Public Account Types

Public offers two main types of brokerage accounts for trading: Cash Accounts and Margin Accounts.

• Cash Account: This is the most common type of account where investors use their own funds to purchase securities. It allows for flexibility in trading, enabling users to buy and sell stocks, bonds, ETFs, and options without borrowing money. Cash accounts are generally recommended for beginners as they limit the risk to only the cash available in the account.

• Margin Account: This account allows investors to borrow money from Public to purchase securities, using their existing investments as collateral. While this can increase potential returns, it also raises the risk of larger losses, as investors are responsible for paying back the borrowed amount with interest. Margin accounts typically have higher minimum balance requirements and are suited for more experienced traders.

Public Broker Account Opening Process

Opening a brokerage account with Public is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps:

• Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the United States.

• Application: Start by visiting the Public website or app and filling out the registration form. You will need to provide:

• Legal name
• Address
• Phone number
• Social Security number

• Verification: After submitting your application, you will need to verify your identity by providing a government-issued ID. Public may allow you to take a picture of your ID for faster processing.

• Experience Survey: You will be asked about your investing experience to help Public tailor the services provided to your needs.

• Funding Your Account: A minimum deposit of $20 is required to start trading. You can fund your account via bank transfer, debit card, or by transferring funds from another brokerage.

• Start Trading: Once your account is funded, you can begin trading immediately, even if your deposit is still settling. Public provides instant buying power upon deposit initiation.

This process is designed to be user-friendly, allowing new investors to get started quickly and easily.