Public.com is a multi-asset trading platform used by retail traders to invest in stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, with a unique approach to order execution that sets it apart from competitors.
Product Overview
We pulled together this Public.com review to examine how the broker operates, especially given its unique approach to order execution. The platform is built for investors who want a streamlined mobile interface and access to a wide variety of asset classes in one consolidated place. Instead of monetizing equity trades through payment for order flow, Public.com uses subscription tiers and other fee structures to generate revenue.
The research points to a platform that combines traditional brokerage services with a social investing feed. This allows users to see what other investors are buying, holding, and discussing. While the company previously operated internationally, recent data shows a UK service wind-down in 2024, focusing the current offering primarily on the US market. The core free account provides commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs, while a paid Premium tier unlocks additional research tools and fee waivers for specific account types.
What Makes Public.com Different From Other Brokers?
No Payment for Order Flow on Equities: Public.com routes equity trades directly rather than selling order flow to market makers [1]. Unlike Robinhood and Webull, which rely heavily on payment for order flow, Public.com focuses on execution quality and transparency [2]. This model appeals to traders who want assurance that their broker is not prioritizing market maker rebates over trade execution prices.
Alpha AI Research Assistant: The platform includes an artificial intelligence tool called Alpha that helps traders analyze assets. Users can ask questions about any stock to access real-time and historical data on price, financials, earnings, competitors, and analyst ratings [3]. This feature is positioned as a major differentiator among mobile-first platforms, giving retail traders quick access to fundamental data without leaving the app [4].
Integrated Bond and Treasury Accounts: Traders looking for fixed income can access corporate bonds and high-yield Treasury accounts directly in the app. Compared to Webull, which lacks standard bond accounts, Public.com offers a broader multi-asset lineup [2]. Bond accounts carry a $3.99 monthly maintenance fee, though this fee is waived entirely for Premium members [5].
Options Trading with Volume Rebates: Instead of charging per-contract commissions, Public.com pays an order-flow rebate per eligible options contract. The rebate is tiered by monthly volume, ranging from $0.06 to $0.18 per contract for standard equity options [6]. This structure actively rewards higher-volume options traders, though rebates for specific index products like SPY and QQQ are capped at lower amounts [7].
Social Investing Feed: The platform emphasizes its social investing feed, where users can view the portfolios of other investors and engage in community discussions. This curated educational content helps beginners learn investing concepts by observing the habits of more experienced users on the platform [2].
What Do Real Users Say About Public.com?
User sentiment for Public.com is mixed, with strong praise for its clean interface and commission-free structure, but recurring complaints about account restrictions and slow customer support. Trustpilot rates Public.com 3.3 stars [8], while the Better Business Bureau shows a 2.7-star average across 73 reviews [9]. Conversely, App Store and Play Store ratings are much higher, generally sitting above 4 stars based on thousands of reviews.
What users praise
Reviewers consistently highlight the simple, intuitive interface that makes investing easy to understand. Trustpilot users who leave positive feedback frequently mention the commission-free trading and low-cost access to stocks and ETFs [8]. Reddit threads in r/investing frequently mention the appeal of the transparent execution model, with users citing it as a primary reason they chose this platform over competitors [10]. Play Store reviews also praise the ability to buy fractional shares, allowing traders to build diversified portfolios with modest capital. For day-to-day buying and holding, many mobile users report a smooth experience with few technical interruptions.
What users complain about
The research points to a clear pattern of frustration regarding funds access and administrative support. Trustpilot reviewers report accounts being locked and withdrawals pending for weeks without clear explanation [8]. BBB reviews repeatedly complain about deposit holds and difficulty transferring assets to other brokers or banks [9]. Across Reddit, users warn that customer support is slow, hit or miss, and sometimes only reachable via email with delayed replies [11]. App Store reviewers also cite occasional app glitches, such as charts and balances failing to update correctly during volatile market hours. Finally, active traders on Reddit note that the platform lacks advanced charting and certain order types, making it less attractive for highly technical day traders [10].
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Commission-free equities with no PFOF: Commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs with no payment for order flow on equities [1]
- Options rebate program: Options trading features a rebate program that pays users $0.06 to $0.18 per contract based on monthly volume [6]
- Bond and Treasury access: Integrated access to corporate bonds and high-yield Treasury accounts directly in the app [2]
- AI research tools: AI-powered Alpha research assistant helps traders analyze assets and gather historical data [4]
Cons
- Account restrictions and withdrawal delays: Users frequently report account restrictions and long pending times for withdrawals [8]
- Slow customer support: Customer support is often described as slow or unresponsive when resolving account holds [9]
- Limited advanced trading tools: Lacks advanced technical charting, futures trading, and complex order types found on competing platforms [10]
- No IRA contribution matches: Does not offer tax-advantaged IRA accounts with contribution matches [2]
How Much Does Public.com Cost?
Pricing
| Plan / Fee Type | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Core Brokerage Account | Free | Commission-free stock and ETF trades, social feed access |
| Public Premium | $10/mo or $96/yr | Advanced tools, dedicated support, Bond Account fee waiver |
| Bond Account Maintenance | $3.99/mo | Waived for Premium members |
| Options Rebate (Tier 1: up to 999 contracts) | +$0.06/contract | Rebate paid to user per eligible contract |
| Options Rebate (Tier 4: 10,000+ contracts) | +$0.18/contract | Rebate paid to user per eligible contract |
| Margin Interest ($0–$50,000) | 4.9% APR | Rate decreases with higher balances (down to 3.95%) |
| Corporate Bond Trades | $0.50 per $100 par value | Markup or markdown applied |
Pricing data sourced from vendor documentation [12] [5] [6].
Our Read
Bottom line: Public.com is best suited for beginner to intermediate investors who value a clean interface, alternative assets like bonds, and transparent trade execution without payment for order flow. The social feed and AI research tools provide excellent educational value for those building long-term portfolios.
Best for: Retail investors who prioritize execution transparency, want multi-asset access (stocks, ETFs, bonds, crypto, options) in one app, and appreciate community-driven learning tools.
Skip if: You are a highly active day trader who needs advanced technical charting, futures trading, complex order types, or fast and reliable customer support during account issues.
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- Vendor — public.com
- financestackhub.com — financestackhub.com
- Vendor — public.com
- creditdonkey.com — creditdonkey.com
- Vendor — help.public.com
- Vendor — public.com
- Vendor — public.com
- Trustpilot — trustpilot.com
- BBB — bbb.org
- Reddit — reddit.com
- Reddit — reddit.com
- Vendor — public.com
Key Takeaways
- Public.com does not use payment for order flow on equity trades, unlike Robinhood and Webull, which routes orders directly for better execution transparency.
- The platform covers stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, and crypto in a single app, making it one of the more consolidated multi-asset offerings for retail investors.
- A free tier covers commission-free stock and ETF trading, while a paid Premium tier unlocks additional research tools and fee waivers on specific account types.
- Public.com wound down its UK service in 2024 and now focuses exclusively on the US market.
- The platform includes a social investing feed where users can see what others are buying, holding, and discussing, which suits newer investors but adds little for active traders.
DISCLAIMER: Traders Agency does not offer financial advice. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Traders Agency is not responsible for any financial losses or consequences resulting from the use of the information provided. Trading carries inherent risks and may not be suitable for all individuals. You are advised to conduct your own research and seek personalized advice before making any investment decisions, recognizing the potential risks and rewards involved.
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