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Broker Comparison

Public vs Wealthsimple

Compare Public and Wealthsimple 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
Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple

Canadian beginner and passive investors

Wealthsimple is a Canadian all-in-one financial platform offering commission-free stock and ETF trading, mana…

Head-to-head comparison

Public vs Wealthsimple
Feature Public Wealthsimple
Minimum deposit - -
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 Commission-free on Canadian and US exchanges
Regulators SEC, FINRA, SIPC, FDIC, NYSDFS CIRO, OSC
Best for Active investors who want options rebates and API access Canadian beginner and passive investors
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Crypto
Bonds
-
Options
Fractional Shares
Investment Plans
Margin
Ready Made Portfolios
-

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
Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple

Pros

  • Commission-free stock and ETF trading
  • No account, inactivity, or transfer-out fees on self-directed accounts
  • Fractional shares with a $1 minimum investment
  • Integrated robo-advisor, self-directed trading, and crypto in one app
  • Multiple registered account types including TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, and RESP
  • CIPF investor protection up to $1 million per account category
  • No minimum deposit requirement
  • TradingView charting integration on web platform

Cons

  • 1.5% CAD/USD currency conversion fee applies to most US stock trades unless a USD account is held
  • $10 per month USD account fee for Core plan users
  • No mutual funds, bonds, GICs, CFDs, or forex products
  • No demo account
  • Advanced research and charting tools are limited compared to full-service brokers
  • Managed portfolio customization is restricted to a small set of model portfolios
  • Higher-tier benefits require $100,000 or $500,000 in household assets
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.

Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple is a Canadian all-in-one financial platform offering commission-free stock and ETF trading, managed portfolios, crypto, and tax filing in a single app.

Visit Wealthsimple Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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