Polymarket invite code: do you still need one? Waitlist, referral codes and sign-up bonuses explained
Polymarket US started invite-only, but since May 2026 eligible Americans can sign up without a code. What referral and promo codes actually do, what bonuses are worth, how Polymarket’s referral program works, and the scams to avoid.
You no longer need an invite code to join Polymarket. Polymarket US, the CFTC-regulated app for Americans, launched with a waitlist and invite codes, but by May 2026 it had opened to eligible US residents on iOS and Android. The "invite codes" you see advertised today are referral or promo codes: optional, and mainly a way to claim a sign-up offer.
As of October 2026. Offers change often; the terms shown in the app are the ones that apply.
Invite code, referral code, promo code: what is the difference?
| Term | What it was or is | Do you need it? |
|---|---|---|
| Invite code | A pass to skip the Polymarket US waitlist during its rollout | No, since the waitlist was removed |
| Referral code | A code from an existing user or partner site, entered at sign-up | Optional; may unlock a bonus |
| Promo code | Marketing name for a referral code tied to an offer | Optional |
Some users still report a "we'll email you" waitlist screen when signing up on a desktop browser. If you see it, try the mobile app, which is where Polymarket US opened first (how to use Polymarket in the US).
What sign-up bonuses look like
Partner and affiliate sites advertise Polymarket US offers such as "$25 trading credit with a $10 deposit" or "deposit $20, get $20". They differ between sites and over time, so treat any figure as an example. Typical conditions:
- You must be a new user, in an eligible state, with a verified identity.
- You usually need to deposit, and sometimes trade, a minimum amount.
- The bonus is usually trading credit, not withdrawable cash. Profits from trading it can be withdrawn under the offer's terms.
Polymarket's global site, which does not accept US users, has historically not offered sign-up bonuses; it rewards activity instead through liquidity and holding rewards (how Polymarket makes money).
Polymarket's referral program
Existing users can share their own link. Under terms reported to have taken effect on 28 May 2026, referrers earn a share of the trading fees paid by people they bring in: 10% of net fees from direct referrals and 5% from indirect ones. Check the program page in your account for the current terms, which can differ by product.
Is a bonus worth it?
A $25 credit spent on fairly priced contracts is worth a little under $25 on average, because taker fees take a slice of each trade (Polymarket fees). It is worth claiming if you were going to trade anyway; it is not worth depositing money you would not otherwise risk.
Scams to avoid
- "Invite codes" for sale. There is nothing to buy: sign-up is open.
- Sites asking for your wallet's seed phrase or private key to "activate" a code.
- Fake Polymarket support accounts offering bonuses in direct messages (how to reach real Polymarket support).
- Airdrop "eligibility checks" that are really wallet drainers (Polymarket airdrop rumours).
Polymarket invite code: frequently asked questions
Do I need an invite code for Polymarket?
No. Polymarket US removed its waitlist around May 2026; eligible US residents can sign up without a code.
What is a Polymarket referral code?
An optional code from an existing user or partner site, entered at sign-up, that can unlock a new-user offer.
Does Polymarket have a sign-up bonus?
Polymarket US offers have been promoted through referral codes, typically trading credit after a small deposit. The global site has not offered sign-up bonuses.
How much do Polymarket referrers earn?
Reported terms give referrers 10% of net fees from direct referrals and 5% from indirect ones; check the current program page.
Why do I see a waitlist screen?
Some desktop sign-ups still show one; the mobile app is the most reliable way to register.
