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Broker Comparison

Public vs Vanguard

Compare Public and Vanguard side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

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…

VS
Vanguard

Vanguard

Long-term fund and ETF investors

Vanguard offers funds, ETFs, stocks, bonds, margin, options, Cash Plus and advice services, with $0 online co…

Head-to-head comparison

Public vs Vanguard
Feature Public Vanguard
Minimum deposit — $0 to open an account
Stock trading fee $0 for regular market-hours US-listed stocks and ETFs; $2.99 per extended-hours trade; OTC stocks $2.99 per trade $0 online stock trading
Regulators SEC, FINRA, SIPC, FDIC, NYSDFS FINRA
Best for Active investors who want options rebates and API access Long-term fund and ETF investors
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Crypto
—
Bonds
Options
Fractional Shares
Investment Plans
—
Margin
Funds
—
Ready Made Portfolios
—
Money Market Funds
—

Pros & cons

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
Vanguard

Vanguard

Pros

  • $0 online commissions for stocks, ETFs and Vanguard mutual funds
  • $1 minimum for Vanguard ETFs through fractional shares
  • $0 Cash Plus minimum balance and no service fee with e-delivery
  • Digital Advisor starts at $100 with no advisory fee for 90 days
  • SIPC coverage up to $500,000 for eligible brokerage securities
  • Free dividend reinvestment with no commission

Cons

  • $25 annual account service fee unless e-delivery is selected
  • Most Vanguard mutual funds require a $3,000 minimum
  • Individual bonds require a $1,000 minimum investment
  • Personal Advisor requires a $50,000 minimum
  • Cash Plus has no issued checks or ATM card
  • Cash Plus transactions may face 7-day or 60-day holding periods
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.

Vanguard

Vanguard

Vanguard offers funds, ETFs, stocks, bonds, margin, options, Cash Plus and advice services, with $0 online commissions on major listed products.

Visit Vanguard Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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