Leverage: Not Offering
Regulation: SEC, FINRA, SIPC, FCA
Min. Deposit: $0
HQ: USA
Platforms: Public Mobile Apps
Found in: 2019
Public is a US Investment firm with a focus on social investing, that enables traders to invest in a diverse range of assets, including stocks, ETFs, treasuries, crypto, art, collectibles, and more. The company provides a user-friendly platform that imposes no commission fees on stock market transactions.
Functioning as a registered broker-dealer under the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Public also maintains memberships with regulatory bodies such as FINRA and SIPC in the USA. According to our research, the firm extends its presence to the UK, holding the Top-Tier FCA license.
Overall, the company provides innovative approaches to ensure that investing becomes more accessible and transparent.
Yes, Public operates as a stock brokerage platform. It allows users to invest in stocks, ETFs, and other investment assets through its user-friendly mobile app. The platform is known for its commission-free investing model and emphasizes social investing, where users can share their investment activities and insights with others on the platform.
While it provides a platform for investing stocks, Public.com is not a traditional stockbroker in the sense of offering a full range of financial services, rather, it focuses on making investing more accessible and social for a broad audience.
Based on our findings, the firm has several pros and cons that investors should consider. Public offers several advantages, including commission-free investment, which makes it cost-effective for users. The platform’s emphasis on social investing creates a collaborative environment where users can share insights and learn from others. Another advantage is the availability of investing fractional shares allowing individuals to invest with smaller amounts of capital, thereby improving accessibility.
For the cons, potential disadvantages may include a more limited range of investment options compared to some traditional brokers. Additionally, the mobile-only interface may be a limitation for those who prefer desktop trading. Therefore, traders need to consider these factors based on their preferences and investment needs.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| SEC, FINRA, SIPC, and FCA regulation and oversee | No 24/7 customer support |
| Fractional Share investing | Limited investment products |
| Low trading fees | No paper trading or demo account |
| Commission-free trading for Stocks and ETFs | Limited trading platforms |
| $0 minimum deposit | |
| Direct Market Access | |
| Competitive investment conditions | |
| US and UK traders |
| 🏢 Headquarters | USA, Denmark |
| 🗺️ Regulation | SEC, FINRA, SIPC, FCA |
| 🖥 Platforms | Public Mobile Apps |
| 📉 Trading Products | Stocks, ETFs, Treasuries, Crypto, Art, Collectibles, etc. |
| 💰 Stock Commission | $0 |
| 🎮 Paper Trading/ Demo Account | No |
| 💳 Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| 💰 Base Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
| 📚 Education | Provided |
| ☎ Customer Support | 24/5 |
Per our analysis, Public is known for its innovative approach to social investing and commission-free investing model. While specific rankings can vary, the firm generally appeals to investors seeking a combination of accessibility, transparency, and a collaborative investment experience.
| Ranking | Public | Charles Schwab | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Ranking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Advantages | Investment Conditions | Trading Commissions | Trading Products |
While Public provides reliable and competitive investment conditions, there are other companies in the financial sector that might be good to consider. These competing firms may present advantages like a wider selection of trading products and platforms. Therefore, we have compiled a list of alternatives for you to consider.
No, Public is not a scam. It is a reputable Investing broker that follows the strict rules and guidelines established by the SEC, FINRA, SIPC, and FCA. These Top-Tier regulations safeguard investors’ assets and provide low-risk investing markets.
Yes, Public is a legitimate and regulated investing platform. It operates as a registered broker-dealer under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Additionally, the firm holds memberships with regulatory bodies such as (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) in the United States.
These regulatory affiliations help ensure that the platform adheres to industry standards and provides a secure environment for investors.
See our conclusion on Public Reliability:
| Public Strong Points | Public Weak Points |
|---|---|
| Member of FINRA and SIPC | None |
| Investor funds security | |
| Top-Tier licenses | |
| Two-Factor authentication | |
| Professional investing environment |
The company places a strong emphasis on protecting clients’ investments through compliance with regulatory standards and industry-leading practices. This involves safeguards against fraud, unauthorized account access, and robust coding for online transactions, with strict identity verification processes.
Additionally, as a member of FINRA and SIPC, securities in your account are protected up to $500,000. However, investors are advised to be cautious, regularly monitor their investments, and adopt secure online practices to further enhance their trading protection.
We found that Public does not offer Margin Accounts, operating solely with Cash Accounts. The platform primarily focused on providing commission-free stock trading, fractional shares, and a social investing platform.
However, for the most accurate and current information about the platform’s offerings, including leverage or margin trading, we recommend checking their official website or contacting their customer support directly.
Based on our research, the firm primarily offers Cash Accounts for investment, which means that users invest with the funds available in their account and do not have access to margin or leverage. The available account types include both Standard and Premium accounts.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No minimum deposit | No demo or paper trading accounts |
| Fast and easy account opening | No margin accounts |
Opening an account with a broker is considered quite an easy process, as you can log in and register with the broker within minutes. Just follow the opening account or Public login page and proceed with the guided steps:
Public offers a range of investment products designed to cater to diverse investor preferences, which includes stocks, ETFs, treasuries, Public gold trading, cryptos, art, collectibles, and more. We found that users can invest in US markets from anywhere like Denmark, Public CY, etc.
However, the availability of specific products may vary depending on the entity, so we advise conducting research to determine the range of options available, and if conditions vary based on your residence.
In terms of fees, the firm operates with a no-commission trading model, meaning users can invest in stocks without incurring traditional brokerage fees. However, while investing itself is commission-free, there might be other fees associated with certain activities or services on the platform like inactivity fees, transfer Public agent fees, Public service commission, etc.
Therefore, investors should review Public’s current fee schedule and terms as they can change over time.
| Fees | Public Fees | Charles Schwab Fees | Fidelity Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit fee | No | No | No |
| Withdrawal fee | Yes | No | No |
| Inactivity fee | Yes | No | No |
| Investment plans | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fee ranking | Low | Low | Low |
Based on our test trade, as a commission broker, Public does not charge spreads on trades. We found that the firm offers commission-free trading for Stocks and Funds.
However, trading commissions and fees can change over time and may vary based on the type of account, the specific Public policy for investment, and market conditions. For example, the company charges a foreign exchange fee when investors make a deposit or withdraw cash.
| Asset/ Pair | Public Commission | Charles Schwab Commission | Fidelity Commission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stocks Fees | $0 | From $0 | From $0 |
| Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Options Fees | $0 | From $0 | From $0 |
| ETFs Fees | $0 | From $0 | $0 |
| Free Stocks | Yes | Yes | Yes |
We found that the firm does not have specific investment hours like traditional stock exchanges. Investors typically have the flexibility to trade on the platform whenever the stock market is open, which is usually during regular market hours on weekdays.
Public provides real-time market access, allowing users to buy and sell stocks during the active trading hours of the stock market.
The platform offers investors a few funding methods to deposit money into their accounts for trading. Users can link their bank accounts to facilitate seamless transfers. Additionally, the platform supports popular payment methods such as debit cards. These funding options provide flexibility for investors to fund their accounts conveniently.
Here are some good and negative points for Public funding methods found:
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| Fast digital deposits | Limited funding methods |
| Multiple account base currencies |
The firm offers great options with no minimum deposit requirement for opening an account.
Public minimum deposit vs other brokers
| Public | Most Other Brokers | |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $500 |
Per our analysis, Public withdrawals can typically be initiated through the platform, and the funds are transferred back to the linked bank account.
To initiate a withdrawal fund from your investment account, the platform provides a set of typical steps that can be followed:
According to our research, the firm does not offer traditional online banking services. Instead, it facilitates online transfers for users by allowing them to link their bank accounts.
We found that the investors can transfer funds to and from their linked bank accounts to facilitate seamless deposits and withdrawals for trading activities on the platform.
Public operates primarily as a mobile trading platform, offering users a user-friendly and accessible experience through its mobile app. The platform stands out for its commission-free stock trading model, fractional shares, and social investing features. While it does not provide a web or desktop version, the mobile app is designed to cater to both new and experienced investors.
| Platforms | Public Platforms | Charles Schwab Platforms | Fidelity Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| MT4 | No | No | No |
| MT5 | No | No | No |
| cTrader | No | No | No |
| Own Platforms | No | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
According to our findings, Public’s mobile app serves as the central hub for users to engage in commission-free stock trading and social investing. The app allows investors to buy and sell stocks, explore fractional shares, and participate in a community-driven investing experience.
The mobile app is easily accessible, making it a convenient tool for both novice and seasoned investors to manage their portfolios and stay connected with market trends.
The broker offers 24/5 customer support to assist users with inquiries and resolve issues related to their investment activities. Investors can typically reach customer support through various channels, such as email or in-app messaging.
See our findings and ranking on Customer Service Quality:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick responses | No 24/7 customer support |
| Email and in-app messaging | |
| Relevant answers |
In the end, Public provides users with informative content to enhance their understanding of the stock market and investment strategies. The platform offers educational resources such as articles, tutorials, and other materials designed to empower users with the knowledge needed to make informed investment decisions.
We found that the firm keeps users informed about market trends, stock updates, and relevant financial news through its news features.
The platform provides a news feed where users can stay updated on the latest developments in the financial world. This news feature is designed to complement the social investing aspect of the platform, allowing users to make informed decisions and engage in discussions about current market events. For the most current and accurate news, investors can access the news feed directly on the Public.com app.
To sum up, Public is a reputable and user-friendly investment platform, with a focus on accessibility, social investing, and investor education. Operating primarily as a mobile app, it serves a diverse user base and develops collaboration for well-informed investment decisions.
Additionally, the company is authorized and regulated by leading financial authorities in both the US and the UK. With its commitment to commission-free trading and fractional shares, Public makes investing accessible to everyone.
Overall, the firm offers a transparent and reliable investment environment. However, we recommend conducting thorough research to assess whether Public’s offerings align with your specific needs.
Based on Our findings and Financial Expert Opinions Public is Good for:
No review found...
No news available.
