Jeremy Biberdorf
By: Jeremy Biberdorf
Feb 15, 2023

Public Investing App Review 2024

Jeremy Biberdorf
By: Jeremy Biberdorf
Feb 15, 2023

Disclosure

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means we earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase a product through our links.
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means we earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase a product through our links.
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4.4/5

4.4 rating based on 5 ratings

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In a Nutshell: Public Investing App is a commission-free online brokerage platform that enables users to buy and sell stocks and ETFs. It is available on iOS and Android mobile devices and has received positive user reviews.

The app provides investors a simple, user-friendly interface and features such as real-time market data and portfolio insights. Public makes money through securities lending, optional tipping, and earning interest on uninvested cash balances.

While it currently does not support other assets like mutual funds, options, or bonds, it remains a popular option for investors looking for a more accessible way to invest in the stock market.

Service TypeFees
Investment platform$0-$10 per month

The investing world has seen an increase in companies offering free trading and fractional shares. Among them is Public, which was previously known as Matador.

Despite its early beginnings, Public has changed to improve its user experience and strengthen its social network features.

In addition, it offers commission-free investing and the ability to invest in fractional shares. You may be curious about how Public compares to major brokerage firms offering commission-free trading.

To help you get a better understanding, I will provide a comprehensive review of this investment app.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Commission-Free Trading
  • Fractional Share Investing
  • Social Network Features
  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Access to Data, Insights, and Analytics
Cons
  • Limited Asset Classes
  • No Web Platform

What Is Public.com?

Public is an app-based investment company that offers commission-free trades. It was established in 2017 and is owned by four founders: Jannick Malling, Matt Kennedy, Peter Quinn, and Sean Hendelman.

The company operates under the legal name of Public Holdings Inc., doing business as Open to the Public Investing Inc., and is registered as a broker-dealer and member of SIPC and FINRA.

You may have heard of Public under its previous name, Matador, but the company has since changed its name to reflect its offerings better. On February 17, 2021, the company announced that it had raised $220 million in a Series D funding round and had a valuation of $1.2 billion.

This round of funding was backed by investors such as Accel, Greycroft, Lakestar, Will Smith’s Dreamers VC, Intuition Capital, Tiger Global, The Chainsmokers’ Mantis VC, and more.

You should go through our Public.com review for detailed insight into this platform.

How Does Public App work?

The Public app offers a convenient and user-friendly platform for real-time stock trading. Available for both iOS and Android devices, new versions of the app are continually released to provide a smooth user experience.

To get started, enter your cell phone number and follow the link to download the app.

Once the app is downloaded, you will be prompted to complete a brief application that involves answering basic questions about yourself and providing your bank information.

The app provides access to over 5,000 stocks organized into various themes, making it easy for you to find and invest in companies that align with your interests.

Each company is accompanied by helpful information such as trends, comments, and a list of sub-brands, allowing you to research and make informed investment decisions thoroughly.

To start trading, you must first connect a bank account or debit card to transfer funds. The setup process is straightforward and takes just a few taps. Once your account is funded, you can start trading in real time immediately.

Additionally, if a current user refers you to the app, you will receive a free slice of stock worth up to $50, and your friend will also receive a free slice of stock. Overall, the Public app provides a fast and straightforward way to start investing in stocks.

Is Public App Worth it?

As a beginner investor, you may be interested in commission-free brokerage services. There are many options available, and many of them offer a social aspect to their services.

You may find that the quality of the social component sets some brokerages apart from others. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and which community you feel most comfortable with.

If you’re considering Public, you can easily find out if it’s right for you. They offer a low entry barrier, making it easy to try. Additionally, their app provides valuable data, insights, and analytics that help you understand your portfolio.

Based on these features, I would say that signing up for Public is worth considering. You may find that it is the commission-free brokerage service that you enjoy using the most.

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Jeremy Biberdorf

About the Author:

Jeremy Biberdorf is the founder of Modest Money. He’s a father of 2 beautiful girls, a dog owner, a long-time online entrepreneur and an investing enthusiast.