Platform Comparison

Greenlight vs Public

Compare Greenlight and Public on fees, DRIP, fractional shares and research for dividend investing.

GL

Greenlight

★4.2

The complete money app for families — debit cards, chores, savings rewards, and $1 investing for kids with a parent approving every trade.

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Higher Rated
PB

Public

★4.4

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

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Greenlight vs Public: Fees, Minimums & DRIP Compared

FeatureGreenlightPublic
Our Rating4.2/54.4/5
Trading CommissionsN/A$0
Account Minimum$1$0
Fractional SharesN/A$1 minimum
DRIPN/AFree
Research ToolsBasicBasic
Best ForParents Teaching Kids MoneyTransparency-Focused Investors

Greenlight vs Public: Pros and Cons

Greenlight

Pros

  • + Complete money management for kids: spending, saving, and investing
  • + Parents approve every trade — nothing happens without permission
  • + Kids can invest in 4,000+ real stocks and ETFs starting at $1
  • + $0 trading commissions on stock and ETF purchases
  • + Savings rewards of 2%–6% depending on plan

Cons

  • - Monthly subscription required — investing starts at $10.98/month (Max)
  • - Not a true custodial account — securities are held in the parent's name
  • - Kids don't legally own the stocks, and the account doesn't transfer at 18 or 21
  • - Dividends aren't automatically reinvested — no DRIP

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 Is Better for Dividend Investors: Greenlight or Public?

Choose Greenlight if you...

  • Are in Greenlight's core audience: parents teaching kids money

Choose Public if you...

  • Are in Public's core audience: transparency-focused investors
  • Prefer a higher-rated overall platform

Want the full breakdown of fees, DRIP, and research tools? Read our Greenlight review and Public review.

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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.