Alpaca Trading vs Public - BrokerCue
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Broker Comparison

Alpaca Trading vs Public

Compare Alpaca Trading and Public side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

API-driven and algorithmic traders

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading wit…

VS
Public

Public

Active investors who want options rebates and API access

Public is a US multi-asset investing platform offering stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, crypto, margin, AI tools…

Head-to-head comparison

Alpaca Trading vs Public
Feature Alpaca Trading Public
Minimum deposit - -
Stock trading fee Commission: Free for self-directed retail API accounts; SEC fee and FINRA TAF pass-through on sell transactions $0 for regular market-hours US-listed stocks and ETFs; $2.99 per extended-hours trade; OTC stocks $2.99 per trade
Regulators FINRA, SIPC, FinCEN SEC, FINRA, SIPC, FDIC, NYSDFS
Best for API-driven and algorithmic traders Active investors who want options rebates and API access
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Crypto
Bonds
-
Options
Fractional Shares
Margin
Demo Account
-
Investment Plans
-

Pros & cons

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks, ETFs and options for self-directed retail API accounts
  • Paper trading environment available at no cost
  • Fractional shares supported
  • 24/5 extended trading hours on 100+ US stocks
  • Multi-leg options strategies supported
  • FINRA/SIPC member with up to $500,000 SIPC protection
  • Margin available at 4x intraday and 2x overnight
  • Securities lending program with potential income for shareholders

Cons

  • Platform is primarily API-driven; web and mobile apps are available but offer fewer features than conventional retail brokerage interfaces
  • Crypto accounts are not protected by FDIC or SIPC
  • Domestic wire withdrawals cost $25; international wires cost $50
  • Outbound ACATS transfer costs $100
  • Not suited for investors who prefer a full-featured retail brokerage app
  • Commission-free status may not apply to accounts opened through business partners
Public

Public

Pros

  • $0 regular-hours US stock and ETF trades
  • Options rebates of $0.06-$0.18 per stock or ETF contract
  • Margin rates range from 4.90% to 4.25%
  • Public API supports programmatic trading
  • High-Yield Cash Account pays 3.30% APY with no fees
  • Direct indexing starts with as little as $1,000
  • SIPC protection up to $500,000 for cash and securities
  • FDIC protection up to $5 million for High-Yield Cash Account

Cons

  • $2.99 extended-hours stock and ETF trades without Premium
  • OTC stock trades cost $2.99 without Premium
  • Inactivity fee is $3.99 every month
  • Outgoing ACAT transfers cost $100
  • Instant Withdrawals cost up to 3.5%, minimum $1
  • Crypto assets are not FDIC or SIPC insured
  • Fractional shares are not transferable outside Public
  • Premium costs $10 monthly or $96 annually unless waived
Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading with a paper trading environment and margin accounts.

Visit Alpaca Trading Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

Public

Public

Public is a US multi-asset investing platform offering stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, crypto, margin, AI tools, a trading API and cash products.

Visit Public Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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