Fee-Adjusted Returns

Last updated: 2026-07-14

Calculate your real net return after all platform fees, deposit costs, withdrawal fees, and interest across Kalshi, Polymarket, Crypto.com, FanDuel, and DraftKings. See which platform maximizes your take-home profit.

Best net take-home
+$49.85
Polymarket US nets you the most: $49.85 after every fee on this $50 position.
¢
Position: 100 @ 50¢Cost: $50.00Max Payout: $100
PlatformGross P&LNet Take-HomeProfit per $100
Polymarket USBEST+$50.00+$49.85+99.7%
Kalshi+$50.00+$48.00+96.0%
Crypto.com / CDNA+$50.00+$48.00+96.0%
FanDuel Predicts+$50.00+$48.00+96.0%
DraftKings Predictions+$50.00+$48.00+96.0%

Why Do Raw Contract Prices Not Tell the Full Story?

A contract priced at 50 cents on two different platforms can produce meaningfully different net returns. One platform might charge a 1-cent trading fee while another charges 3 cents. Add deposit and withdrawal fees, and the gap widens further. Kalshi's interest payments on idle balances can offset some fees for longer holds. This calculator reveals the true net return you take home after every cost is accounted for.

How Do the Five Major Platforms Compare on Total Fees?

Polymarket US charges the lowest trading fee at 0.1% of trade value, with no deposit or withdrawal fees. DraftKings and Crypto.com charge flat per-contract fees that are competitive on higher-priced contracts. Kalshi's fee formula scales with price variance, peaking near 50 cents. FanDuel charges 2% of payout value. The right platform depends on your contract price, position size, and how you move money in and out. Check the live dashboard for current prices across all platforms.

How Does Hold Period Affect Fee-Adjusted Returns?

For short-term trades settled within days, deposit and withdrawal fees dominate. For positions held weeks or months, Kalshi's interest rate becomes significant. A $1,000 position held for 90 days at 3.75% APY earns about $9.25 in interest, which can offset multiple trades worth of fees. Use the Break-Even Calculator to see how fees shift breakeven probabilities at your target price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fees are included in the fee-adjusted return calculation?
This calculator includes four fee categories: trading fees (charged when you buy or sell a contract), deposit fees (charged when funding your account), withdrawal fees (charged when moving money out), and interest earned on idle balances. Each platform handles these differently.
Why does the best platform change depending on the contract price?
Each platform uses a different fee structure. Kalshi charges fees proportional to price variance, Polymarket uses a flat percentage, and DraftKings charges a fixed per-contract fee. At low prices, percentage-based fees are smallest. At mid-range prices, fixed fees become more competitive. The optimal platform depends on your specific trade.
How does the deposit method affect my returns?
Some platforms charge fees for certain deposit methods. Debit card deposits on Kalshi incur a 2% fee, while ACH transfers are free. Crypto.com charges 1.49% for debit cards but nothing for ACH. Choosing the right deposit method can save several dollars per trade on larger positions.
What is effective odds in the results table?
Effective odds represent your real after-fee payout ratio. If you buy a contract at 50 cents and the effective odds are 1.85 instead of 2.00, it means fees are costing you 15 cents per contract on a winning trade. Lower effective odds mean more fee drag on your returns.
Does Kalshi pay interest on idle balances?
Yes. Kalshi currently pays 3.75% APY on balances above $250, calculated daily. For traders holding positions over weeks or months, this interest can partially offset trading fees. No other major US prediction market currently offers balance interest.
How are withdrawal fees calculated?
Withdrawal fees vary by platform and method. Some charge a flat dollar amount (like Kalshi at $2.00 for debit card withdrawals), while others charge nothing for standard bank transfers. The calculator applies the withdrawal fee to your total payout amount on winning trades.
What does ROI percentage mean in this context?
ROI (Return on Investment) is your net take-home profit divided by your initial position cost, expressed as a percentage. A 90% ROI on a $50 position means you net $45 in profit after all fees. Comparing ROI across platforms shows which gives you the best return per dollar invested.
Why should I check both the win and lose scenarios?
The lose scenario shows your total cost of being wrong, including fees you still pay even on a losing trade. Some platforms have lower total losses because they charge fewer fees on the trading side. Understanding both scenarios helps you assess the true risk-reward of each platform.

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