How to sign up for Metaculus.

Yes. The core platform is free to use. There is no trading balance, no deposit, and no cash payout, because Metaculus is a reputation based forecasting platform rather than a money exchange, as of January 2026.

Not from forecasting itself. The platform rewards accuracy with reputation and scores rather than cash. Some tournaments offer prizes, but those are separate programs with their own eligibility and region terms, not a feature of placing a forecast.

Create an account on Metaculus's own site, usually with an email address or a supported single sign on, confirm your email, and set up a profile. You can then submit probability forecasts on defined questions and build a track record.

The heavy identity checks that a regulated United States exchange must run do not apply to ordinary forecasting, because no money is at stake in the core product. Any tournament with cash prizes may carry its own verification and eligibility terms.

No. Because no contracts are traded for money in the core product, it is not a Commodity Futures Trading Commission designated contract market. The rules that govern real money event contracts do not apply to placing a forecast, as of January 2026.

No. Prediction Market Index is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with any platform. We explain how it works and leave the decision to you.