Platform Comparison

Public vs Stash

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

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

Stash

★4

A beginner-friendly investing app with the unique Stock-Back card that rewards your spending with fractional shares instead of cash back.

Full Review

Public vs Stash: Fees, Minimums & DRIP Compared

Feature	Public	Stash
Our Rating	4.4/5	4/5
Trading Commissions	$0	N/A
Account Minimum	$0	$0
Fractional Shares	$1 minimum	N/A
DRIP	Free	Automatic
Research Tools	Basic	Basic
Best For	Transparency-Focused Investors	Stock-Back Enthusiasts

Public vs Stash: Pros and Cons

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)

Stash

Pros

+ Stock-Back debit card earns fractional shares on purchases
+ Both DIY and Smart Portfolio (automated) investing options
+ Automatic dividend reinvestment in managed accounts
+ Fractional shares let you invest any amount
+ Round-up investing available

Cons

- Monthly fees can be expensive for small balances
- No tax-loss harvesting available
- Stock-Back rewards are modest (0.125% base rate)
- Some ETFs have higher expense ratios than alternatives

Which Is Better for Dividend Investors: Public or Stash?

Choose Public if you...

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

Choose Stash if you...

Are in Stash's core audience: stock-back enthusiasts
Need automatic dividend reinvestment

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