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"Zero-commission options with rebates on every qualifying trade"
Updated March 2026Beginner Friendly The Option Stack editorial team
How we review: Our team opens real accounts and tests every platform hands-on. We evaluate on commissions, tools, and execution — never influenced by affiliate relationships. Editorial policy →
Public is worth listing because it is FINRA-regulated, available to U.S. investors, covered by multiple top-tier review sources, and offers real listed options with a cost structure no other mainstream broker matches. I would not rank it above specialized options platforms, but for fee-sensitive beginners who want free options trading and a polished app, it is a credible option.
CommissionCommission-free stocks, ETFs, and stock options with per-contract rebates
Account TypesIndividual, Joint, IRA
RegulatedFINRA / SIPC
Who Is Public For?
Fee-sensitive beginners and mobile-first options traders who want listed options, a simple interface, and the unusual benefit of rebates on qualifying contracts.
Our Take: Public in 2026
Public has grown from a sleek investing app into a legitimate multi-asset U.S. brokerage with listed stock options, index options, IRAs, margin, bonds, and one of the most unusual pricing models in the industry. For beginner and intermediate traders who care more about low costs and a clean experience than pro-grade analytics, it clears the quality bar and brings something genuinely differentiated to the market.
Pros & Cons
What we liked
✓$0 stock and ETF options plus a rare rebate program that can pay traders per contract
✓Clean mobile-first experience that is easy for newer traders to navigate
✓Access to stocks, ETFs, bonds, crypto, IRAs, and margin in one account
✓Offers listed stock and index options for U.S. customers
Watch out for
✕Options tools are still lighter than Tastytrade, thinkorswim, or TradeStation
✕Important market data and some features sit behind Public Premium
✕Account-type flexibility is weaker than full-service brokers
Commissions & Fees
Commission-free stocks, ETFs, and stock options with per-contract rebates
Stock and ETF options are $0 to trade, and Public rebates roughly $0.06 to $0.18 per qualifying contract; index options are about $0.35 to $0.50 per contract.
Deep Dive: Public Platform Review
Public Investing launched in 2019, so it clears the seasoning threshold and is no longer a fresh startup. Tier 1 coverage from NerdWallet, Bankrate, and StockBrokers shows a consistent pattern: strong design, unusually attractive options economics, and weaker advanced tooling than the best dedicated trading platforms. That makes Public more of a low-cost beginner-to-intermediate options broker than a destination for heavy strategy traders, but that niche is still meaningful for The Option Stack audience.
Ready to open a Public account?
Takes about 5 minutes. Most accounts have no minimum deposit requirement.
Fee-sensitive beginners and mobile-first options traders who want listed options, a simple interface, and the unusual benefit of rebates on qualifying contracts.
Public charges Free + rebates per options contract. Stock and ETF options are $0 to trade, and Public rebates roughly $0.06 to $0.18 per qualifying contract; index options are about $0.35 to $0.50 per contract.
Public requires a minimum deposit of $0.
Yes. Public is regulated by FINRA / SIPC, providing investor protections including SIPC coverage up to $500,000.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account through our link. This doesn't affect our rating or review. Fees and features verified periodically — always confirm current rates directly with the broker before opening an account.