Public.com vs SoFi Invest® 2025
In this head to head comparison of Public.com vs SoFi Invest®, 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 Public.com vs SoFi Invest®, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
When deciding between Public.com and SoFi Invest® for your investment needs, it's important to consider their distinctive offerings. Both platforms excel in certain areas, but your choice should depend on your individual investment goals. If you're interested in a wide range of investment options, SoFi Invest® might be more appealing with its inclusion of mutual funds and IRA accounts. However, if your focus is on crypto trading, Public.com offers a significant advantage by providing access to 22 different cryptocurrencies, whereas SoFi Invest® does not support crypto trading at all. Both platforms are closely rated, with each earning a 3.5-star rating for their range of investments.
Public.com and SoFi Invest® both offer various trading opportunities, including stocks, options, and fractional shares. Additionally, both brokers facilitate margin trading and trading of OTC stocks, aligning with the diverse trading needs of investors. However, Public.com does not offer futures or forex trading, and it lacks traditional IRA and Roth IRA options, which SoFi Invest® does provide. Furthermore, SoFi Invest® stands out for offering advisor services, which can be beneficial for investors seeking guided financial advice for their portfolios.
The choice between Public.com and SoFi Invest® hinges on particular priorities. Whether your focus lies in cryptocurrency, offered by Public.com, or more traditional investment vehicles, like mutual funds and IRAs provided by SoFi Invest®, understanding these differences is crucial. Ultimately, both platforms offer unique advantages that cater to different investor preferences, earning them similar rankings for their range of investments according to StockBrokers.com.
Feature |
|
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Stock Trading | Yes | Yes |
Margin Trading | Yes | Yes |
Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes |
OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes |
Mutual Funds | No | Yes |
Options Trading | Yes | Yes |
Futures Trading | No | No |
Crypto Trading | Yes | No |
Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 22 | 0 |
Range of Investments |
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Dive deeper: Best Options Trading Platforms for 2025, Best Futures Trading Platforms for 2025
When considering online trading platforms, both Public.com and SoFi Invest® present basic options, with Public.com slightly edging ahead in terms of features. Neither broker offers a downloadable trading platform for Windows or Mac, nor do they provide paper trading or trading journals, which could be limiting for users looking for advanced trading tools. Public.com, however, allows users to add index overlays to charts, a feature absent in SoFi Invest®. Overall, Public.com receives a 2-star rating versus SoFi Invest®'s 1.5 stars for their trading platforms, ranking 14th and 15th respectively out of 15 brokers on StockBrokers.com.
Both brokers offer a browser-based trading platform, serving users who need a straightforward way to manage their investments online. The watch list functionality is similar for both platforms, offering three columns to organize important stocks. However, both Public.com and SoFi Invest® lack technical indicators, drawing tools, and options to customize or annotate charts. Neither platform allows users to adjust open orders directly on the stock chart or show historical trades and corporate events on charts.
Regarding customization, both Public.com and SoFi Invest® do not permit users to save multiple chart profiles or create custom studies for charts. The platforms are also limited without the option to set custom date ranges or show automated technical analysis. With no customization fields present for moving average studies, traders seeking dynamic charting capabilities might find these platforms lacking. However, for users focusing on basic features and ease of use, both brokers offer a simple and accessible starting point for online trading.
Feature |
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Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
Desktop Trading Platform | No | No |
Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | No |
Paper Trading | No | No |
Watch Lists - Total Fields | 3 | 3 |
Charting - Indicators / Studies | 0 | 0 |
Charting - Drawing Tools | 0 | 0 |
Platforms & Tools |
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Dive deeper: Best Online Brokerage Accounts for 2025, Best Paper Trading Platforms for 2025
When it comes to educating beginner investors and providing key learning resources, Public.com and SoFi Invest® both bring notable strengths to the table. Public.com offers educational content on stocks, ETFs, and options, supplemented with videos and webinars to enhance understanding. However, it lacks materials for mutual funds and bonds, and it doesn't provide the ability to engage in paper trading or track learning progress. Public.com receives a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars for its educational offerings, ranked #12 among 15 brokers surveyed.
On the other hand, SoFi Invest® stands out with education on stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, and bonds, providing a more comprehensive learning platform for beginner investors. Although SoFi Invest® does not offer educational videos, it compensates with webinars and educational support that earns it a higher rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Additionally, SoFi Invest® is ranked #6 for education out of 15 brokers by StockBrokers.com, indicating a better position in terms of educational resources for new investors.
Feature |
|
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Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes |
Education (ETFs) | Yes | Yes |
Education (Options) | Yes | Yes |
Education (Mutual Funds) | No | Yes |
Education (Bonds) | No | Yes |
Paper Trading | No | No |
Videos | Yes | No |
Webinars | Yes | Yes |
Education |
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Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2025
When evaluating stock trading apps, both Public.com and SoFi Invest® present unique offerings but also share similarities. Both platforms boast iPhone and Android apps, ensuring accessibility for most smartphone users. However, neither has ventured into the realm of Apple Watch apps. One of the significant distinctions lies in their mobile options trading capabilities—Public.com offers this feature, whereas SoFi Invest® does not. Additionally, Public.com provides the ability to customize watch list columns and display stock comparisons on charts, giving it a slight edge in chart personalization.
Both trading platforms allow users to engage in after-hours stock trading on mobile devices, a useful feature for those who prefer flexibility in their trading hours. Despite this, neither offers streaming quotes, live TV, nor videos on demand, focusing instead on core trading functionalities. Regarding charting capabilities, both Public.com and SoFi Invest® support viewing multiple time frames. However, neither platform includes technical studies or allows for landscape mode viewing, hinting at some limitations in charting features.
In terms of market perception, both Public.com and SoFi Invest® receive an average rating of 3.5 stars out of five for their stock trading apps. When ranked among 15 brokers by StockBrokers.com, Public.com holds the 14th position, slightly outperforming SoFi Invest®, which ranks 15th. While both platforms have their merits, Public.com offers a few more functionalities that might appeal to traders looking for additional customization and options trading on mobile. However, potential investors should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing between these two brokers.
Feature |
|
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iPhone App | Yes | Yes |
Android App | Yes | Yes |
Apple Watch App | No | No |
Stock Alerts | No | No |
Charting - After-Hours | No | No |
Charting - Technical Studies | 0 | 0 |
Mobile Trading Apps |
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Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps for 2025
When comparing Public.com and SoFi Invest® for account fees and charges, each platform has unique advantages. Public.com requires a $20 minimum deposit, whereas SoFi Invest® offers flexibility with no minimum deposit requirement. Though both brokers provide commission-free trading on stocks and options contracts, Public.com holds an edge in margin trading fees and options-related fees. Meanwhile, SoFi Invest® attracts those seeking zero annual fees for IRA accounts, even though its closure fees are slightly higher.
Delving deeper into margin fees, Public.com offers more competitive rates, especially for balances above $50,000, with an 8.75% rate for amounts below $50,000 and a reduced 6.75% for balances ranging from $50,000 to $99,999. In contrast, SoFi Invest® maintains a steady margin fee of 11.25% across all tiers. Additionally, Public.com charges $75 for both partial and full account transfers via ACAT, while SoFi Invest® imposes a higher fee of $100 for the same services.
Furthermore, Public.com stands out with no fees for options exercises and assignments, a stark difference from SoFi Invest's $5 charge for each. While both platforms offer commission-free trading, it's clear that Public.com presents cost-effective solutions for active traders, particularly those engaging in options and margin trading. Conversely, SoFi Invest® remains appealing for investors focusing on IRA savings and seeking no minimum deposit requirements.
Feature |
|
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Minimum Deposit | $20.00 | $0.00 |
Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Options (Per Contract) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $5.00 |
Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $5.00 |
IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | |
IRA Closure Fee | $20.00 |
Dive deeper: Best Free Trading Platforms for 2025
If you're considering day trading with Public.com or SoFi Invest®, it's essential to understand the capabilities they provide. Both platforms are designed for ease of use but don't offer specialized day trading tools. Neither Public.com nor SoFi Invest® provides streaming time and sales for stocks, streaming live TV, or direct market routing. Additionally, they lack ladder trading features, trading hotkeys for quick trade entry, and more advanced capabilities like level 2 quotes or strategy backtesting. This means that more complex day trading strategies might be hard to implement on these platforms.
For traders interested in using specialized tools for more strategic trades, both Public.com and SoFi Invest® might not meet all your needs. They don't offer a short locator tool to check real-time availability of shortable shares, nor do they provide order liquidity rebates. Potential users seeking these components for day trading should consider this aspect carefully. While both platforms have their strengths, such as low fees and user-friendly interfaces, dedicated day traders may find the lack of advanced features limiting.
Feature |
|
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Streaming Time & Sales | No | No |
Streaming TV | No | No |
Direct Market Routing - Stocks | No | No |
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | No | No |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No |
Short Locator | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Day Trading Platforms for 2025
When it comes to comparing the market research capabilities of Public.com and SoFi Invest®, potential investors may find Public.com to be the more equipped platform. With a focus on providing stock and ETF research, plus insights into Pink Sheets and OTCBB, Public.com outshines SoFi Invest®, which lacks offerings in these areas. Despite both platforms having room for improvement, Public.com clearly has the upper hand with its range of market research tools, as reflected in its higher rating of 2 out of 5 stars compared to SoFi Invest®'s 0.5 stars.
On delving deeper into the specifics of their research features, Public.com covers research for stocks, ETFs, and Pink Sheets/OTCBB, helping users gain a better understanding of these assets. However, neither platform excels in providing resources for mutual funds, bonds, or detailed ESG insights. Investors seeking comprehensive insights that encompass all asset classes might find both platforms lacking in certain areas, as Public.com does not offer information on portfolio allocation by asset class, a feature available with SoFi Invest®.
In terms of extra tools, neither Public.com nor SoFi Invest® offers downloadable PDF research reports, screeners for trade ideas, or social media sentiment data, which some investors may find limiting. These factors contribute to their lower rankings compared to other brokers, with Public.com being rated #12 out of 15 brokers by StockBrokers.com and SoFi Invest® sitting at the #15 spot. For investors who prioritize extensive market research, alternative platforms may prove to be more beneficial.
Feature |
|
![]() |
---|---|---|
Research - Stocks | Yes | No |
Screener - Stocks | No | No |
Research - ETFs | Yes | No |
Screener - ETFs | No | No |
Research - Mutual Funds | No | No |
Screener - Mutual Funds | No | No |
Research - Bonds | No | No |
Screener - Bonds | No | No |
Research |
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When it comes to banking options, SoFi Invest® stands out with a comprehensive range of services, making it a one-stop shop for users. Unlike Public.com, which does not provide any banking services, SoFi Invest® provides checking and savings accounts, debit and credit cards, as well as mortgage loans, offering better flexibility for managing your finances. While neither platform offers certificates of deposit (CDs), SoFi Invest® covers almost all other essential banking needs, making it a better choice for those seeking integrated financial services alongside their investment platform.
Feature |
|
![]() |
---|---|---|
Checking Accounts | No | Yes |
Savings Accounts | No | Yes |
Debit Cards | No | Yes |
Credit Cards | No | Yes |
Mortgage Loans | No | Yes |
CDs | No | No |
Dive deeper: Best Bank Accounts for Trading Stocks for 2025
After opening live accounts and testing 15 of the best online brokers, our research and live account testing finds that Public.com is better than SoFi Invest®. Public.com finished with an overall score of 69.6%, while SoFi Invest® finished with a score of 64.6%.
Public is easy to use and offers a fascinating array of investment options. Along with stocks, ETFs, and crypto, there are managed Treasury bill accounts and alternative investments, such as shares in comic books and Banksy art. On the downside, Public uses its refusal to accept payment for order flow as justification for some startlingly high fees and spreads.
When comparing online brokers, Public.com stands out by offering crypto trading with access to 22 different coins, while SoFi Invest® does not provide any crypto trading options, which may influence the decision-making process for investors interested in cryptocurrency markets.
Dive deeper: Best Online Brokers for Crypto Trading in 2025
Public.com does not offer traditional or Roth IRA accounts, whereas SoFi Invest® provides both types of IRA accounts with no annual fee but charges a $20.00 closure fee.
Dive deeper: Best IRA Accounts for 2025
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2 of 5Overall Rating | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
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Platforms & Tools |
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Mobile Trading Apps |
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Research |
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Customer Service | N/A |
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Education |
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Ease Of Use |
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Winner | check_circle | ||
Review | Public.com Review | SoFi Invest® Review |
Broker Screenshots | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
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Trading Platform & Tools Gallery (click to expand) | |||
Research Gallery (click to expand) | |||
Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand) | |||
Education Gallery (click to expand) |
Trading Fees | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $20.00 | $0.00 | |
Stock Trades | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
Penny Stock Fees (OTC) | $2.99 | N/A | |
Mutual Fund Trade Fee | n/a | $0 | |
Options (Per Contract) | $0.00 | $0.00 | |
Futures (Per Contract) | (Not offered) | $0.00 | |
Broker Assisted Trade Fee | n/a | N/A |
Margin Rates | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Margin Rate Under $25,000 | 8.75% | 11.25% | |
Margin Rate $25,000 to $49,999.99 | 8.75% | 11.25% | |
Margin Rate $50,000 to $99,999.99 | 6.75% | 11.25% | |
Margin Rate $100,000 to $249,999.99 | 6.75% | 11.25% | |
Margin Rate $250,000 to $499,999.99 | 5.75% | 11.25% | |
Margin Rate $500,000 to $999,999.99 | 5.75% | 11.25% | |
Margin Rate Above $1,000,000 | 5.75% | 11.25% |
Account Fees | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
IRA Annual Fee | $0.00 | ||
IRA Closure Fee | $20.00 | ||
Account Transfer Out (Partial) | $75.00 | $100.00 | |
Account Transfer Out (Full) | $75.00 | $100.00 | |
Options Exercise Fee | $0.00 | $5.00 | |
Options Assignment Fee | $0.00 | $5.00 |
Investment Options | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Stock Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Margin Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes | |
OTC Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
Options Trading | Yes | Yes | |
Complex Options Max Legs | 0 | 0 | |
Futures Trading | No | No | |
Forex Trading | No | No | |
Crypto Trading | Yes | No | |
Crypto Trading - Total Coins | 22 | 0 | |
Mutual Funds (No Load) | 0 | 0 | |
Mutual Funds (Total) | 0 | 6000 | |
Bonds (US Treasury) | Yes | No | |
Bonds (Corporate) | Yes | No | |
Bonds (Municipal) | No | No | |
Traditional IRAs | No | Yes | |
Roth IRAs | No | Yes | |
Advisor Services | No | Yes | |
International Countries (Stocks) | 0 | 0 |
Order Types | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Order Type - Market | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Limit | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - After Hours | Yes | Yes | |
Order Type - Stop | Yes | No | |
Order Type - Trailing Stop | No | No | |
Order Type - OCO | No | No | |
Order Type - OTO | No | No | |
Order Type - Broker Assisted | No | No |
Beginners | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Education (Stocks) | Yes | Yes | |
Education (ETFs) | Yes | Yes | |
Education (Options) | Yes | Yes | |
Education (Mutual Funds) | No | Yes | |
Education (Bonds) | No | Yes | |
Education (Retirement) | Yes | Yes | |
Retirement Calculator | No | No | |
Investor Dictionary | Yes | Yes | |
Paper Trading | No | No | |
Videos | Yes | No | |
Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
Progress Tracking | No | No | |
Interactive Learning - Quizzes | No | No |
Stock Trading Apps | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
iPhone App | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
Apple Watch App | No | No | |
Trading - Stocks | Yes | Yes | |
Trading - After-Hours | Yes | Yes | |
Trading - Simple Options | Yes | No | |
Trading - Complex Options | No | No | |
Order Ticket RT Quotes | Yes | Yes | |
Order Ticket SRT Quotes | No | No |
Stock App Features | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Market Movers (Top Gainers) | Yes | Yes | |
Stream Live TV | No | No | |
Videos on Demand | No | No | |
Stock Alerts | No | No | |
Option Chains Viewable | Yes | No | |
Watch List (Real-time) | Yes | Yes | |
Watch List (Streaming) | No | No | |
Watch Lists - Create & Manage | No | No | |
Watch Lists - Column Customization | Yes | No |
Stock App Charting | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Charting - After-Hours | No | No | |
Charting - Can Turn Horizontally | No | No | |
Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
Charting - Technical Studies | 0 | 0 | |
Charting - Study Customizations | No | No | |
Charting - Stock Comparisons | Yes | No |
Trading Platforms | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Active Trading Platform | n/a | N/A | |
Desktop Trading Platform | No | No | |
Desktop Platform (Mac) | No | No | |
Web Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
Paper Trading | No | No | |
Trade Journal | No | No | |
Watch Lists - Total Fields | 3 | 3 |
Stock Chart Features | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Charting - Adjust Trades on Chart | No | No | |
Charting - Indicators / Studies | 0 | 0 | |
Charting - Drawing Tools | 0 | 0 | |
Charting - Notes | No | No | |
Charting - Index Overlays | Yes | No | |
Charting - Historical Trades | No | No | |
Charting - Corporate Events | No | No | |
Charting - Custom Date Range | No | No | |
Charting - Custom Time Bars | No | No | |
Charting - Automated Analysis | No | No | |
Charting - Save Profiles | No | No | |
Trade Ideas - Technical Analysis | No | No | |
Charting - Study Customizations | 0 | 0 | |
Charting - Custom Studies | No | No |
Day Trading | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Streaming Time & Sales | No | No | |
Streaming TV | No | No | |
Direct Market Routing - Stocks | No | No | |
Ladder Trading | No | No | |
Trade Hotkeys | No | No | |
Level 2 Quotes - Stocks | No | No | |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting | No | No | |
Trade Ideas - Backtesting Adv | No | No | |
Short Locator | No | No | |
Order Liquidity Rebates | No | No |
Research Overview | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Research - Stocks | Yes | No | |
Research - ETFs | Yes | No | |
Research - Mutual Funds | No | No | |
Research - Pink Sheets / OTCBB | Yes | No | |
Research - Bonds | No | No | |
Screener - Stocks | No | No | |
Screener - ETFs | No | No | |
Screener - Mutual Funds | No | No | |
Screener - Bonds | No | No | |
Misc - Portfolio Allocation | No | Yes |
Stock Research | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Stock Research - PDF Reports | 0 | 0 | |
Stock Research - Earnings | Yes | No | |
Stock Research - Insiders | No | No | |
Stock Research - Social | No | No | |
Stock Research - News | Yes | Yes | |
Stock Research - ESG | No | No | |
Stock Research - SEC Filings | No | No |
ETF Research | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
ETFs - Strategy Overview | Yes | Yes | |
ETF Fund Facts - Inception Date | Yes | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Expense Ratio | Yes | Yes | |
ETF Fund Facts - Net Assets | Yes | No | |
ETF Fund Facts - Total Holdings | No | No | |
ETFs - Top 10 Holdings | No | Yes | |
ETFs - Sector Exposure | No | No | |
ETFs - Risk Analysis | No | No | |
ETFs - Ratings | No | No | |
ETFs - Morningstar StyleMap | No | No | |
ETFs - PDF Reports | No | No |
Mutual Fund Research | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Mutual Funds - Strategy Overview | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Performance Chart | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Performance Analysis | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Prospectus | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - 3rd Party Ratings | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Fees Breakdown | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Top 10 Holdings | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Asset Allocation | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Sector Allocation | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - Country Allocation | No | No | |
Mutual Funds - StyleMap | No | No |
Options Trading | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Option Chains - Basic View | No | Yes | |
Option Chains - Strategy View | No | No | |
Option Chains - Streaming | No | No | |
Option Chains - Total Columns | 4 | 0 | |
Option Chains - Greeks | 5 | 0 | |
Option Chains - Quick Analysis | Yes | No | |
Option Analysis - P&L Charts | Yes | No | |
Option Probability Analysis | No | No | |
Option Probability Analysis Adv | No | No | |
Option Positions - Greeks | Yes | No | |
Option Positions - Greeks Streaming | No | No | |
Option Positions - Adv Analysis | No | No | |
Option Positions - Rolling | No | No | |
Option Positions - Grouping | No | No |
Banking | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Bank (Member FDIC) | No | Yes | |
Checking Accounts | No | Yes | |
Savings Accounts | No | Yes | |
Credit Cards | No | Yes | |
Debit Cards | No | Yes | |
Mortgage Loans | No | Yes |
Customer Service | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
---|---|---|---|
Phone Support (Prospect Customers) | No | Yes | |
Phone Support (Current Customers) | No | Yes | |
Email Support | Yes | No | |
Live Chat (Prospect Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
Live Chat (Current Customers) | Yes | Yes | |
24/7 Support | No | No |
Overall | Public.com | SoFi Invest® | |
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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 | Public.com Review | SoFi Invest® Review |