How Does Public.com Make Money, Public.com is a commission-free investing app that allows users to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and fractional shares. The company makes money through a variety of sources, including:

  • Interest on uninvested cash balances: Public earns interest on the cash that users hold in their accounts but have not yet invested. This interest is typically around 2.5%.
  • Subscription fees: Public offers a premium membership plan called Public Premium that costs $10 per month. This plan gives users access to features like research reports, advanced data, and specialized support.
  • Markups on crypto and alternative investments: Public charges a markup on cryptocurrency and alternative investments to cover transaction costs. The markup is typically around 1%.
  • Public Pulse: Public Pulse is a service that helps companies create deeper relationships with their retail investors. Public partners with companies to share important and timely information with investors via the Public platform. Public is paid a fee for this service.
  • Referral fees: Public may receive referral fees from other financial institutions when users sign up for accounts through Public.

Public.com is a fully regulated broker-dealer and its customers' securities are protected up to $500,000 by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). The company is committed to providing its customers with a low-cost, transparent way to invest.