business days. If you need instant funding, debit cards work but carry a small processing fee.
-
Use PredScope to compare prices.
Before trading, check PredScope to compare prices across Kalshi, Polymarket, and other platforms. Sometimes the same event trades at meaningfully different prices across exchanges.
-
Read the contract rules carefully.
Every Kalshi market has specific resolution criteria. Before trading, tap the contract details to understand exactly how the event will be determined. Misunderstanding the resolution source or timing is one of the most common mistakes new traders make.
-
Diversify across markets.
Do not put all your capital into a single contract. Spread your trades across multiple events to reduce the impact of any single outcome. The Kalshi app's portfolio view makes it easy to see your exposure at a glance.
-
Keep the app updated.
Kalshi regularly releases app updates with new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes. Enable automatic updates or check the App Store / Play Store periodically to ensure you have the latest version.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Kalshi App
Is there a Kalshi mobile app?
Yes. Kalshi offers native mobile apps for both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices. You can download the Kalshi app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The mobile app provides the full trading experience, including market browsing, order placement, deposits, withdrawals, and portfolio management.
How do I download the Kalshi app?
Search for "Kalshi" in the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). The app is free to download. After installing, you can create a new account or log into an existing one. You will need to complete identity verification (KYC) before trading, which typically takes a few minutes.
Is the Kalshi app free?
Yes, the Kalshi app is completely free to download and use. There are no subscription fees, no account maintenance fees, and no premium tiers. The only cost is the standard 2-cent per contract trading fee when you execute trades. Deposits via ACH and withdrawals via ACH are also free.
Can I deposit money through the Kalshi app?
Yes. The Kalshi app supports all deposit methods: ACH bank transfer (free, 1-3 business days), debit card (instant, small processing fee), and wire transfer (same day, your bank's fee). You can link your bank account directly within the app. There is no minimum deposit amount.
Is the Kalshi app safe?
Yes. The Kalshi app connects to the same CFTC-regulated exchange as the web platform. Kalshi is a Designated Contract Market (DCM) under U.S. federal regulation. Your funds are held in segregated accounts, the app uses bank-level encryption, and it supports two-factor authentication and biometric login. For a full safety analysis, see our Is Kalshi Safe? guide.
What can I trade on the Kalshi app?
The Kalshi app gives you access to every market available on the Kalshi exchange. This includes hundreds of event contracts spanning politics, economics, weather, crypto prices, sports, culture, and more. All contracts are binary events that settle at $1 (Yes) or $0 (No).
Does the Kalshi app have push notifications?
Yes. The Kalshi mobile app supports push notifications for trade executions, contract settlements, price alerts, and account activity. You can customize which notifications you receive in the app settings. Push notifications are one of the key advantages of the native mobile app over the web version.
How does the Kalshi app compare to Polymarket?
Kalshi offers native iOS and Android apps with USD deposits via ACH, while Polymarket operates primarily as a mobile-optimized web app requiring USDC cryptocurrency. Kalshi is CFTC-regulated and issues 1099 tax forms; Polymarket is offshore and requires self-reporting. Kalshi charges 2 cents per contract; Polymarket has near-zero fees. Polymarket generally has deeper liquidity and more markets. See our Kalshi Alternatives guide for the full comparison.
Can I use the Kalshi app outside the United States?
No. Kalshi is currently available only to U.S. residents. You must have a U.S. address and pass KYC verification with a U.S.-based identity. International users cannot create accounts or trade on Kalshi. If you are outside the U.S., platforms like Polymarket may be an alternative (subject to your local regulations).
Do I need to pay taxes on Kalshi app profits?
Yes. Profits from trading on Kalshi are taxable income in the United States. Kalshi issues 1099 tax forms at the end of each tax year, making it straightforward to report your gains and losses. This is one of the advantages of using a regulated platform. See our Kalshi Taxes Guide for detailed reporting instructions.
Does the Kalshi app support biometric login?
Yes. The Kalshi mobile app supports Face ID and Touch ID on iOS, and fingerprint authentication on Android. This allows for fast, secure access to your account without typing your password each time. We recommend enabling biometric login alongside two-factor authentication for maximum security.
What is the minimum amount needed to trade on the Kalshi app?
There is no minimum deposit on Kalshi. The minimum trade is 1 contract, which can cost as little as $0.01 (plus the 2-cent fee). In practice, most traders start with $20-$50 to have enough capital to place meaningful trades across multiple markets.
Start Trading on the Kalshi App
The only CFTC-regulated prediction market. Free to download. Trade on hundreds of real-world events from your phone.
Sign Up for Kalshi → See Kalshi FeesRelated: Kalshi referral code
Guides -->Related Guides
- Kalshi Fees Explained — Complete breakdown of trading, deposit, and withdrawal costs
- Is Kalshi Safe? — Safety, regulation, and fund protection explained
- Kalshi Taxes Guide — How to report Kalshi profits on your tax return
- Kalshi Stock — Is Kalshi publicly traded? Company valuation and IPO outlook
- Kalshi Alternatives — Other prediction market platforms to consider
- Kalshi vs Robinhood — Side-by-side comparison for event contract trading
- How to Use Kalshi — Step-by-step beginner's guide to trading on Kalshi
- Kalshi Review 2026 — Full review of the regulated US prediction market
- Best Prediction Markets 2026 — Top platforms ranked by fees, features, and markets
- What Are Prediction Markets? — Complete introduction to event trading
- Kalshi Promo Code 2026 — Current bonuses and referral deals
- Event Contracts: What They Are & How to Trade — CFTC-regulated binary contracts explained
See also: Kalshi sign-up bonus — learn more about Kalshi sign-up bonus.
See also: Kalshi API — learn more about Kalshi API.
See also: prediction market apps — learn more about prediction market apps.