Platform Comparison

Interactive Brokers vs Public

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

Higher Rated
IB

Interactive Brokers

★4.5

The professional-grade platform with access to 150+ global markets, industry-leading margin rates, and powerful screening tools.

Full Review
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.

Full Review

Interactive Brokers vs Public: Fees, Minimums & DRIP Compared

FeatureInteractive BrokersPublic
Our Rating4.5/54.4/5
Trading Commissions$0 (Lite)$0
Account Minimum$0$0
Fractional Shares10,000+ stocks$1 minimum
DRIPSmall feeFree
Research ToolsGoodBasic
Best ForInternational Dividend InvestorsTransparency-Focused Investors

Interactive Brokers vs Public: Pros and Cons

Interactive Brokers

Pros

  • + Access to 150+ markets across 33 countries in 27 currencies
  • + Commission-free US stock and ETF trading with IBKR Lite
  • + Industry-leading low margin rates (5.83% Pro, 6.83% Lite)
  • + Fractional shares on 10,000+ US, Canadian, and European stocks
  • + Powerful dividend yield screeners with 50+ factors

Cons

  • - Steep learning curve—platforms built for professionals
  • - DRIP charges a small commission (unlike most competitors)
  • - Account-level DRIP only—can't select specific stocks
  • - Customer service wait times can be long during peak hours

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: Interactive Brokers or Public?

Choose Interactive Brokers if you...

  • Are in Interactive Brokers's core audience: international dividend investors
  • Prefer a higher-rated overall platform

Choose Public if you...

  • Are in Public's core audience: transparency-focused investors

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

Compare Other Platforms

Not sure these are the right fit? Explore more comparisons.

Interactive Brokers vs FidelityInteractive Brokers vs Charles SchwabInteractive Brokers vs M1 FinancePublic vs FidelityPublic vs Charles SchwabPublic vs M1 Finance
View All Platforms

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.