Safe vs Proxy wallet — which Polymarket wallet type to use

Safe vs Proxy wallet

A Safe vs Proxy wallet comparison explains the two wallet types Polymarket offers: a pre-deployed Gnosis Safe (Safe) and an on-demand Proxy wallet (Proxy). You’ll encounter this choice when connecting a wallet to Polymarket and when the platform needs to manage approvals, CTF operations, or relayer-signed transactions.

Key differences

Pre-deployment vs on-demand: A Safe is a pre-deployed Gnosis Safe instance tied to your account. A Proxy wallet is not deployed until your first transaction; Polymarket’s relayer deploys the Proxy automatically on-demand.
UX and recovery: The Safe behaves like a standard Gnosis Safe — it can support multiple owners and advanced recovery patterns established by the Safe configuration. The Proxy is a lightweight single-owner wallet implemented for simple, gasless interactions via the Polymarket Relayer.
Gas model: Both wallet types operate under Polymarket’s gasless model: the Relayer sponsors the gas for wallet deployment, ERC-20 approvals, CTF splits/merges/redeems, transfers, and order placement. You do not need to hold POL or native Polygon MATIC for transactions on either wallet type.
Typical uses: Users who prefer a managed multisig or want stronger custody controls often choose a Safe. Users who want the simplest, lowest-friction path to trade typically use a Proxy because it avoids upfront deployment steps until needed.

How they appear on Polymarket

Sign-in flow: When you connect a wallet, Polymarket shows whether a pre-deployed Safe is available for your account. If none exists, the platform offers the Proxy route and will deploy a Proxy on your first on-chain action.
Transactions and approvals: From your perspective, common flows (approvals, splits/merges/redeems, order placement) are gas-free and handled by the Relayer for both account types. The differences are mostly custody and deployment timing rather than day-to-day behaviour.

Operational considerations

Deployment timing: With a Proxy you should expect an automatic deployment to occur the first time you transact; that deployment is also gasless for you. With a Safe, deployment has already occurred, so no additional on-chain setup is required when you trade.
Security tradeoffs: A Gnosis Safe can provide multisig and richer recovery options. A Proxy is simpler and single-owner; its security depends on your wallet key management. Choose the model that matches your custody needs.
Builder integrations and relayer limits: Both wallet types can be used while routing orders through builders or the Polymarket Relayer. Builder Program limits and attribution apply at the relayer level and are independent of whether you use a Safe or a Proxy.

Related terms