Getting started on Catalyst takes a few minutes. You'll create a free account, purchase the challenge, and be trading real Polymarket events on a simulated $15,000 account right away. Here's exactly how it works.
Step 1 — Create your account
Go to tradecatalyst.com and create your new account
Enter your first name, last name, email address, and create a password
Click Create Account
Check your inbox for a confirmation email and click the link inside
Step 2 — Purchase the Challenge
Once your email is confirmed, you'll land directly in the app. Purchase the challenge to activate your account.
One-time fee: $175
Payment by credit or debit card
Your $15,000 simulated account is created immediately after purchase
Step 3 — Place your first trade
Your account is ready the moment your purchase is confirmed. Here's how to place your first trade.
Open the Trade tab
Browse markets by category — All, Politics, Sports, Crypto, Finance, Geopolitics, Earnings, Tech, Culture, World, Economy, Climate & Science, Mentions, or Elections
Select a market that interests you
In the order ticket on the right, choose Buy
Select your side — YES or NO (or UP / DOWN on price direction markets)
Enter your size
Review Total cost and Total payout
Click Buy to submit
Scroll below the price chart to find the About section — it shows exactly how the market resolves, what data source is used, and the official determination time. Always read this before placing a trade.
What happens after your order fills
The position appears in your Portfolio and in the Positions panel on the right side of the Trade page
Your Unrealized Account Balance (Open P&L) updates as the market price moves
Your Realized Account Balance does not change until you sell or the market settles
The most you can trade in a single market: $1,500 total
Tracking your progress
The top bar is visible across every page and always shows your current level, Realized Balance, Open P&L, Max Loss floor, and qualifying trade progress. For a deeper view of your progress — including win rate, equity curve, and category performance — go to the Performance tab.