Kalshi guide

How to Sign Up for Kalshi

A step-by-step guide to opening a Kalshi account in 2026 — eligibility, what you need, verification and placing your first trade.

Sign-up guideUpdated June 2026

Signing up for Kalshi in brief

Kalshi serves US residents only and, as a CFTC-regulated exchange, runs full identity verification, so have a photo ID to hand. Most applicants clear the checks quickly and can fund straight away by linked bank account, debit card or Apple and Google Pay in plain US dollars.

Before you start

You must be 18+ and physically located in an eligible US state; Kalshi is US-only. Availability can vary, so confirm it is offered where you are before you start, and have a photo ID ready for verification.

How to sign up for Kalshi, step by step

Create your account

Register on Kalshi with your email and a strong password.

Verify your identity

Provide your name, date of birth and address so Kalshi can complete the KYC checks a regulated exchange requires.

Fund your account

Add money using bank, debit & apple/google pay (usd).

Place a first trade

Buy a small number of Yes or No shares to learn how the market prices and settles.

Next step

Once you are in, the Kalshi deposit guide covers funding in detail.

After you sign up

Keep your first trades small while you get a feel for how Kalshi prices and settles markets, and read the full Kalshi review and fees guide before you commit real size.

Sign up at Kalshi →

Eligibility, verification and features vary by US state and country and can change; confirm current requirements on Kalshi. 18+. Trading involves risk of loss.

Frequently asked questions

How do I sign up for Kalshi?

Register on Kalshi with your email, complete identity verification, fund with bank, debit & apple/google pay (usd), and place a small first trade.

What do I need to open a Kalshi account?

You need to be 18 or older, eligible in your US state, and able to complete a one-time identity check with your name, date of birth and address.

Is Kalshi available where I live?

Availability varies by US state and by country and can change. Check Kalshi directly for your location, and see our state-by-state and international guides for the wider picture before signing up.

Ready to make your first informed trade?

Compare the top regulated platforms side by side, or start with the fundamentals. Independent reviews, no paid placement, updated for 2026.

Independent · No platform pays for placement · 18+ only