Diving Deep into the Showdown: Public.com Clashes with TD Ameritrade in an Ultimate Face-Off

Looking to start investing but don’t know where to begin? Comparing Public.com and TD Ameritrade can give you a starting point. These are both popular platforms, but they cater to different types of investors.

Long story short, Public.com is an app-based trading platform that’s been around since 2018. It aims to make investing accessible to everyone, not just the affluent. To foster this, it comes with a distinctive feature: a social platform where users can learn from one another. It’s more than just an online broker – it’s a community of investors sharing insights and interacting. Public.com also offers various perks, including fractional shares, free stock, and the ability to trade in 27 different cryptocurrencies.

On the other hand, TD Ameritrade is an online brokerage that has been helping users thrive financially through top-notch trading services. It offers a variety of investments like stocks, ETFs, futures, and options. Unfortunately, it doesn’t provide fractional shares, which can limit those with a smaller investment fund. But it offers many other features and resources that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Both platforms have attractive low-fee structures. For instance, Public.com is completely free to use, with a few minor fees for things like paper statements and weak wire transfers. TD Ameritrade is mainly free too, but it charges for specific services like mutual fund commission and live broker fees.

When it comes to user-friendliness, both platforms shine, but in different ways. Public.com is all app-based and focuses on simple, straightforward trading. Meanwhile, TD Ameritrade brings an intuitive web platform with many features, plus a mobile app for on-the-go use. It might take some time for beginners to master the layout, but it’s capable.

Public.com and TD Ameritrade also differ in how they generate their revenue. As of February 2021, Public.com discarded the traditional ‘payment-for-order-flow’ method and introduced optional tipping, giving users more control. In contrast, TD Ameritrade emphasizes fast execution and efficient order routing.

In terms of data and research, Public.com makes the investing journey more engaging with investment themes, while TD Ameritrade provides free access to in-depth courses, videos, and stock chart analysis.

Ultimately, choosing between these two services depends on what kind of investor you are. If you’re new to investing or are interested in a socially inclined, easy-to-navigate platform, Public.com might be your best bet. However, if you’re a short-term, active trader in search of robust resources and rapid execution, TD Ameritrade could be your go-to spot.

Both platforms are top-tier options and offer a low-cost entry point for both rookies and seasoned investors. It all boils down to what you’re looking for in your investment journey. Happy investing!