Does Kalshi have a sign-up bonus? Kalshi referral codes and credits explained
Kalshi’s sign-up bonus comes through referral codes. How the program works, the 72-hour rule for adding a code, how to claim and find your credit, why credits are not cash, and what a bonus is really worth.
In this article
Yes, Kalshi offers sign-up bonuses, mostly through its referral program. When you join with a friend's or a partner's referral link or code and complete the offer's requirements, you get a bonus as trading credit, and the person who referred you can get one too.
There is no single fixed amount. Kalshi says rewards vary by offer, can differ between the referrer and the new user, and can change. This guide explains how the program works so you can check any offer yourself. It does not include a referral code.
Program details from Kalshi's help center, October 2026.
How the Kalshi referral bonus works
- Get a referral link or code from a friend or a partner site.
- Sign up through the link, or enter the code in the referral field during sign-up.
- Verify your identity. Bonuses need a fully verified account.
- Complete the qualifying activity in the offer, such as trading a set amount, before its deadline.
- Claim the bonus if your offer requires it (some credit automatically).
Requirements depend on the offer and can include being a new user, applying a valid code, completing identity verification, being in an eligible location and finishing qualifying activity by a deadline. Applying a code does not by itself guarantee a bonus.
Forgot the code? The 72-hour rule
You can add a referral code within 72 hours of creating your account, as long as no code is attached yet:
- In the app, open Explore, tap the menu, then Your rewards → Have a code?, enter the code and tap Apply.
- The 72 hours run from account creation, not from when your identity check finishes.
- Depositing or trading does not close the window, but logging in again or reopening the link does not restart it.
- You cannot replace a code that is already attached.
How to claim your bonus and find the credit
- Sign-up bonus: open Explore, find your bonus progress card, tap See all steps, then Unlock bonus amount when it becomes available.
- Referrer bonus: open the menu, Your rewards, the Refer a friend offer, find the friend under Invited friends and tap Unlock bonus.
- Where the credit shows: in the app under Portfolio → Predictions → Credit; on the website under Activity → Credit.
How much is the Kalshi bonus?
Kalshi publishes no single figure; open your offer under Your rewards for its amount and terms. In October 2026, affiliate sites were advertising Kalshi codes worth roughly $10 to $60 for new users (current Kalshi promo codes), and referral programs with caps of around $1,000 for people who invite many friends. Treat those as examples. Two rules from Kalshi's own help center matter more:
- An amount advertised as "up to" is a maximum, not a guarantee.
- Limits vary by program: a per-referral amount, an overall cap or both.
Bonus credit is not cash
Referral rewards may be issued as trading credits with withdrawal restrictions. Some must be traded on an eligible product before they become withdrawable, and that requirement is separate from the activity you did to earn the bonus. Usually what you can withdraw is the profit you make with the credit, not the credit itself.
What a bonus is really worth
Suppose you get $25 of credit and must trade it. At 50¢ contracts with Kalshi's taker fee of 1.75¢ per contract, $25 buys 48 contracts (48 × 51.75¢ = $24.84). If the prices are fair, those contracts are worth about $24 on average: you might end with $48 or with nothing, but the bonus is worth a little less than its face value, because fees take a slice.
Ways to get more out of it:
- Use limit orders, which pay a lower maker fee or none on many markets (limit vs market orders).
- Trade markets you understand, so the credit backs a real view (how to calculate expected value).
- Do not chase the bonus with money you would not otherwise trade.
Other Kalshi programs
Kalshi's help center lists more programs under Programs & Promotions: incentive programs for traders who provide liquidity, a market bug bounty for reporting rule problems, and limited-time promotions. Market makers can also apply for dedicated programs (how Kalshi makes money).
Before you sign up
- You must be 18 or older and in a state where Kalshi is available; some states set different rules (Kalshi age requirement).
- One account per person: duplicate accounts to collect bonuses break Kalshi's rules.
- Credits and winnings count for taxes the same as other trading gains (Kalshi taxes).
Kalshi sign-up bonus: frequently asked questions
Does Kalshi have a sign-up bonus?
Yes, mainly through referral codes. Amounts vary by offer and are shown under Your rewards in the app.
Can I add a Kalshi referral code after signing up?
Yes, within 72 hours of creating your account, if no code is attached yet: Explore → menu → Your rewards → Have a code?
Can I withdraw my Kalshi bonus?
Usually not straight away. Bonus credit often has to be traded first; check the terms of your offer.
Why didn't I get my Kalshi referral bonus?
Common reasons: the code was not attached, identity verification is unfinished, the qualifying activity or deadline was missed, or the bonus has to be claimed manually.
How much does Kalshi pay for referrals?
It depends on the offer. Kalshi says amounts vary and can differ between the referrer and the new user.
