Public review

Public is a polished app that charges $0 commissions on US-listed stocks and ETFs both during regular market hours and in extended hours, from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET, according to its fee schedule. OTC stocks are also $0 and there is no account maintenance fee. Beyond stocks, Public offers bond accounts and T-bills, so a beginner can keep a cash cushion and an ETF portfolio in one place. The optional Public Reserve membership costs $20 per month or $200 per year and waives some fees, such as the Crypto IRA custodial fee. Two details deserve attention. Public charges a $3.99 monthly inactivity fee for accounts with less than $70 in total value and no activity over the last 6 months, so do not open an account and forget it. And Public says fractional shares are illiquid outside Public and not transferable, which means selling them if you ever move brokers. With those caveats, it is an easy, low-cost place to start.

Who it is for

Beginners who want stocks, ETFs and bonds in one modern app.

Price

$0 commissions on US-listed stocks and ETFs; optional Public Reserve membership $20 per month or $200 per year.

Monthly membership $20 per month Annual membership $200 per year
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• $0 commissions on US-listed stocks and ETFs in regular and extended hours
• $0 for OTC stocks
• $0 account maintenance fee
• Bond accounts and T-bills in the same app
• Optional Public Reserve membership at $20 per month or $200 per year

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: $0 trades even during extended market hours
• Strength: Stocks, ETFs, bonds and T-bills in one app
• Strength: No account maintenance fee
• Weakness: A $3.99 monthly inactivity fee applies to accounts under $70 with no activity in 6 months
• Weakness: Fractional shares cannot be transferred out of Public
• Weakness: Reserve membership is pricey for small balances

Key facts

• Stock and ETF commission: $0, regular and extended hours
• Account maintenance: $0
• Inactivity fee: $3.99 per month under $70 after 6 months idle
• Public Reserve: $20 per month or $200 per year
• OTC stocks: $0

Where it ranks

Public is No. 5 in our Best Investing Apps verdict.