E*TRADE vs Public.com 2025
In this head to head comparison of E*TRADE vs Public.com, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
In this head to head comparison of E*TRADE vs Public.com, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
E*TRADE vs. Public.com: If you want the widest mix of investments, E*TRADE has the edge. It earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for Range of Investments and ranks #4 of 14 brokers at StockBrokers.com, while Public.com scores 3.5 stars and ranks #13. Both offer stocks, options, margin, OTC stocks, and traditional and Roth IRAs. E*TRADE adds mutual funds, futures, and advisor services, while Public.com stands out with fractional shares and crypto access (40 coins). Neither supports forex.
Here’s how the lineups compare: stocks and options are available on both platforms. Mutual funds and futures are available only on E*TRADE. Crypto is available only on Public.com, with 40 coins to choose from. Fractional shares are available on Public.com but not on E*TRADE. OTC stocks are tradable on both. Margin trading is supported by both, and forex isn’t offered by either.
Choose E*TRADE if you want mutual funds, futures, or the option to work with an advisor. Pick Public.com if you want to buy fractional shares or trade crypto alongside stocks and options. Both are suitable for retirement savers thanks to traditional and Roth IRA accounts.
Feature |
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Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes |
Fractional Shares (Stocks) | No | Yes |
OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes |
Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
Futures Trading | Yes | No |
Crypto Trading | No | Yes |
Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 40 |
Range of Investments |
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Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2025: A Beginner-Friendly Guide to an Advanced Market
When it comes to trading platforms and tools, E*TRADE stands out with a higher rating of 4 stars compared to Public.com's 2-star rating. This difference is reflected in their respective rankings by StockBrokers.com, where E*TRADE is ranked 5th out of 14 brokers, while Public.com is placed at the bottom of the list, at the 14th spot. E*TRADE offers a comprehensive suite of trading tools and platforms that cater to both beginner and advanced traders, while Public.com provides a more simplified experience that may not satisfy experienced traders seeking advanced charting and order management features.
E*TRADE offers a versatile trading experience with both Windows and Mac downloadable platforms, which are not available on Public.com. Both brokers provide a browser-based trading platform, but E*TRADE offers additional features like paper trading, enabling users to practice their strategies without financial risk. Watchlist capabilities also differ significantly: E*TRADE offers 43 customizable columns, allowing users greater flexibility, whereas Public.com offers just 3 columns. E*TRADE provides the ability to adjust open orders directly on stock charts and offers extensive charting tools, including 121 technical indicators and 37 drawing tools, while Public.com provides none, limiting traders who rely on detailed technical analyses.
For traders interested in chart features beyond indicators, E*TRADE excels by allowing the addition of notes, display of historical trades, and the ability to show corporate events on charts. It further supports customizable date ranges and automated technical analysis for chart patterns, which Public.com does not offer. Moreover, E*TRADE allows traders to save multiple chart profiles and offers 8 customization fields when editing an SMA study, adding a layer of personalization that Public.com lacks. While neither platform offers the capacity to create custom studies, E*TRADE's superior charting tools and customizable options make it a favorable choice for traders seeking an enriched trading experience.
Feature |
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Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
Desktop Platform (Mac) | Yes | No |
Paper Trading | Yes | No |
Watch Lists - Total Fields | 43 | 3 |
Charting - Indicators / Studies | 121 | 0 |
Charting - Drawing Tools | 37 | 0 |
Platforms & Tools |
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Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers & Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Paper Trading Apps & Platforms for 2025
Comparing E*TRADE vs Public.com for investor education, both platforms teach stocks, ETFs, options, and bonds, and both offer educational videos and live webinars. E*TRADE goes further with mutual fund education and paper trading so beginners can practice without risking cash. Public.com does not include mutual fund lessons or paper trading. Neither platform offers learning quizzes or tools to track your progress.
On quality and breadth, E*TRADE earns 5 stars for education and ranks #4 out of 14 brokers at StockBrokers.com. Public.com earns 3.5 stars and ranks #11 out of 14. If you want hands-on practice and a wider curriculum, E*TRADE is the stronger choice. If you’re mainly after straightforward videos and webinars on stocks, ETFs, options, and bonds, Public.com can still meet basic learning needs.
Feature |
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Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
Education (ETFs) | Yes | Yes |
Education (Options) | Yes | Yes |
Education (Mutual Funds) | Yes | No |
Education (Fixed Income) | Yes | Yes |
Paper Trading | Yes | No |
Videos | Yes | Yes |
Webinars | Yes | Yes |
Education |
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Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025
When choosing between E*TRADE and Public.com for stock trading via a mobile app, E*TRADE clearly comes out ahead with a higher rating of 5 stars compared to Public.com's 3.5 stars. Ranked #4 by StockBrokers.com among 14 brokers, E*TRADE provides a more comprehensive trading experience, while Public.com lags behind at #14. For users prioritizing advanced features and a seamless interface, E*TRADE's offerings make it the preferred choice.
Both E*TRADE and Public.com offer apps for iPhone and Android, ensuring accessibility across popular devices. While E*TRADE also provides an app for the Apple Watch, Public.com does not. E*TRADE supports mobile after-hours stock and options trading, along with streaming quotes and live TV, features that Public.com lacks. However, both platforms allow mobile options trading and the ability to display stock comparisons on mobile charts.
Delving deeper into charting capabilities, E*TRADE significantly outshines Public.com by offering 107 technical studies and the ability to view charts in landscape mode and multiple time frames. These advanced charting features are absent in Public.com’s offering, which does not provide technical studies. While E*TRADE allows users to create custom watch lists with customizable columns and receive stock alerts, Public.com falls short in these areas, lacking watch list creation and alert capabilities.
Feature |
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iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
Android App | Yes | Yes |
Apple Watch App | Yes | No |
Stock Alerts | Yes | No |
Charting - After-Hours | Yes | No |
Charting - Technical Studies | 107 | 0 |
Mobile Trading Apps |
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Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025
Bottom line: E*TRADE and Public.com both offer $0 stock trades and $0 IRA annual fees, but they differ in key cost areas. Public.com stands out for $0 per‑contract options fees and significantly lower margin rates under $100,000. E*TRADE is stronger on account movement costs, with a free partial ACAT and no IRA closure fee. Pick Public.com if you prioritize low options and margin costs; choose E*TRADE if you expect to transfer out assets or close an IRA and want to avoid hefty charges.
Trading costs are simple: both brokers charge $0 for stock trades. Options costs are where they split—E*TRADE is $0.65 per contract, while Public.com is $0. Public.com also has lower stated margin rates: 5.65% below $25,000, 5.65% from $25,000–$49,999, and 5.50% from $50,000–$99,999, versus E*TRADE at 12.95%, 12.70%, and 12.20% for the same tiers. Options exercise and assignment fees are $0 at both.
Account fees vary. Minimum deposit is $0 at E*TRADE and $20 at Public.com. IRA annual fees are $0 at both, but IRA closure is $0 at E*TRADE and $150 at Public.com. For transfers, E*TRADE charges $0 for partial ACATs and $75 for full ACATs, while Public.com is $100 for both partial and full. These differences can matter if you plan to move accounts or close an IRA.
Feature |
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Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $20.00 |
Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Options (Per Contract) | $0.65 | $0.00 |
Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | $150.00 |
Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2025
For those who engage in day trading, choosing the right online broker can make a significant difference. E*TRADE stands out with its array of features tailored for active traders. It provides streaming time and sales for stocks, which is essential for traders who rely on up-to-the-minute data. Additionally, E*TRADE offers streaming live TV, giving traders access to real-time financial news. Direct market routing is another critical tool provided by E*TRADE, enabling traders to send orders directly to various exchanges, potentially speeding up trade execution. Moreover, the availability of trading hotkeys allows for swift keyboard trade entries, and level 2 quotes give a deeper view of the order book, both of which are vital for efficient day trading.
In contrast, Public.com may be better suited for those interested in a simplified, community-driven investing experience rather than active day trading. Public.com does not offer features like streaming time and sales, live TV, or direct market routing, which might be seen as a drawback for active traders. Additionally, it lacks the functionality of trading hotkeys and level 2 quotes, which are important for quickly seizing market opportunities. While neither platform offers ladder trading or strategy backtesting options, E*TRADE’s range of tools and services seem more aligned with the needs of day traders who demand comprehensive information and fast execution capabilities.
Feature |
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Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | No |
Streaming TV | Yes | No |
Direct Market Routing - Equities | Yes | No |
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | No |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No |
Short Locator | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms of 2025 for Beginners and Active Traders
When evaluating E*TRADE and Public.com for their market research capabilities, E*TRADE comes out as the clear leader. It offers a more comprehensive array of research tools and resources, earning a five-star market research rating compared to Public.com's two stars. According to StockBrokers.com, E*TRADE ranks as the second best out of 14 brokers for market research, while Public.com lands at twelfth place. This makes E*TRADE a better choice for investors who are looking for in-depth market insights and a variety of research options to support their trading decisions.
E*TRADE stands out with its broad research offerings, covering stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, pink sheets, OTCBB, and bonds. E*TRADE users benefit from features such as portfolio allocation by asset class, stock research using social media sentiment data, and access to downloadable PDF research reports for stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. Additionally, E*TRADE provides screeners for trade ideas across a range of asset classes. In contrast, Public.com offers far fewer options, supporting research only for stocks, ETFs, and pink sheets/OTCBB, and lacks many of the functionalities that E*TRADE provides, such as downloadable reports and screeners for trade ideas.
Although both platforms steer clear of offering ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) research, E*TRADE compensates in many other areas, including offering eight downloadable PDF stock research reports. Public.com, however, does not provide any downloadable PDFs, ESG research, bond research, or the ability to view portfolio allocation by asset class. This makes E*TRADE the more versatile platform for those interested in extensive research resources beyond just stock and ETF analysis.
Feature |
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Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes |
Screener - Stocks | Yes | No |
Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes |
Screener - ETFs | Yes | No |
Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | No |
Research - Fixed Income | Yes | No |
Screener - Fixed Income | Yes | No |
Research |
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When comparing E*TRADE and Public.com on their banking features, E*TRADE clearly stands out as the more comprehensive option. E*TRADE checks all the boxes with a full range of banking services, including checking and savings accounts, debit and credit cards, mortgage loans, and certificates of deposit (CDs). In contrast, Public.com does not offer these banking amenities. For those who prioritize having a variety of banking solutions alongside their investment platform, E*TRADE might be the preferable choice.
Feature |
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Checking Accounts | Yes | No |
Savings Accounts | Yes | No |
Debit Cards | Yes | No |
Credit Cards | Yes | No |
Mortgage Loans | Yes | No |
Brokerage CDs | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Brokerage Checking Accounts for 2025
After opening live accounts and testing 14 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that E*TRADE is better than Public.com. E*TRADE finished with an overall score of 95.4%, while Public.com finished with a score of 69.6%.
E*TRADE is a top-performing broker whose highlights include $0 trades, two excellent mobile apps and the Power E*TRADE platform. Crypto, however, is not available.
Compare E*TRADE vs Public.com for crypto trading: E*TRADE offers no crypto trading (0 coins), while Public.com supports crypto trading with 40 cryptocurrencies.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2025
E*TRADE vs Public.com: both brokers offer Traditional and Roth IRA accounts with $0 annual fees. The key difference is closure costs—E*TRADE charges $0 to close an IRA, while Public.com charges $150.
Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2025
Select Brokers
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0 of 5Overall Rating | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Mobile Trading Apps |
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Research |
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Customer Service |
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Education |
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Ease of Use |
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Winner | check_circle | ||
Review | E*TRADE Review | Public.com Review |
Broker Screenshots | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
Trading Fees | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Minimum Deposit | $0.00 | $20.00 | |
Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | $6.95 | $2.99 | |
Mutual Fund Trade Fee | $0.00 | n/a | |
Options (Per Contract) | $0.65 | $0.00 | |
Futures (Per Contract) | $1.50 | (Not offered) | |
Broker Assisted Trade Fee | $25 | n/a |
Margin Rates | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 12.95% | 5.65% | |
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 12.7% | 5.65% | |
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 12.2% | 5.50% | |
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 11.7% | 5.25% | |
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 11.2% | 5.25% | |
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | Varies | 5.25% | |
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | Varies | 5.05% |
Account Fees | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
IRA Closure Fee | $0.00 | $150.00 | |
Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $0.00 | $100.00 | |
Account Transfer Out (Full) | $75.00 | $100.00 | |
Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Investment Options | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Account Feature - Margin Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Fractional Shares (Stocks) | No | Yes | |
OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Complex Options Max Legs | 4 | 4 | |
Futures Trading | Yes | No | |
Forex Trading | No | No | |
Crypto Trading | No | Yes | |
Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 0 | 40 | |
Fixed Income (Treasurys) | Yes | Yes | |
Fixed Income (Corporate Bonds) | Yes | Yes | |
Fixed Income (Municipal Bonds) | Yes | No | |
Traditional IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
Roth IRAs | Yes | Yes | |
Advisor Services | Yes | No | |
International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
Order Types | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Order Type - Market | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Limit | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - After Hours | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Stop | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Trailing Stop | Yes | No | |
Order Type - OCO | Yes | No | |
Order Type - OTO | Yes | No | |
Order Type - Broker Assisted | Yes | No |
Beginners | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
Education (ETFs) | Yes | Yes | |
Education (Options) | Yes | Yes | |
Education (Mutual Funds) | Yes | No | |
Education (Fixed Income) | Yes | Yes | |
Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes | |
Retirement Calculator | Yes | No | |
Investor Dictionary | Yes | Yes | |
Paper Trading | Yes | No | |
Videos | Yes | Yes | |
Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
Progress Tracking | No | No | |
Interactive Learning - Quizzes | No | No |
Stock Trading Apps | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
Apple Watch App | Yes | No | |
Trading - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
Trading - After-Hours | Yes | Yes | |
Trading - Simple Options | Yes | Yes | |
Trading - Complex Options | Yes | No | |
Order Ticket RT Quotes | Yes | Yes | |
Order Ticket SRT Quotes | Yes | No |
Stock App Features | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Market Movers (Top Gainers) | Yes | Yes | |
Stream Live TV | Yes | No | |
Videos on Demand | No | No | |
Stock Alerts | Yes | No | |
Option Chains Viewable | Yes | Yes | |
Watch List (Real-time) | Yes | Yes | |
Watch List (Streaming) | Yes | No | |
Watch Lists - Create & Manage | Yes | No | |
Watch Lists - Column Customization | Yes | Yes |
Stock App Charting | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Charting - After-Hours | Yes | No | |
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | Yes | No | |
Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Technical Studies | 107 | 0 | |
Charting - Study Customizations | Yes | No | |
Charting - Stock Comparisons | Yes | Yes |
Trading Platforms | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Active Trading Platform | Power E*TRADE | n/a | |
Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
Desktop Platform (Mac) | Yes | No | |
Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
Paper Trading | Yes | No | |
Trade Journal | No | No | |
Watch Lists - Total Fields | 43 | 3 |
Stock Chart Features | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
---|---|---|---|
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | Yes | No | |
Charting - Indicators / Studies | 121 | 0 | |
Charting - Drawing Tools | 37 | 0 | |
Charting - Notes | Yes | No | |
Charting - Historical Trades | Yes | No | |
Charting - Corporate Events | Yes | No | |
Charting - Custom Date Range | Yes | No | |
Charting - Custom Time Bars | No | No | |
Charting - Automated Analysis | Yes | No | |
Charting - Save Profiles | Yes | No | |
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | Yes | No | |
Charting - Study Customizations | 8 | 0 | |
Charting - Custom Studies | No | No |
Day Trading | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
---|---|---|---|
Streaming Time & Sales | Yes | No | |
Streaming TV | Yes | No | |
Direct Market Routing - Equities | Yes | No | |
Ladder Trading | No | No | |
Trade Hot Keys | Yes | No | |
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | Yes | No | |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No | |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No | |
Short Locator | No | No | |
Order Liquidity Rebates | No | No |
Research Overview | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Research - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
Research - ETFs | Yes | Yes | |
Research - Mutual Funds | Yes | No | |
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | Yes | |
Research - Fixed Income | Yes | No | |
Screener - Stocks | Yes | No | |
Screener - ETFs | Yes | No | |
Screener - Mutual Funds | Yes | No | |
Screener - Fixed Income | Yes | No | |
Portfolio Asset Allocation | Yes | No |
Stock Research | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
---|---|---|---|
Stock Research - PDF Reports | 8 | 0 | |
Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - Insiders | Yes | No | |
Stock Research - Social | Yes | No | |
Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - ESG | No | No | |
Stock Research - SEC Filings | Yes | No |
ETF Research | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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ETFs - Investment Objective | Yes | Yes | |
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date | Yes | Yes | |
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio | Yes | Yes | |
ETF Fund Facts - Total Assets | Yes | Yes | |
ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings | Yes | Yes | |
ETFs - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | Yes | |
ETFs - Sector Exposure | Yes | No | |
ETFs - Risk Analysis | Yes | No | |
ETFs - Ratings | Yes | No | |
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | Yes | No | |
ETFs - PDF Reports | Yes | No |
Mutual Fund Research | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Mutual Funds - Investment Objective | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Performance Chart | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Prospectus | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - Country Allocation | Yes | No | |
Mutual Funds - StyleMap | Yes | No |
Options Trading | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Option Chains - Total Greeks | 5 | 5 | |
Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | Yes |
Banking | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
---|---|---|---|
Bank (Member FDIC) | Yes | No | |
Checking Accounts | Yes | No | |
Savings Accounts | Yes | No | |
Credit Cards | Yes | No | |
Debit Cards | Yes | No | |
Mortgage Loans | Yes | No |
Customer Service | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Phone Support (Prospective Customers) | Yes | No | |
Phone Support (Current Customers) | Yes | No | |
Email Support | Yes | Yes | |
Live Chat (Prospective Customers) | No | Yes | |
Live Chat (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
24/7 Support | Yes | No |
Overall | E*TRADE | Public.com | |
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Overall |
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Range of Investments |
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Platforms & Tools |
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Mobile Trading Apps |
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Research |
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Education |
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Ease of Use |
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Winner | check_circle | ||
Review | E*TRADE Review | Public.com Review |