Transfer Your Brokerage Account to Public
You can transfer your brokerage account to Public using the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS). This process allows you to move whole shares of your investments without selling them, which may help you avoid potential tax implications*. If your firm does not participate in this system, we can assist with a Non-ACAT transfer. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
How to Start a Transfer
You can begin your transfer directly through the Public app or website.
In the app: Tap the ☰ menu in the top left corner and select Transfer accounts to Public.
On the website: Click the ☰ menu in the top right corner and select Transfer my stocks.
If you’re transferring $5,000 or more, Public will reimburse transfer fees up to $100 once the transfer is complete. Make sure your transferring account has enough cash to cover the fee upfront—the credit will appear after your transfer settles.
Transfer Timelines
ACAT transfers usually take 7–10 business days to process if everything goes smoothly. Occasionally, transfers can take longer if the request is rejected or corrections are needed.
Non-ACAT transfers typically take 2–4 weeks to complete, depending on the institutions involved and the accuracy of the information provided.
If your transfer includes options positions, please note that it may be rejected if any of the options are set to expire within 7 business days of the request. We recommend submitting your transfer well before expiration dates to allow adequate processing time.
Full vs. Partial Transfers
When moving assets to Public, you can request either a Full Transfer or a Partial Transfer.
A Full Transfer moves all of your eligible assets (whole shares and cash) to Public. Once completed, your current brokerage account will be closed.
A Partial Transfer lets you specify which stocks and how many shares you’d like to move, keeping your existing account open.
Important Notes
Unsupported Assets: Public currently does not support mutual funds. If any unsupported assets are received, they can be manually liquidated by our support team. You can also avoid this by choosing a Partial Transfer for only your stock positions.
Margin Balances: Margin balances may be transferred if you have an approved margin account at Public. If you do not have a margin account, please ensure any margin balances are fully resolved before submitting your transfer.
Fractional Shares and Crypto: Fractional shares and cryptocurrency positions cannot be transferred through ACATS. Your current brokerage may liquidate these and send the proceeds as cash to your Public account once the transfer is complete if a full transfer is elected. Check with your existing broker for details on their specific policies.
Need Help?
Our Member Support team is here to help if you have questions about the transfer process. You can reach us anytime through in-app chat or by emailing support@public.com.
*Public.com does not provide tax advice. Please consult a qualified tax professional for guidance regarding your individual circumstances.