Public is a social investing platform that doesn't use payment for order flow, offering stocks, ETFs, crypto, and Treasury bonds.
✓ Pros
- No payment for order flow
- Social features
- Fractional shares
- Treasury bonds available
✗ Cons
- Limited advanced tools
- No options trading
- Tipping model for revenue
Fees & costs
- Min. deposit
- €$0
- Trading
- $0 for stocks and ETFs, no PFOF
- Stock fee
- $0
- Spread
- N/A (commission-free, no PFOF)
- Deposits
- Free
- Withdrawals
- Free
- Inactivity
- None
Platforms & features
✓
No Payment for Order Flow
Orders routed directly to exchanges for better execution
✓
Mobile App
Social investing app for iOS and Android
✓
Web Platform
Browser-based trading access
✓
Fractional Shares
Buy stocks and ETFs with any dollar amount
✓
Crypto Trading
Trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies
✓
Treasury Bonds
Buy US Treasury bonds directly
✓
Social Features
Follow investors, share portfolios, and discuss stocks
✗
Paper Trading
Practice with virtual money
Who this fits best
✓ Beginners✓ social_investors✓ transparency_seekers
Note: limited advanced tools.
Account opening steps
- 1.
Download the App
Get the Public app from App Store or Google Play
- 2.
Sign Up
Register with your email or Apple/Google account
- 3.
Verify Identity
Provide your SSN and complete identity verification
- 4.
Fund Your Account
Link your bank account and transfer funds
- 5.
Start Investing
Browse stocks, ETFs, crypto, or Treasury bonds and start investing
Frequently asked
What does 'no payment for order flow' mean?
Unlike Robinhood and Webull, Public doesn't sell your order flow to market makers. Instead, orders are routed to exchanges, potentially resulting in better execution prices. Public generates revenue through optional tipping and premium features.
Is Public regulated?
Yes, Public is regulated by the SEC and FINRA, and is a member of SIPC protecting securities up to $500,000.
Can I buy Treasury bonds on Public?
Yes, Public is one of the few retail brokers offering direct access to US Treasury bonds, allowing you to buy T-bills and T-notes.
Does Public offer options trading?
No, Public does not offer options trading. It focuses on stocks, ETFs, crypto, and Treasury bonds.
What is Public's tipping model?
Public allows users to leave optional tips to support the platform instead of using payment for order flow. This is voluntary and helps maintain the no-PFOF model.
Can I see what others are investing in?
Yes, Public has social features that let you follow other investors, see their portfolios (if shared), and join discussions about stocks and market trends.
Does Public offer fractional shares?
Yes, Public offers fractional shares, allowing you to invest any dollar amount in stocks and ETFs regardless of the share price.