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At a glance
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
Public Investing
Public.com might be a confusing name, but the fresh-faced platform is turning heads in a crowded market. As the name suggests, Public.com blends concepts of social media with its investment opportunities, Users have the ability to follow other investors, see what they’re up to, and even talk strategy. It’s an unconventional perk, but a feeling of community can go a long way to fostering understanding in the space.
Our quick take
Beyond its social quirks, the platform offers a wide range of investments, including ETFs, options, bonds, stocks, treasuries, and cryptocurrencies. It’s commission-free, helping keep things affordable, and offers an AI-powered research assistant to help you along. There’s even a bond account and high-yield cash account options.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Social trading capabilities
Commission free trading
Fractional shares
Retirement and bond accounts
Wide variety of investments
AI-powered research tools
Cons:
Fairly new to the market
Research tools are a little limited beyond the AI assistant
Overview
Investment accounts are one of the greatest tools at our disposal for building a financially secure future. But with so many platforms facilitating investment, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which is best for you.
Public is one of the best platforms on the market, simplifying the process, and even offering a unique social avenue for its customers to help feel less alone in the journey. Public Investing distinguishes itself from the crowd by, ironically, embracing the crowd.
Let’s take a look at everything Public Investing has to offer.
Who’s it for?
Public offers a unique investment experience, blending social interaction with thematic investing. It’s ideal for investors seeking a collaborative and transparent platform that aligns with their personal values. While it may not suit those seeking advanced trading tools or a broad range of asset classes, it provides a compelling option for a new generation of investors.
The platform is designed for those who value transparency and community on their investment journey. While beginners will probably reap the most benefits from the app, seasoned pros may enjoy the social aspect enough to pull their attention.
The Bottom Line:
Public is an app-based investment platform that combines commission-free trading with an intuitive interface, social networking, and thematic investment. It stands out from the rest thanks to this unique MO.
Intro Bonus
There are often promotions for new Public users, but we can’t find any running at the moment. It’s best to check in on the website to see if anything exciting is happening.
Pros & Cons
Everyone has their good and bad sides. Public is the same–although we have to admit, it’s looking pretty damn good.
Pros
- The platform's social feed and community features offer a unique trading atmosphere, allowing users to grow collaboratively and get inspiration from others.
- The ability to build thematic portfolios will attract many with strong ethics and long-term value-based investment ideas
- The platform allows fractional shares
- Excellent user-friendly interface
- The platform is lauded for its general transparency in different facets of the experience
Cons
- The variation of assets is limited compared to competitors. There’s no access to crypto, for example
- It’s a new platform in the grand scheme of things, which means there can be kinks not ironed out by more established brokerages.
- For a beginner-friendly platform, there could be better educational offerings
Key Features
Commission-Free Trading
Public offers commission-free trading, helping make it a cost-effective and attractive option for many investors, especially those new to the space.
Thematic Investing
Thematic investing is the act of investing in specifically curated portfolios that align or reflect predetermined themes or values. For example, someone could hone in on sustainable tech investments as a matter of ethics. This gives the platform a unique slant for those who want to invest consciously—something increasingly prominent in today’s world.
Social Feed
A unique aspect of the Public experience is the social feed where users can share their strategies, insights, and even see other users’ investments. The fusion of social media with investing helps create a collaborative environment that many may find hugely valuable—especially as investing can be a lonely game for many.
Fractional Shares
Like other beginner-friendly platforms, Public allows the trading of fractional shares. These are exactly as they sound—pieces of a single share. The ability to buy a fractional share allows those with less capital on hand to acquire some high-value shares and reap the benefits. For example, instead of paying $1,000 for a single share, a customer could purchase 10% for $100 and (hopefully) watch that increase in value.
Safety Labels
A responsible aspect of Public’s platform is the addition of safety labels on some stocks and investments. These alert potential investors to particularly volatile stocks or markets, allowing them to make an informed decision.
Partnership with Clear
Public partners with travel verification company CLEAR to offer customers some incentives. CLEAR Plus members who invest $250 will receive $100 in credits to purchase stocks. General CLEAR members will receive $50.
Fees and Pricing
Public Investing customers can enjoy a straightforward fee structure.
- Standard Trading: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs.
- Public Premium – $8 a month for advanced data, customizable notifications, and more
- No subscription fees.
- Varied trading fees on other trading options
Public’s Investment Options
Public offers diverse investment options, allowing customers to hone in or cast wide on whatever they feel comfortable with. There are a few important emissions, though, including futures and mutual funds.
Currently, users have access to the following trading assets:
- Stocks
- Corporate and government bonds
- ETFs
- Options
- Cryptocurrencies
- ADRs
- Alternative assets (music royalties/art shares)
Customer Experience
Public’s app is well-regarded for its user experience. The navigation and social interaction aspects are seamlessly integrated, making things easy and, dare we say it, even fun. Its customer support is primarily online which frustrates those with a preference for direct communication, but responses appear to be prompt and helpful.
Is Public Safe?
It’s important to remember that investing comes with a degree of risk, regardless of the platform you use. Never venture into the space if you’re not in a financially viable place to do so.
Public is covered by the typical SIPC insurance which covers up to $500,000 per account and offers customers the chance to add up to $100 million supplemental SIPC coverage, too. Any of its savings accounts are covered for up to an impressive $5 million.
The Point
Public is a unique player in the trading field. Blending the community-driving upsides of social media with an easy-to-use app makes it immensely appealing to newer investors or those who enjoy the social side of things. An emerging generation of investors could find a place here, especially as conscious investing grows, thanks to the thematic portfolio options. The only people who might be left wanting more are experienced traders searching for high-end research tools and a wider variety of investment options.
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
Public Investing
Public.com might be a confusing name, but the fresh-faced platform is turning heads in a crowded market. As the name suggests, Public.com blends concepts of social media with its investment opportunities, Users have the ability to follow other investors, see what they’re up to, and even talk strategy. It’s an unconventional perk, but a feeling of community can go a long way to fostering understanding in the space.
Our quick take
Beyond its social quirks, the platform offers a wide range of investments, including ETFs, options, bonds, stocks, treasuries, and cryptocurrencies. It’s commission-free, helping keep things affordable, and offers an AI-powered research assistant to help you along. There’s even a bond account and high-yield cash account options.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Social trading capabilities
Commission free trading
Fractional shares
Retirement and bond accounts
Wide variety of investments
AI-powered research tools
Cons:
Fairly new to the market
Research tools are a little limited beyond the AI assistant
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
