Platform Comparison

Public vs Stockpile

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

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.

SP

Stockpile

3.9

The family investing app that lets you gift stock to kids and teens—teach financial literacy with real investments and supervised trading.

Feature Comparison

FeaturePublicStockpile
Our Rating4.4/53.9/5
Trading Commissions$0N/A
Account Minimum$0$5
Fractional Shares$1 minimumN/A
DRIPFreeN/A
Research ToolsBasicBasic
Best ForTransparency-Focused InvestorsParents Teaching Kids Investing

Pros & 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)

Stockpile

Pros

  • + Stock gift cards make investing a giftable experience
  • + Custodial accounts for kids under 18 with parental oversight
  • + Teens request trades, parents approve—supervised learning
  • + Fractional shares on 3,000+ stocks and ETFs (min $5)
  • + No trading commissions on stocks and ETFs

Cons

  • - Monthly subscription fee ($4.95+) adds up
  • - $5 quarterly inactivity fee for accounts under $20
  • - Trades execute at market close, not real-time
  • - Very limited research tools

Which Platform is Right for You?

Choose Public if you...

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

Choose Stockpile if you...

  • Want parents teaching kids investing focused features

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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.