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Multi-asset investing platform with AI agents and options rebates.

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Reviews onG2
148 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Offers a wide range of asset classes in one platform, including stocks, bonds, crypto, and options.

Biggest con

Options trading carries significant risk and is not suitable for all investors.

TL;DR - Public

  • Public is a multi-asset brokerage offering stocks, bonds, options, crypto, and ETFs with AI-powered tools for research and portfolio management.
  • It provides industry-first options trading rebates, low margin rates, and a high-yield cash account with competitive APY.
  • The platform includes AI agents, generated assets, and an API for programmatic trading, all on a secure, regulated brokerage infrastructure.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
3.9/5 across review platforms

What is Public?

Editorial review
Public is a multi-asset brokerage platform that allows users to invest in stocks, bonds, treasuries, options, crypto, and ETFs all in one place. It is designed for active investors who want advanced tools, AI-powered insights, and a transparent fee structure. The platform offers features like AI agents for portfolio management, AI-generated market briefings, earnings call summaries, and a research assistant that provides real-time and historical data on any asset. Public differentiates itself with industry-first options trading rebates, low margin rates, and a high-yield cash account. It also provides access to direct indexing, crypto IRAs, and an API for programmatic trading. The platform is regulated as a broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC, with securities protected up to $500,000. Public is headquartered in New York with US-based customer support.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Offers a wide range of asset classes in one platform, including stocks, bonds, crypto, and options.
  • Industry-first options trading rebates and competitive margin rates.
  • AI-powered tools like agents, generated assets, and research assistant enhance decision-making.

Cons

  • Options trading carries significant risk and is not suitable for all investors.
  • Some advanced features like direct indexing require a minimum investment of $1,000.

Ratings Across the Web

3.9(148 reviews)

Public holds an aggregate rating of 3.9 out of 5 from 148 reviews across G2, last checked August 18, 2026.

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Preview

Key Features

Multi-asset investing: stocks, bonds, treasuries, options, crypto, ETFsAI Agents for automated portfolio management and tradingAI-generated market briefings and earnings call summariesGenerated Assets: create custom investable indices from a text promptOptions trading with rebates of $0.06–$0.18 per contractLow margin rates with a base rate of 4.90%Public API for programmatic trading and real-time market dataDirect indexing with tax-loss harvesting (minimum $1,000)

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Aug 18, 2026

Free

  • Multi-asset investing
  • AI Agents
  • 3.3% APY on cash
  • Stocks, Bonds, Treasuries, Options, Crypto, ETFs
  • Bond Account 5.70% yield
  • High-Yield Cash Account 3.30% APY
  • Treasury Account
  • Direct Indexing

Is Public worth the price?

95/100

Public's pricing is exceptional value - the entire platform is free with no paid tiers, offering multi-asset investing, AI agents, options rebates, and high yield on cash.

This is far more generous than most competitors who charge subscription fees or trade commissions. It is best for cost-conscious retail investors who want a comprehensive investing toolkit without any upfront cost.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Margin interest rates for borrowed funds

Possible withdrawal fees from cash accounts

Limited instant buying power beyond $250k

Options rebates may have conditions

How Public Compares to Competitors

Public offers a more generous free tier than Robinhood or Webull, which typically require paid subscriptions for advanced features like AI agents or direct indexing. While Robinhood Gold costs $5/month for premium features, Public provides similar capabilities at no cost, though its rebate structure and asset selection may differ. For the price (free), it is unmatched in value.

Reviews

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3.9/5

Across 148 verified user reviews on G2

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Public FAQ

What types of assets can I trade on Public?

Public supports trading in stocks, bonds, treasuries, options, crypto, and ETFs, all within a single account.

How do the options trading rebates work?

Public shares 50% of its options revenue with customers, paying $0.06–$0.18 per stock or ETF options contract based on monthly trading volume.

Can I automate my investing on Public?

Yes, Public offers AI Agents that can manage your portfolio and automate trading on your behalf, making it the first agentic brokerage.

What is the minimum investment for direct indexing?

Direct indexing on Public requires a minimum investment of $1,000, and you can choose from over 100 customizable indices.

Does Public offer a high-yield cash account?

Yes, Public provides a High-Yield Cash Account with a competitive APY, no fees, no subscriptions, and no balance requirements.

Is there an API for programmatic trading?

Yes, the Public Individual API allows you to access real-time market data and automate trading, with rebates on stock and ETF options contracts.

How is my account protected on Public?

Public uses AES 256-bit encryption and TLS protocols, offers two-factor authentication, and is a member of SIPC, protecting securities up to $500,000.

What is the Crypto IRA feature?

Public allows you to buy and sell crypto assets inside a tax-advantaged retirement account, with no capital gains taxes on trades.

Source: public.com

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