Kalshi referral code (2026): what it actually gives you
Kalshi's refer-a-friend program pays trading credits, not cash. The referred person signs up with a link or code, passes identity verification, and meets a trading requirement shown in the app; then both sides receive credits. Credits must be used within 7 days unless stated otherwise, only profits made with them become withdrawable, amounts and lifetime caps are set per account and shown in-app, and the program is US-only.
The terms in the venue's own words
Refer-a-friend pays trading credits, not cash: 'Referral credits aren't cash... Only the profits you make from using referral credits become withdrawable cash.' The friend must sign up via link/code, pass identity verification and meet the trading requirement shown in the Rewards section; amounts, lifetime cap and requirements vary by account and are shown in-app; credits 'must be used within 7 days of issuance, unless otherwise specified'; 'Referral incentives are only available to U.S. users at this time.'
Also searching "Kalshi promo code"? Kalshi publishes no separate promo-code system; the referral program is the published incentive. Any site advertising an "exclusive" Kalshi bonus beyond the in-app terms is describing something Kalshi does not publish.
How this compares
Kalshi and Polymarket US both pay in credits that can only be traded; neither pays cash for a referral. The full three-venue comparison, including the affiliate programs, is on the referral programs page; fees at any price are on the calculator.