5 Ways to Fix the Deposit Error
⚠️ Violates Polymarket ToS - Use at your own risk
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) masks your real IP address and makes it appear you're accessing from another country.
⚠️ Legal Warning
- Using VPN to bypass geo-restrictions violates Polymarket's Terms of Service
- Your account can be frozen and funds seized if detected
- May violate CFTC regulations (though individual enforcement is rare)
Step-by-Step VPN Setup:
- Sign up for a privacy-focused VPN (see recommendations below)
- Download and install VPN app on your device
- Connect to a server in Canada, UK, or EU (NOT US)
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Visit Polymarket in an incognito/private window
- Try depositing again - error should be gone
Recommended VPNs for Polymarket:
NordVPN
Best for beginners, 6,000+ servers, $3.99/mo
ExpressVPN
Fastest speeds, best for trading, $8.32/mo
Surfshark
Budget option, unlimited devices, $2.19/mo
✅ CFTC-regulated, fully legal for US users
Instead of risking VPN detection, use Kalshi - the only CFTC-approved prediction market in the US.
✓ Pros
- • 100% legal in all 50 states
- • No VPN needed
- • USD deposits (no crypto)
- • Automatic tax reporting
- • Consumer protections apply
✗ Cons
- • Fewer markets (200 vs 5,000+)
- • Lower liquidity
- • Requires KYC verification
- • Limited to approved events
What you can trade on Kalshi:
- US Elections (Presidential, Congressional, State)
- Federal Reserve interest rate decisions
- Economic data (GDP, unemployment, inflation)
- Weather events (temperature, snowfall)
- Award shows (Oscars, Grammys)
Bottom line: If you're a US citizen, Kalshi is the safer long-term choice. No risk of account freezes or legal issues.
Sometimes the error persists due to cached location data
- Open browser settings (Chrome: ⋮ → Settings → Privacy and security)
- Click "Clear browsing data"
- Select "Cookies and other site data" + "Cached images and files"
- Time range: "All time"
- Click "Clear data"
- Restart browser and try Polymarket again
Success rate: ~15% (works if you previously used VPN but now it's disconnected)
Polymarket may have flagged your specific browser. Try:
- Switch from Chrome to Firefox or Brave
- Use incognito/private browsing mode
- Try from mobile device (different IP if on cellular)
- Disable browser extensions (especially location/privacy extensions)
Not recommended - they will not help US users
Some users try contacting support, but Polymarket's official policy is:
"We do not provide services to users in the United States or other prohibited jurisdictions. This is a legal requirement and cannot be bypassed."
Success rate: ~0% for US users. Don't waste your time.
How Polymarket Detects Your Location
Understanding the detection methods helps you avoid triggering the error:
- 1
IP Geolocation
Checks if your IP address belongs to a US ISP (Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, etc.)
- 2
Browser Timezone
If your system timezone is EST/PST but VPN shows UK, it's suspicious
- 3
WebRTC Leak
Your real IP can leak through WebRTC even with VPN active (disable in browser settings)
- 4
Wallet History
If your wallet previously connected from US IP, it may be permanently flagged
- 5
Payment Source
Buying USDC from Coinbase US account can flag your wallet
Advanced VPN Tips to Avoid Detection
If you choose to use VPN (at your own risk), follow these best practices:
- Use dedicated IP: Some VPNs offer static IPs (less likely to be flagged)
- Disable WebRTC: Chrome: chrome://flags → Disable "WebRTC IP Handling"
- Match timezone: Change system timezone to match VPN location (UK = GMT)
- Use incognito: Always access Polymarket in private browsing
- Stick to one location: Don't switch VPN servers (UK Monday, Canada Tuesday looks suspicious)
- Use separate wallet: Don't use a wallet that previously connected from US IP
What Happens If You Get Caught?
If Polymarket detects you're bypassing geo-restrictions:
- Account freeze: Immediate suspension, funds locked
- Withdrawal delays: Forced verification process (6 months average)
- Fund seizure: In extreme cases, funds may be seized (rare)
- No legal recourse: You violated ToS, can't sue
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I go to jail for using VPN on Polymarket?
Extremely unlikely. Individual traders have not been prosecuted. However, large-scale violations or commercial operations could face CFTC action. The bigger risk is account freezing.
Which VPN location works best?
Canada or UK. These have the highest liquidity on Polymarket and are less suspicious than exotic locations. Avoid using VPN servers in: Russia, China, Iran (instant red flag).
Can I use free VPNs?
Not recommended. Free VPNs are easily detected, have slow speeds (bad for trading), and may sell your data. Paid VPNs ($3-8/month) are worth it if you're serious about using Polymarket.
Is there a VPN that Polymarket can't detect?
No VPN is 100% undetectable. Polymarket uses sophisticated methods (browser fingerprinting, behavior analysis). Premium VPNs reduce risk, but there's always a chance of detection.
Our Recommendation
✅ Option A: Use Kalshi (Safest)
- 100% legal, CFTC-regulated
- No VPN needed, no detection risk
- Covers major events (elections, economics)
- Consumer protections apply
⚠️ Option B: Use VPN (Higher Risk)
- Violates Polymarket ToS
- Risk of account freeze
- No legal protection
- If you choose this: use premium VPN + follow best practices above