Public.com / Invest in Stocks, ETFs, Crypto and More

Public.com review: An online brokerage app that helps you build a diverse investment portfolio of stocks, ETFs, crypto, and other assets in one easy-to-use platform.

What is Public Investing App?

Public is a commission-free investing platform that allows users to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, bonds, crypto, and other assets. It distinguishes itself by promoting transparency and community interaction, enabling users to see what others are investing in and share their portfolios publicly.

With Public.com, investors can build a portfolio of:

• Stocks: Build your portfolio with access to over 9,000 equities.
• ETFs: Broaden your market exposure with collections of securities that align with a specific industry, trend, or investment style.
• Crypto: Open an account with Bakkt Crypto, automate your investment strategy, and manage your portfolio within the Public app.
• Royalties: invest in shares of royalties and potentially earn passive income from an asset class that typically performs independently from traditional markets.
• Alts: Diversify your portfolio with shares of alternative assets, like fine art and collectibles.
• Bonds: Buy corporate, Treasury, and municipal bonds.
• Treasuries: Get a higher yield than a high-yield savings account with a Treasury Account.
• High-Yield Cash Account: Make your savings work harder with a high-yield cash account on Public deposits protected through partnered banks’ FDIC coverage.

Download the Public app

How Public.com Works

The Public app focuses on building your investing knowledge, fostering social interaction, and supporting long-term investing.

With the Public app, you can:

• Buy and sell individual stocks, fractional shares, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
• Research company and evaluate stock price.
• Engage with a community of investors and experts.
• Get news alerts for the companies you invest in and follow.

You can use the following to elevate your investing:

• Automate Plans: An Investment Plan is a collection of assets you can automatically contribute to recurring.
• Trade Options: Research, build, and execute options trading strategies.
• Thematic Investing: Invest using themes from artificial intelligence to dividend-paying companies and entertainment.

Key Features

• Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs
• Social investing features, including the ability to follow other users and see their portfolios
• Educational resources and articles on investing topics
• Fractional share investing for diversification with small amounts of capital
• Integration with social media platforms for easy sharing and engagement
• High-yield cash accounts

Public Investing, Inc., is a member of FINRA. The company is also a member of SIPC, so all members automatically qualify for protection of up to $500,000 in your account.

Account Minimums

• There are no account minimum requirements.
• For stock buys, fractional trading requires a minimum of $5. This includes stocks less than $1.00 and over-the-counter equities.

Fees

• $0 commissions charged on trades of US-listed registered securities placed during the US Markets Regular Trading Hours.

Keep in mind that other fees, such as regulatory fees, Premium subscription fees, commissions on trades during extended trading hours, wire transfer fees, and paper statement fees, may apply to your brokerage account

However, it generates revenue through other means, such as interest on cash balances and premium subscription services, which provide access to additional features and benefits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Commission-free trading
• Social investing features and community engagement
• Fractional share investing
• High-yield cash accounts

Cons

• Basic market data and analysis tools
• Limited customer support options
• Additional fees for premium subscription services

Who Is It Best For

Public.com best suits beginner investors and those who value community engagement and transparency in their investing experience. It is ideal for individuals who want to learn from others, share investment ideas, and build wealth as part of a supportive investing community.

Download the Public app

Our Public.com App Review

Public.com is a legitimate company and not a scam. It’s a trusted commission-free brokerage app that helps a community invest, engage, and learn. The company aims to create long-term investors, not stock traders.

Public is a unique social investing app that offers commission-free trading, community engagement, and educational resources to empower investors. Although the Public community is excellent, it’s wise to be mindful of others’ financial advice or investment ideas. Remember always to perform due diligence.

While it may lack some advanced features compared to traditional brokerage platforms, its emphasis on transparency and social interaction makes it a good option for many investors looking to learn, grow, and succeed in the stock market.

In our Public.com review, we found that it is rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has 4.7 out of 5 stars in the App Store. It has some glowing reviews on Reddit, blogs, and YouTube videos. The mobile app, available on iOS and Android, is user-friendly and has a sleek interface.

You can get started with the Public investing app here.

Please understand that all investments involve risk, and the past performance of a security does not guarantee future results or returns. Investors should consider their investment objectives and risks carefully before investing.

How to Open a Public.com Account

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Valid Social Security Number
• Legal U.S. residential address
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have a valid visa

Step-by-Step to Start Investing

The time needed: 3 minutes.

1. Get started
   • Create an account by clicking on the link here.
2. Enter your phone number 
   • Download the app from the text link.
3. Submit your application
   • Provide your first and last name, social security number, and address.
4.  Link your external bank account.
   • Fund with a link bank account or debit card

Public.com Alternatives

Alternatives to Public.com include Webull and Robinhood. These apps offer similar services with a different focus that may benefit different investors.

For investors looking for financial advice and a bit more guidance, learn more about M1 Finance or Betterment.