Public.Com Investing App Review (2025): Best For Beginners

When it comes to investing, having one platform that makes everything simple and accessible can change the game. That’s where the Public app steps in. Public isn’t your typical investing app. It allows you to create a diverse multi-asset portfolio of stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, and even Treasury bills all from your phone.

But does the app live up to its promise? Is it worth your time and money? Today, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about the Public investing app to help you figure out if this is the right fit for your financial goals.

To be upfront, this post is not sponsored by the Public, as a user of the app myself, I’ll share the pros, the cons, and my honest thoughts. Whether you’re a beginner investor or someone with a bit more experience, keep reading to see what makes Public unique.

What Is Public, and How Does It Work?

Public is an investing app that lets you manage a multi-asset portfolio in one place. They offer access to over 9,000 stocks and ETFs, cryptocurrencies, Treasury bills (T-bills), and corporate bonds. This isn’t just another brokerage app; Public stands out by focusing heavily on transparency, ease of use, and innovative features.

One of the biggest reasons Public caught my attention is that they’ve eliminated payment for order flow (PFOF) on standard equity trades. While most investing platforms make a small profit by routing your stock orders to certain brokers (which can result in not-so-great pricing for you), Public gets rid of that entirely.

This means you’re more likely to buy and sell at prices closer to what’s listed on the market. That’s a small detail, but it shows they’re serious about fairness. Public also offers more than just stocks. You’ll find options trading, cryptocurrencies, bonds, and even high-yield cash accounts all without needing to juggle multiple apps.

Key Features of Public.Com

Public lets you invest in a wide range of assets, including:

Stocks & ETFs: Over 9,000 to choose from.
Crypto: Support for 11 major cryptocurrencies.
Bonds and T-Bills: Access to both corporate bonds and Treasury accounts.
High-Yield Cash Accounts: Put your uninvested cash to work with competitive interest rates.

You can even invest in fractional shares, allowing you to start with as little as $1. This is perfect if you’re testing the waters or building your portfolio on a smaller budget.

Options Without the Hefty Fees

Options trading often feels out of reach for the everyday trader because of high fees on most platforms. Public flips the script by offering rebates on options trades, ranging from six to eighteen cents per contract depending on your monthly trading volume. If you’re an active options trader, those rebates can pile up over time.

A Fresh Approach to Bonds and T-Bills

Public sets itself apart with a dedicated bond account that requires a $1,000 minimum deposit. This account bundles investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds, offering regular interest payments and locking in a yield of 7% or more (at the time of writing).

Not big on bonds? No problem. Public also makes Treasury bills short-term government debt accessible. With their Treasury accounts, you can invest in six-month T-bills and even have them automatically reinvested upon maturity. It’s a hands-off way to keep your money growing steadily.

For those who want more flexibility, Public’s fractional bond investments start at just $100, giving you access to over 100 bond options. Using their bond screener, you can filter investments by yield, risk level, or time horizon.

High-Yield Cash Accounts

If you’re not ready to put all your money into the stock market or bonds, the Public high-yield cash account is a great option. Right now, the account earns up to 4.6% APY on uninvested cash. There are no fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no caps on how much you can deposit. Plus, your money gets FDIC insurance of up to $5 million for added peace of mind.

Automate With Investment Plans

Time is money, and managing a portfolio manually can feel overwhelming. That’s why Public introduced investment plans, a feature that allows you to automate your investing. You can set up:

Recurring Transfers from your linked bank accounts.
Dividend Reinvestment (DRIP): Automate the reinvestment of your dividends.
Themed Investment Strategies: Choose from prebuilt themes like green power, AI, space exploration, and more.

If themed plans aren’t your thing, you can create a custom plan by selecting up to 20 individual stocks, ETFs, or cryptocurrencies that align with your goals. Even better, Public offers tailored recommendations based on your risk tolerance and timeline.

Income Hub: Real-Time Tracking

Public’s Income Hub is my favorite way to track portfolio performance. Whether it’s dividends from your stocks, interest from bonds, or yield from Treasury bills, Income Hub gives you a clear snapshot of how much passive income your investments generate. Everything is in one place, which makes it super convenient compared to switching between apps or spreadsheets.

Public.Com Alpha: AI-Powered Insights

For data geeks and those who want to make smarter investment decisions, Public introduced their AI tool, Alpha. Built to provide investors with data-driven answers, Alpha lets you:

Summarize complex financial reports.
Ask questions about specific investments or sectors.
Get personalized insights to guide your decisions.

I wouldn’t recommend relying entirely on Alpha, but it’s a fast and helpful tool for sorting through the noise.

Public Feed: A Social Twist on Investing

The Public feed is like a more focused version of Twitter but for investing. You can see what others are saying about specific stocks or assets, which adds an interesting twist. But here’s my advice: approach the Public feed with caution.

While it’s great for spotting trends or hearing different opinions, don’t use it as your sole decision-making tool. You don’t want to fall into the FOMO trap and make impulsive moves.

Public Premium: Worth the Upgrade?

If you want more advanced tools, consider upgrading to Public Premium for $8 a month. It unlocks features like candlestick charts, in-depth stock metrics, and VIP account support. For investors with over $50,000 in their Public accounts, Premium is automatically included free of charge.

What Could Be Better?

Though Public has a lot going for it, a few areas could be improved:

No IRAs: Retirement-focused investors may miss having tax-advantaged account options like IRAs.
Lack of Mutual Funds: While you’ll find plenty of ETFs, mutual funds aren’t currently supported.
Limited Crypto Features: Fees for crypto trades are higher than dedicated platforms, and there are no wallets for storing coins off-platform.

Who Is Public.Com Best For?

Great For:

Beginners: Its simple interface and fractional investments make it approachable.
Intermediate & Advanced Investors: Features like options rebates and bond accounts add value for seasoned users.
Hands-Off Investors: Automation tools let you set it and forget it.

Not Ideal For:

Crypto Enthusiasts: Higher fees and no wallet integration might disappoint heavy crypto traders.
Retirement Savers: Public isn’t the best fit if you’re focused on long-term retirement accounts.

Why Public Stands Out

In a crowded market of investing apps, Public’s ability to innovate sets it apart. Whether it’s no payment for order flow, AI tools like Alpha, or unique features like bond accounts, the app strikes a balance between simplicity and power.

Plus, their focus on security and U.S.-based customer service gives me confidence in trusting them with my investments. If you’re ready to build a multi-asset portfolio, Public.com offers a straightforward way to start with just $1. Sign up today and take the first step toward growing your money in a smart, accessible way.