The investing landscape for retail users is evolving rapidly, and Public.com is stepping boldly into the crypto arena. The popular investment platform, operated by Public Holdings, has officially launched cryptocurrency trading—marking a strategic expansion beyond stocks and ETFs. This move positions Public.com in direct competition with platforms like Robinhood, Fidelity, and other financial tech innovators catering to a new generation of digital-native investors.
👉 Discover how the latest crypto trading platforms are reshaping investor access and control.
Expanding Beyond Stocks: A New Era for Public.com
Since its launch in 2019, Public.com has built a reputation for democratizing stock market access. Initially offering only U.S.-listed equities and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the platform differentiated itself by prioritizing investor safety—banning high-risk strategies like options and margin trading. Now, with the addition of cryptocurrency trading, Public.com is broadening its asset offerings to meet changing market demands.
Starting Thursday, October 7 (local time), Public.com began rolling out crypto trading to most of its users. Investors can now buy, sell, and hold 10 major cryptocurrencies, including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Chainlink (LINK)
- Polygon (MATIC)
- Solana (SOL)
- Uniswap (UNI)
While the service is widely available, residents of New York are currently excluded due to regulatory licensing requirements not yet fulfilled by Public.com’s service partners—a common hurdle for fintech platforms entering the state’s tightly regulated financial environment.
Riding the Wave of Crypto Adoption
Public.com’s entry into crypto comes at a time of surging retail interest in digital assets. Cryptocurrencies have captured the imagination of a new wave of investors drawn to their potential for high returns and decentralized nature.
On Wednesday, Bitcoin surged to $54,903.22—a jump of over 14% in just four days. Meanwhile, altcoins have seen even more dramatic growth. Dogecoin, originally created as a meme, has delivered nearly a 4,900% return year-to-date, highlighting the speculative yet powerful momentum behind alternative cryptocurrencies.
Stephen Sikes, Chief Operating Officer at Public.com, emphasized the platform’s belief in crypto as a legitimate asset class:
“Cryptocurrency has genuinely attracted a new generation of investors. We believe there's a strong case for including crypto in a well-diversified investment portfolio.”
This sentiment reflects a broader shift in investor behavior—where digital assets are no longer fringe investments but core components of modern wealth-building strategies.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
While Public.com operates in a space dominated by giants like Robinhood and Fidelity, it has carved out a unique identity. With over 1 million members—90% of whom are first-time investors—the platform has become a gateway for newcomers to the financial world.
In February, Public.com secured funding that pushed its valuation to $1.2 billion, earning it "unicorn" status. The company has also attracted high-profile backing, including actor Will Smith through his co-founded venture capital fund, Dreamers VC—a testament to its cultural resonance and mission-driven approach.
Built for Safety and Community
One of Public.com’s defining features is its social investing model. Users can follow other investors, share insights, and engage in real-time discussions—fostering transparency and collective learning.
The platform has also taken proactive steps to protect inexperienced investors:
- No options or margin trading: Avoids high-leverage risks.
- Market volatility interventions: In 2020, Public.com temporarily restricted purchases of Hertz stock during extreme price swings.
- Risk labeling: During the meme stock surge earlier this year, the platform added safety warnings on volatile stocks like GameStop to alert users of potential losses.
Additionally, Public.com made a bold ethical decision by ending its participation in payment for order flow (PFOF)—a widespread but controversial practice where brokers route trades to market makers in exchange for compensation. Critics argue PFOF creates conflicts of interest, potentially compromising trade execution quality.
Instead, Public.com introduced a tip-based model, allowing users to voluntarily support the platform—a rare move that aligns incentives with user trust.
Prioritizing Education and Risk Awareness
Recognizing the volatility of cryptocurrencies, Public.com is integrating educational resources directly into its platform. These include beginner guides, market explainers, and risk disclosures tailored to crypto newcomers.
MaryAlexa Divver, Product Director at Public.com, stated:
“We’re committed to providing educational content focused on cryptocurrency to help users make informed decisions.”
Each crypto trading page will feature volatility warnings, ensuring users understand the risks before executing trades—a critical safeguard in a market known for rapid price swings.
👉 Learn how investor education is transforming decision-making in today’s digital asset markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What cryptocurrencies can I trade on Public.com?
A: Public.com supports 10 major cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Cardano (ADA), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Chainlink (LINK), Polygon (MATIC), Solana (SOL), and Uniswap (UNI).
Q: Is Public.com available in New York?
A: Currently, New York residents cannot trade crypto on Public.com due to pending regulatory approvals. Stock and ETF trading may still be available.
Q: Does Public.com charge fees for crypto trading?
A: Public.com does not charge commission fees. Instead, it operates on a voluntary tip model, allowing users to support the platform after trades.
Q: How does Public.com differ from Robinhood?
A: Unlike Robinhood, Public.com bans options and margin trading, avoids payment for order flow, and emphasizes social investing and investor education—making it ideal for cautious or first-time investors.
Q: Is my crypto safe on Public.com?
A: While specific custody details aren’t outlined here, reputable platforms typically use cold storage and insurance mechanisms. Always research security practices before investing.
Q: Can I earn passive income from crypto on Public.com?
A: As of launch, staking or yield features aren’t mentioned. The focus remains on buying, selling, and holding—though future expansions are possible.
👉 Explore platforms that offer advanced crypto features like staking and yield generation.
Final Thoughts: A Responsible Path Into Crypto
Public.com’s entry into cryptocurrency trading isn’t just about adding another asset class—it’s about expanding access responsibly. By combining safety measures, community engagement, and investor education, the platform is setting a new standard for how retail investors interact with digital assets.
As crypto becomes increasingly mainstream, platforms that prioritize transparency, ethical practices, and user empowerment will stand out. Public.com’s latest move signals a future where investing is not only accessible but also informed and secure.
For new investors dipping their toes into crypto—or seasoned traders seeking a more transparent experience—Public.com offers a compelling alternative in an increasingly competitive market.
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