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How to Open a Public.com Account (2026): Step-by-Step, Fees, 1% IRA Match, Treasuries and High-Yield Cash
To open a Public.com account: 1. Download the Public app or visit public.com and tap Sign up. 2. Enter your email, create a password and verify your phone. 3. Provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and employment details. 4. Choose a brokerage account, a Roth or Traditional IRA, or both, and opt into the high-yield cash account if you want it. 5. Link a bank and transfer money. 6. Buy a stock, ETF, Treasury bill or bond. Public charges $0 commissions on US stocks and ETFs, has no account minimum, offers fractional shares and a 1% IRA match. An optional Premium plan costs about $10/month (waived above about $50,000 in assets).
What Public.com is
Public.com is a US investing app that started with social, commission-free stock trading and now offers a broad menu: stocks, ETFs, Treasury bills, corporate bonds, options, crypto, a high-yield cash account and IRAs. It's aimed at investors who want an app as simple as Robinhood's, with more income-investing tools.
What it costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| US stocks and ETFs | $0 commission |
| Account minimum | $0 |
| Fractional shares | Yes |
| Treasuries and bonds | Available in the app; pricing includes a markup/spread, check before you buy |
| Instant withdrawals | A percentage fee (standard ACH withdrawals are free) |
| Crypto | Transaction fees apply |
| Premium | ~$10/month, waived with roughly $50,000+ in assets |
Fees change. Check Public's current fee schedule.
Step-by-step: how to open a Public.com account
Before you start, have ready: your Social Security number, US address, date of birth, employment details and online banking login.
Step 1: Download the app and sign up
Get the Public app (iOS or Android) or go to public.com. Tap Sign up, enter your email, create a password and verify your phone number.
Step 2: Verify your identity
Enter your legal name, address, date of birth and SSN. Like all US brokers, Public must verify your identity under federal rules. You may be asked to upload a photo ID.
Step 3: Answer the investor questions
You'll be asked about employment, income, net worth, experience and goals. These determine access to features like options.
Step 4: Choose your account
- Brokerage account for general investing
- Roth or Traditional IRA for retirement (not sure which? See Roth vs Traditional IRA)
- High-yield cash account: you can opt in during sign-up
Step 5: Link your bank and fund
Connect your bank and transfer money by ACH. Deposits are often available to invest quickly, but full settlement takes a few business days.
Step 6: Make your first investment
Search for a stock, ETF or Treasury bill. Enter a dollar amount for fractional shares or a share count, and choose a market or limit order. Read market vs limit orders first if you're new.
Standout features
Treasuries and bonds in one app. With yields near 5% on longer Treasuries (our guide to locking in), being able to buy T-bills and bonds next to your stocks is useful. No TreasuryDirect account needed.
High-yield cash account. Public offers a cash account paying a competitive variable rate, without needing a paid subscription. Rates change with the Fed; check the current APY.
1% IRA match. On the 2026 limit of $7,500, that's about $75. Public has also run promotions matching IRA transfers and rollovers. Holding-period rules apply.
Pros and cons
Pros
- $0 stock and ETF commissions, no minimum
- Treasuries, bonds and cash yield in one app
- 1% IRA match without a subscription
- Clean, beginner-friendly design
Cons
- No mutual funds
- Fees on instant withdrawals and crypto
- Fewer account types (no HSA or 529)
- No branches; app and online support only
Is Public.com safe?
Public's brokerage accounts are held by a FINRA-registered, SIPC-member broker-dealer. SIPC protects up to $500,000 per customer (including $250,000 cash) if the broker fails. Its high-yield cash account is held at partner banks and may be eligible for FDIC insurance. You can verify Public on FINRA BrokerCheck.
Public vs other app brokers
| Public | Robinhood | SoFi Invest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stocks/ETFs | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| IRA match | 1% | 1% (3% with Gold) | 1% |
| Treasuries/bonds | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| Options | Yes | $0 contracts | Yes |
| Mutual funds | No | No | Limited |
For a bigger-picture choice, see Fidelity vs Robinhood, how to open SoFi Invest, and our best brokers for beginners.
The bottom line
Public.com is a strong pick for investors who want a simple app plus income investments: Treasuries, bonds and a high-yield cash account alongside $0 stock trading, and an IRA with a 1% match. Opening an account takes about 10 minutes. If you need mutual funds, HSAs or 529 plans, a full-service broker like Fidelity or Schwab is a better home.
This guide is educational and not a recommendation. Fees, rates and promotions change; confirm on Public's site before opening an account.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to open a Public.com account?
The application takes about 10 minutes in the app. Many accounts are approved within minutes, though some need extra identity checks that can take a business day or two.
Does Public.com charge fees?
Public charges $0 commissions on US stock and ETF trades and has no account minimum. Fees can apply to instant withdrawals, crypto trades, options rebates and Premium features. Premium costs about $10 a month and is waived for larger balances. Check Public's fee schedule for current amounts.
What is the Public.com IRA match?
Public offers a 1% match on eligible IRA contributions, and has run promotions on IRA transfers and rollovers. On the 2026 limit of $7,500, a 1% match is about $75. Holding-period rules apply.
Can I buy Treasury bills on Public.com?
Yes. Public lets you buy US Treasury bills and other bonds in the app, which can be a simple way to lock in yields without opening a TreasuryDirect account.
Is Public.com safe?
Public's brokerage accounts are held by a FINRA-registered broker-dealer that is an SIPC member, which protects up to $500,000 per customer, including $250,000 for cash, if the broker fails. The high-yield cash account is held at partner banks and may be eligible for FDIC insurance through them.
Is Public.com better than Robinhood?
It depends on what you value. Public stands out for Treasuries and bonds, a high-yield cash account without a subscription, and a cleaner research experience. Robinhood offers $0 options and a larger IRA match with Gold.
Primary sources
Data & disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial or investment advice. Figures reflect data available as of Nov 4, 2026, and conditions change — always confirm current pricing, rates and rules with the provider before you act. Written by Elizabeta Dimoska. See our editorial standards and disclosure.
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