> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.tread.fi/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.tread.fi/prediction-markets/kalshi-prediction-markets/connecting-and-funding-kalshi.md).

# Connecting and Funding (Kalshi)

Kalshi is a regulated exchange that holds your cash directly. Unlike Polymarket, there is no tread Wallet deposit path and no bridging. You fund your account on Kalshi, then connect that account to tread with an API key so tread can trade on your behalf.

### Step 1: Fund your Kalshi account

1. Open or log in to your account at [kalshi.com](https://kalshi.com).
2. Complete Kalshi's own identity verification. Kalshi is CFTC-regulated, so eligibility and KYC are set by Kalshi, not by tread.
3. Deposit USD using any method Kalshi supports. For further information on depositing and withdrawing funds please refer directly to official [Kalshi Documentation](https://help.kalshi.com/en/collections/18616610-deposit-funds).

{% hint style="info" %}
Your balance stays at Kalshi. tread never custodies Kalshi funds.
{% endhint %}

### Step 2: Create a Kalshi API key

In Kalshi's account settings, create an API key. Kalshi gives you two things,

* An **access-key ID** 
* An **RSA private key** 

Kalshi shows these private keys **once**. Save it before closing the dialog.

For full instructions on API key creation, please refer to Kalshi's [official documentation](https://docs.kalshi.com/getting_started/api_keys)

{% hint style="warning" %}
Keep the private key secret. It authorizes trading only — it cannot withdraw funds from your Kalshi account.
{% endhint %}

### Step 3: Connect the account to tread

1. Open **Key Management** from the top-right menu and click **Connect CEX Account**.
2. Select **Kalshi** from the venue list.
3. Give the account a name.
4. Paste your **access-key ID (UUID)**.
5. Paste your **RSA private key**, including the `-----BEGIN` and `-----END` lines. Line breaks inside the key matter — paste it exactly as Kalshi gave it to you.
6. Optionally set a **subaccount** (a whole number from 0 to 63). Leave it blank to use subaccount 0, the default.
7. Click **Link Account**.

There is no wallet to connect, no signature to approve, and no passphrase.

### Step 4: Check your balance

Go to **Predict** in the top navigation and open the **Kalshi** tab. Pick any event and your Kalshi account from the account dropdown at the top of the order panel. Your available cash shows next to the amount field, labelled in **USD** (not USDC, as on Polymarket and HIP-4).

{% hint style="info" %}
Kalshi keeps event-contract collateral in a separate pool from its perpetuals collateral. The balance shown on the Predict pages is your **event-contract cash**. If you also trade Kalshi perps on tread, that is a separate pool of the same account and moving cash between them is done on Kalshi.
{% endhint %}