Public.com review 2025

Our opinion of Public

Public.com is a top rated platform for both new and experienced investors, offering a commission-free trading experience that’s easy to navigate. Public offers a range of markets from stocks and ETFs, to cryptocurrencies and bonds. The platform’s user-friendly interface and social features make it easy for beginners to learn from others, follow market trends, and build a diversified portfolio without the pressure of hidden fees.

This Public review investigates all aspects of the platform and company. Our team of expert broker reviewers have personally tested Public to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Use this page to learn more about Public.com and compare its features and services with similar platforms. 

Public highlights

Investing options

4.7

What can I do with Public?

You can buy and sell more than 9,000 stocks and ETFs on its proprietary trading app, which is available on desktop, iOS, and Android. In addition to stocks and ETFs, Public also has a selection of 25 of the largest cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin. There is also an alternative section, which includes non-traditional assets such as fine art and NFTs. 

Public also doubles as a social trading network; you can easily browse other users’ portfolios to see exactly what they’re investing in. Its platform has features for all levels of investors. Beginners can toggle their portfolios to track trending stocks and ‘top movers’. Experienced investors can use Public’s premium service to access advanced analytical tools.  

What accounts does Public offer?

There is only one type of account available with Public, a general investment account. There is a selection of other tools available which you can find in the table below:

Products, markets & assets

4.3

What products and assets can you trade on Public?

Public has over 9,000 stocks and ETFs available. It includes big names like Apple, Amazon, and Tesla, along with thousands of smaller companies. In addition to stocks and ETFs, Public has 25 of the best-known cryptocurrencies and a selection where you can buy shares in rare books, comics, and other alternative investments. Here’s a full list of assets available:

What leverage trading options are there?

There are no leveraged trading options available on Public.com. It offers a simple, cost-effective way to buy a range of assets without using margin or leverage. 

What are the spreads?

Public.com charges a 1% – 2% markup on all cryptocurrency trades. This is added to orders when they are opened and closed. 

Public does not offer forex or commodity trading services and there are no minimum spreads. It charges zero commissions but does offer a ‘tipping’ service, where you can add a tip for using the platform.

Public trade sizes and limits

Public offers fractional shares, which means it is possible to invest with very little money. Below is some information about the minimum and maximum positions you can put on when using Public.com.

Stocks

Which stocks are available on Public?

Public offers stocks from several of the world’s largest markets, although the USA is where you’ll find the bulk of its available stocks. Below is an estimate of the number of stocks from various countries. 

Crypto

What cryptocurrency pairs can be traded on Public?

Public offers over 25 cryptocurrencies including the big names like Bitcoin and Ethereum, together with a selection of altcoins. Here’s a closer look:

What are the fees for buying and selling cryptocurrencies?

There is zero commission for trading cryptocurrencies on Public, but that doesn’t mean you won’t pay anything. The platform charges anywhere between 1% and 2% as a markup on all crypto transactions. 

Does Public offer staking and rewards?

No, despite offering cryptocurrencies, Public does not offer any staking or rewards. 

Deposits & withdrawals

4.4

Public currently offers only debit cards, cheques, and bank transfers as payment options. It has a partnership with Plaid, the United States’ largest bank connector. Plaid allows you to connect your bank account to Public to make deposits and withdrawals. 

The following sections of the Public review will look at the various options available for adding and withdrawing funds from your account 

What are the minimum & maximum deposits?

There is no minimum deposit so you can get started with as little as $1. Other payment options have different limits, which we’ve explained below:

What are the minimum and maximum withdrawals?

There is a maximum withdrawal limit of $1,000 for debit cards, other payment methods have slightly different limits. Here’s a closer look:

What are the deposit and withdrawal options fees, limits, and speeds?

Payments are processed very quickly in line with industry standards. Depending on the payment option you choose, funds can be withdrawn almost immediately. 

Fees & costs

4.4

How do Public fees work?

Public’s fee schedule is fairly simple to understand. It charges trading fees and if you don’t use your account for a certain amount of time, you’ll also be liable to an inactivity fee. Below are a few more fees you may encounter when using Public.com.

What are Public’s trading fees?

Public.com is a zero-commission broker, which means you won’t pay any charges when buying and selling on the platform. There are other fees to consider, which are mainly applicable to cryptocurrency and alternative transactions. Here’s a rundown of the fees you will be required to pay when using the Public platform.

Platforms & usability

4.2

What devices can I use Public on?

Public has a proprietary trading platform accessible on desktop and mobile devices. Here’s a list of available devices you can use Public.com on. 

Public mobile app review

The Public mobile app is designed well and provides a streamlined and user-friendly experience. It offers a clean dashboard that displays your portfolio performance at a glance. There is the ability to view real time updates on your holdings and its search functionality is powerful, allowing you to easily find stocks, ETFs, or cryptos. 

The social feed is another top feature, where you can follow friends, see their trades, and participate in discussions directly within the app. The app offers push notifications for market updates and trade confirmations, keeping you informed in real time. 

Web trading platform

The most important question any user has is: How easy is it to use Public?

Public has a very user-friendly interface and is simple to use for all levels of investors. Creating an account with Public is fast and takes approximately five minutes. The same can be said for making a deposit or withdrawing funds, both of which involve a simple and standard process. 

Using other features on the Public platform is also smooth. The interface is simplistic and searching for a specific stock or asset is quick and easy. Its proprietary platform allows you to buy and sell at the click of a button easily. Its social trading tools are also very easy to use and similar to larger networks. Overall, using Public.com is easy; there are also many guides to help if you get stuck. 

Key features

The main feature most investors will be drawn to when using Public is the zero commissions on stocks and ETFs. However, the platform has many additional tools that make it different to other platforms, such as its social network. Here’s a quick look at some key features on Public.com. 

Zero commission and fractional shares

On Public, when you buy or sell stocks or ETFs, you’ll pay zero commissions or fees. This is one of the platform’s top features, which means you’ll always know what you’ll be paying. It also offers fractional shares, which allows you to own a portion of a full share, meaning you can get started with very little money. 

Social trading network

Public also doubles as a social trading platform where you can view and follow other users’ portfolios. The network makes it easy to connect and chat with other traders to discuss investment ideas. You can also follow other investors and the platform will notify you anytime they make a new trade. 

Investing themes

When you’ve signed up for a Public.com trading account, you have a few options when it comes to choosing stocks to invest in. You can search for yourself or use themes, where different stocks or ETFs are grouped together depending on certain criteria. For example, you can search for crypto stocks, weed stocks, AI stocks, and many more. 

Safety & reliability

4.9

Is Public safe?

Yes, Public.com is a safe broker to use. All accounts using Public.com are secured by bank-grade AES 128-bit encryption. Two-factor authentication is also a default setting when logging into your trading platform.  

Is Public regulated?

Yes, Public is regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It is also a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, which means your funds are protected up to $500,000. 

Public customer support review

Public offers a few different ways to contact customer support. It has a chat function available on its app and desktop platform. You can also email support or use its social media profiles to get in contact with them. 

What are the risks of using Public?

• Trading is risky. Public.com is a broker that offers you the ability to trade various markets. Before you start, it’s important to remember that trading is risky and you should never risk more than you can afford to lose. 
• The cryptocurrency market is volatile. Public offers cryptocurrencies. The crypto market is one of the most volatile and you should be cautious when trading it. Prices can change very quickly and getting caught offside can be detrimental to your account. 
• Alternative investments require special knowledge. Public lets you invest in various markets including alternative investments. This can include things like royalties, which are complex and require specialised knowledge before investing. 

Research & analysis tools

4.1

What trading tools are on offer?

Public has a wide range of trading tools catering to both beginners and experienced traders. Here’s a look at what’s available with Public when compared to similar platforms. 

Safety labels for stocks 

Public.com provides “Safety Labels” on certain stocks that may have higher levels of risk, such as those associated with low market capitalization or distressed companies. This feature helps you make informed decisions by highlighting potential red flags.

Long-term holding indicators 

Another useful tool is the Long-term Holding Indicators feature. Public.com provides insights into the typical holding periods for different stocks, helping you to gauge the volatility of your investments and adjust your strategy accordingly. This tool is particularly helpful for those focusing on long-term growth.

Live market data 

Public.com offers live market data, including real-time price updates and in-depth information on stock performance. This feature ensures that you have up-to-date information when making trades, helping you to capitalize on market movements as they happen.

Customizable watchlists 

The platform allows users to create customizable watchlists to monitor specific stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. This tool makes it easy to track the performance of assets you’re interested in, helping you to stay on top of potential investment opportunities.

Education & learning resources

4.2

What educational resources are on offer?

Public has a vast educational section on its website that is available for registered users. This includes some how-to guides explaining how the platform works and troubleshooting tips. There is also a lot of information on general investing, explaining different types of assets and how the stock market works. 

Learn Library

Public.com offers a Learn Library that covers a wide range of investing topics. The library provides articles, guides, and videos on everything from basic financial concepts to advanced investing strategies. The content is designed to be accessible, with straightforward explanations that make complex topics easy to understand.

Themes

Public.com has Investing Themes that break down different sectors, such as technology, green energy, and healthcare. This helps you understand where your money is going and how different industries operate. The platform offers a section on investing basics, which covers essential topics like diversification, risk management, and market dynamics.

Market Insights

Market insights offer updates and analysis on the latest market trends and news. These insights help you stay informed of the factors driving market movements and make better investment decisions. The content is regularly updated, ensuring that you have access to the latest information.

Public video review

Public customer reviews

Public has average scores from several review websites. Users from the Apple App Store have the best experience with Public, while Trust Pilot review could do with some improvement. Here are its scores compared to similar platforms. 

Our verdict

Public.com is a multi-asset broker that offers access to several live markets with zero commissions and fees. The platform has over 9,000 stocks, ETFs, and a selection of cryptocurrencies and alternative markets. 

While it does offer a range of assets, stocks and ETFs make up the bulk of what is available on the platform. You can only buy 29 cryptocurrencies and you’re limited to storing those coins on Public.com, as it is not possible to transfer to another wallet. Its alternative markets are a good option if you want to invest in a non-traditional asset, although this type of investing is best suited to someone with experience or willing to take on some risk. 

Overall, the platform offers easy access to the stock market without high fees or commissions. The ability to trade fractional shares is a plus for newer investors or those with smaller balances. However, there are better places to trade the crypto market, such as exchanges or brokerage platforms. If you’re a beginner wanting an easy-to-use platform, then Public.com is a good option.  

Who is Public suitable for?

Public is suitable for any level of investor looking to invest in a diverse range of assets. While some of its offerings are suitable for seasoned investors, thanks to its zero commission and easy to use interface, even beginners can make use of Public.com. One thing to remember is that Public is only available to users from the United States. 

Is Public good for beginners?

Yes, Public is a good choice for beginners. With zero commission across most of its markets and an easy to navigate trading platform, Public is a suitable option for investors just starting out. 

Our methodology

Helping people make better financial decisions is at the heart of our mission at Invezz. 

We test each broker to provide clear, accessible guidance on the service it offers and how it compares to the 63+ other trading platforms we review. Testing is carried out by our panel of industry experts, analysts, and active traders who sign up to the platform, conduct research, and score the service.

To supplement our practical testing and experience, we research the service to gather any further relevant information and provide context to help you decide whether the broker is right for your investing needs. We read online customer reviews, app reviews on the Play Store and App Store, and conduct user surveys to get feedback from real people about what works, and what doesn’t.

The trading platform is awarded a final score based on 130+ data points across 8 ranking categories: cost, reliability, user experience, deposit & withdrawals, investing options, range of products/markets, research & analysis tools, and the availability of educational & learning resources.

We work closely with the individual brand to ensure all factual information displayed here is accurate. All data is then fact-checked by an independent reviewer. You can learn more about our expert panel and how we test, rate, and review platforms in our review process. 

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