Public.com Review 2026: Best Broker for Options Rebates, Bonds, and High-Yield Cash?

Public.com Review 2026: Top Platform for Diversified, Low-Cost Investing?

In 2026, mobile brokerages continue to dominate for accessible investing. Public.com stands out as a versatile, user-friendly app offering commission-free trading across multiple assets, unique incentives like options rebates, high-yield cash options, and tools for diversified portfolios. Many beginners first learn about fractional investing in our foundational Acorns vs Stash comparison, which highlights small-dollar investment strategies.

This in-depth Public.com review for 2026 covers latest features, fees, minimums, security, pros/cons, comparisons, and whether it's ideal for beginners or multi-asset investors seeking bonds, treasuries, crypto, and more.

What Is Public.com in 2026?

Public.com is a mobile-first brokerage launched in 2019, focusing on democratizing access to stocks, ETFs, options, crypto, bonds, treasuries, and alternatives. It emphasizes transparency, education, and diversification without high barriers. Originally known for social features (like feeds and portfolio sharing), Public shifted toward advanced tools, AI insights, and revenue-sharing rebates while maintaining community elements. It's SEC-registered, FINRA member, and SIPC-insured up to $500,000 ($250,000 cash).

Key Public.com Features in 2026

Public evolves with broad asset access and incentives:

• Commission-Free Trading: Stocks, ETFs, and options (no per-contract fees).
• Unique Options Rebates: Earn $0.06–$0.18 per contract (tiered by volume) often offsetting costs.
• Fractional Shares: Start with $1; full diversification on small deposits.
• High-Yield Cash Account: Competitive APY (~4.1%), no fees/minimums, FDIC up to $5M via partners, unlimited transfers.
• Bonds & Treasuries: Corporate/high-yield bonds ($1,000 min for managed), individual treasuries ($100 min), T-bills.
• Crypto Trading: Wide selection; crypto in IRAs (new 2026).
• Investment Plans/Baskets: Custom recurring portfolios of stocks/ETFs/crypto.
• Premium Tier: $8/month (waived at $50K+); advanced data, alerts, AI tools.
• IRAs & Bonuses: Self-directed with transfer/rollover matches up to $10K.
• Other: IPO access, alternatives (art/collectibles), AI earnings recaps.

No mutual funds or custodial accounts.Public.com Fees and Minimums in 2026Public keeps costs low:

• Stocks/ETFs/Options: $0 commissions; rebates on options.
• Crypto: Spread-based (up to 1.25%).
• Bonds/Treasuries: Small markups.
• Premium: $8/month optional.
• Minimums: $1 for most; higher for bonds.
• Other: No inactivity/maintenance; regulatory fees apply.

Revenue from tips, PFOF (partial rebates), interest. Public.com’s social feed resembles concepts we discussed in our early Robinhood vs SoFi Invest comparison, showing how different platforms encourage learning through engagement.

Security and Regulation

Public prioritizes safety:

• SEC/FINRA registered.
• SIPC protection.
• 256-bit encryption, 2FA.
• Partner custodians (Apex for crypto).

Strong track record; no major recent breaches.

Pros and Cons of Public.com

Pros:

• Broad assets (stocks to alternatives) in one app.
• Options rebates—unique value.
• High-yield cash and fixed income.
• Fractional/recurring investing for beginners.
• Transfer bonuses and AI tools.
• Transparent, mobile-optimized.

Cons:

• No mutual funds or advanced charting.
• Crypto fees higher than specialists.
• Limited account types (no joint/custodial full).
• Premium needed for extras.
• PFOF on some trades.

Public.com vs Competitors in 2026

• vs Robinhood: Both commission-free; Public better for bonds/rebates/high-yield; Robinhood stronger options tools, IRAs with match, debit card.
• vs Fidelity/Schwab: Public simpler/mobile; traditionals offer mutual funds, research, branches.
• vs Webull: Similar free options; Public unique rebates/cash.
• vs SoFi: SoFi integrates banking/loans; Public superior fixed income/alternatives.

Public excels for diversified, yield-focused mobile users. For readers exploring social and passive strategies together, our foundational Acorns vs SoFi Invest comparison offers additional perspective.

Who Is Public.com Best For in 2026? Ideal For:

• Multi-asset investors (stocks + bonds + crypto).
• Options traders seeking rebates.
• Those wanting high-yield cash/treasuries.
• Beginners with fractional/recurring.
• Mobile-only users scaling portfolios.

Not Ideal For:

• Mutual fund seekers.
• Advanced day traders (limited tools).
• Pure crypto enthusiasts (fees).
• Desktop-heavy users.

Tips to Maximize Public.com in 2026

1. Use rebates trade volume for higher tiers.
2. Park cash in high-yield account.
3. Build recurring plans for automation.
4. Diversify with bonds/treasuries for stability.
5. Leverage transfer bonuses.
6. Start small with fractions.

Conclusion: Is Public.com Worth It in 2026?

Public.com ranks highly in 2026 for accessible, diversified investing. Commission-free core trading, options rebates, high-yield options, bonds, and bonuses deliver strong value especially for mobile multi-asset portfolios.

If you seek one app for stocks, fixed income, crypto, and yield without complexity, Public shines. For mutual funds or ultra-advanced tools, consider alternatives. Overall, excellent for modern, yield-conscious investors.

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