Public
retail-trading · USPublic is a commission-free investing platform that differentiates itself through several unique features. Unlike most retail brokers, Public does not use payment for order flow (PFOF) — orders route directly to exchanges, which can result in better execution quality. Public offers a unique options rebate model: instead of charging per-contract fees, Public actually pays users a rebate on options contracts. The platform also provides direct access to US Treasury bills through integrated Treasury accounts, fully-paid securities lending that allows users to earn income on shares held in their accounts, and a social community where users share investment ideas. Public supports fractional shares on stocks and ETFs, a high-yield cash account integrated alongside brokerage, and alternative assets (art, collectibles, crypto — verify current availability). Public Premium tier pricing is unconfirmed — verify current pricing at public.com. Public is available exclusively in the United States.
What does Public cost and who is it best for?
Public is a commission-free investing platform with unique options rebates, direct Treasury access, and no PFOF — orders route directly to exchanges. Public pays users rebates on options contracts instead of charging per-contract fees. All asset types are commission-free. A free tier is available with no account minimum. Commission-free investing platform with unique options rebates, Treasury account access, and a social community. No PFOF — orders route directly to exchanges. US only.
⚠ Trading Disclaimer
The platforms listed on this page are self-directed trading tools. Finatune does not provide investment advice, is not a licensed broker-dealer, and is not affiliated with any platform listed. Trading stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto involves significant risk of loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal. Always review a platform's full fee schedule, terms of service, and regulatory disclosures before opening an account.
Pricing
// verify pricing before launch — prices shown may not reflect current vendor rates
Key Features
- •Options rebates — Public pays users a rebate on options contracts instead of charging per-contract fees (unique model in retail trading)
- •Treasury accounts — direct access to US Treasury bills at competitive yields
- •Social community — share investment ideas and see what others are investing in
- •Fully-paid securities lending — earn income on shares held in your account
- •High-yield cash account integrated alongside brokerage
- •Fractional shares on stocks and ETFs
- •Alternative assets (art, collectibles, crypto — verify current availability)
Pros
- +Options rebate model is unique — Public pays users rather than charging per-contract fees, directly benefiting active options traders
- +Treasury access integrated directly into the app — simplest way to buy T-bills on mobile
- +No payment for order flow (PFOF) — unlike Robinhood, Public routes orders directly to exchanges, which can mean better execution quality
- +Fully-paid securities lending provides passive income on long-term holdings
- +Strong educational content and community commentary for beginner investors
Cons
- −US-only — no international availability
- −Smaller platform than Robinhood or Webull — less brand recognition, smaller community
- −Premium tier pricing unconfirmed in research — verify before publishing
- −Fewer advanced trading tools than Webull — less suitable for technically-driven active traders
- −Alternative asset availability (art, collectibles) should be verified at public.com — product lineup changes
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Reviewed by Finatune · Last updated 2026-07-05