Investing can feel daunting, especially for beginners. The sheer volume of information and the pressure to make the “right” decisions can be overwhelming. Thankfully, new platforms are emerging that aim to make investing more accessible and, importantly, more social. Public is one such app, built around the idea that learning and growing as an investor is best done within a community. Let’s dive into what Public offers and whether it might be a good fit for you.

What Makes Public Different?

Public distinguishes itself from many other investment apps by prioritizing community and education. It’s designed for active investing, meaning you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing your investments. The app offers a user-friendly interface, commission-free trading, and a unique social feed where you can follow other investors, see their portfolios, and learn from their experiences.

Unlike some platforms that offer pre-built portfolios or robo-advisors, Public empowers you to build your own. This hands-on approach can be incredibly valuable for those looking to deepen their understanding of the market and develop their investment skills. However, it also means you’ll need to be willing to do your own research and make your own decisions.

Key Features to Consider

Public boasts a robust set of features designed to cater to both beginner and experienced investors. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Commission-Free Trading: You won’t pay any fees to buy or sell stocks, ETFs, or fractional shares.
• Fractional Shares: Invest in companies, even if you can’t afford a full share.
• Diverse Investment Options: Access to stocks, ETFs, crypto, NFTs, and even alternative assets like contemporary art.
• Retirement Accounts: Open Traditional and Roth IRAs directly within the app.
• High-Yield Cash Account: Earn a competitive APY on your uninvested cash.
• Investing Themes: Discover curated lists of stocks and funds aligned with your interests (e.g., women in leadership, green energy).
• Social Feed: Follow other investors, see their activity, and learn from their insights.

Did you know Public encourages users to tip with their trades? While trading remains commission-free, this is one way the platform generates revenue and allows users to support the service.

Getting Started & Understanding Fees

Opening an account is straightforward. You’ll need to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security number. The process involves downloading the app, creating an account, and linking a bank account for funding. There’s no minimum deposit required to open an account, but you’ll need funds to start investing.

• Free: Basic account usage, deposits, and withdrawals.
• $10/month (Public Premium): Access to advanced market insights and company metrics.
• Crypto Trading: Fees apply, split between Public and its crypto broker.
• Wire Transfers & Other Services: Standard fees for less common actions.

Public doesn’t offer access to human financial advisors. Instead, it focuses on building a supportive community where investors can learn from each other.

Community & Education: The Core of Public

The real strength of Public lies in its community-driven approach. The social feed allows you to see what other investors are buying and selling, providing a window into different investment strategies. It’s a great way to learn from others and discover new investment ideas. Beyond the social aspect, Public also provides a wealth of educational resources, including guides, tutorials, and events, to help you improve your financial literacy.

Is Public Right for You?

Public is an excellent choice for beginner investors who are eager to learn and actively participate in their investment journey. The community aspect is a significant draw, offering a unique opportunity to learn from others and share ideas. However, if you prefer a more hands-off approach or require access to professional financial advice, Public might not be the best fit. Ultimately, the best investment platform is the one that aligns with your individual goals, risk tolerance, and investment style.

Conclusion

Investing with Public offers a unique blend of community, education, and accessibility. By understanding its features, fees, and community-driven approach, you can make an informed decision about whether Public is the right fit for your investment journey.