Platform Comparison

Greenlight vs Public

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the best platform for dividend investing

Greenlight

★4.2

The complete money app for families—debit cards, chores, savings, and investing for kids with full parental controls and approval on every trade.

Full Review

Higher Rated

Public

★4.4

A transparent, community-focused investing platform that rejects payment for order flow in favor of optional tipping—putting your interests first.

Full Review

Feature Comparison

Feature	Greenlight	Public
Our Rating	4.2/5	4.4/5
Trading Commissions	N/A	$0
Account Minimum	$1	$0
Fractional Shares	N/A	$1 minimum
DRIP	N/A	Free
Research Tools	Basic	Basic
Best For	Parents Teaching Kids Money	Transparency-Focused Investors

Pros & Cons

Greenlight

Pros

+ Complete money management for kids: spending, saving, and investing
+ Parents approve every trade—nothing happens without permission
+ Kids can invest in real stocks and ETFs starting at $1
+ No trading fees on stock and ETF purchases
+ Excellent financial literacy education modules

Cons

- Monthly subscription fee required ($5.99+)
- Not a true custodial account—securities registered to parent
- Kids don't legally own the stocks (parent does)
- Account doesn't transfer to child at age of majority

Public

Pros

+ No payment for order flow—potentially better trade execution
+ Commission-free stocks, ETFs, and options trading
+ Fractional shares starting at just $1
+ Free dividend reinvestment with fractional share support
+ High interest rate on uninvested cash

Cons

- No mutual funds available
- Limited research and screening tools
- Extended hours trading costs $2.99 per order (non-Premium)
- Penny stocks cost $2.99 per trade (non-Premium)

Which Platform is Right for You?

Choose Greenlight if you...

Want parents teaching kids money focused features

Choose Public if you...

Want transparency-focused investors focused features
Prefer a higher-rated overall platform

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Investment Disclaimer

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.