Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/03/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Public.com deposited my **** rollover check into a brokerage account instead of a **** account. I transferred it from the brokerage account to the **** account. Shortly after, I decided not to keep the rollover in Public due to problems with security, and I asked Fidelity, the original rollover account and issuer of the check, to stop the check. Public.com then took any remaining funds in my brokerage account, several hundred dollars. After several requests from me, they refused to allow me to transfer funds from my **** account back to the brokerage account to correct for the stopped check. Today, management started illegally buying and selling shares in my **** account when a stock in my **** account grew nearly 400% in one morning and replaced it with a much less valuable stock. The gains in the stock were removed from my **** account by **********. They are playing illegal games as retaliation for me keeping my funds with ********.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/04/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********,

  A corporate (stock) merger took place as part of my portfolio, which explained the referenced problems   I am now awaiting the business to allow me access to my account so that I can withdraw my money, so that may need addressed in the future   

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ********
  
  
  
   
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/27/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I sent them $2500 for what I thought was crypto, they said they need to activate it but they took too long so I just try to withdraw it to my bank account. It wouldn't let me withdraw to my original payment method so I added a new bank account they wanted a bunch of documents they took forever to get back to me then they gave me the runaround several times I sent them all the documents they wanted and just kept giving me the runaround again and kept s******* up and because they took too long holding my money I filed a dispute with my bank but my bank hasn't credited me yet, I told them this but that I would drop the dispute if they refund my original payment method that if they don't trust my new bank account there's no reason they can't refund my original payment method in which case I will drop the dispute. Because of that they're refusing to help me while holding on to my money

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/29/2025

  Hi ****** Thank you for reaching out. Since we're in a heavily regulated industry, we are required to verify bank account ownership on withdrawals. We kindly ask that you provide us with a photo of your valid government issued ID and proof of bank account ownership in the form of a recent bank statement. We have submitted a withdrawal to the bank account linked in your account. Standard withdrawals take 3-5 business days to arrive in your connected bank account from the date the withdrawal was initiated.

  Please let us know if you have any further questions via email at *********************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/23/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On May 28, 2025, I transferred my **** *** from Ally Invest to Public.com via ACAT. Since then, Public.com and its clearing partner **** have mishandled my account and failed to correct serious errors, despite repeated contact.Timeline:May 28, 2025 **** *** ACAT transfer completed. AGNC shares (*****+) were marked as sold at ****, then reappeared and were sold again at Public. This broke account continuity.June 10, 2025 Account incorrectly classified as a margin account, despite being a **** *** (cash-only by law). This caused a $13,849 margin call and misclassified my cash-secured puts as naked positions.JuneAugust 2025 Despite multiple secure messages, phone calls, and a formal complaint, Public.com has not corrected these errors. I was unable to trade properly and forced to rely on my brokerage account.August 2025 With no resolution, I filed for FINRA arbitration.Code ********************** rules A **** *** may not use or permit margin (26 U.S.C. 408). Public/Apex violated this by classifying the account as margin-enabled.FINRA Rule 2150 (Improper Use of ******************* or Funds) Mishandling and duplicate liquidation of **** shares.FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) Failure to act with fairness and integrity in handling retirement assets.SEC Customer Protection Rule ******** Failure to safeguard customer securities and properly segregate retirement account ************************************** mishandling of my **** *** since May 28th has placed my retirement savings at risk, created potential IRS/tax consequences, and denied me proper trading access. These are not minor service issues but systemic violations of securities regulations.I request correction of account errors, restitution of losses, and confirmation that my **** *** is restored to proper cash-only status.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/05/2025

  Dea* *** ***************** you for your patience while we reviewed your inquiry. Weve prepared the following summary of your discussions with our member support team and the events that occurred in your account.

  May 29, 2025: Our Firm received an incoming account transfer of a **** *** from *****************

  June 4, 2025: ***** shares of **** were sold for a total net of $13,830.84. The proceeds were used to purchase shares for assigned options on *****

  June 10, 2025: Our clearing firm, Apex Clearing, received indication from Ally that a pending limit order to sell ***** shares of **** executed on their books. This sale was subsequently transferred to Public via ACAT residual sweep, creating a short position for the shares already sold in the account, as well as inflated cash proceeds of $14,228.75.

  June 11, 2025: Our Firm requested our clearing agent cancel the trade that was transferred to us.

  June 16, 2025: Our support team recommended you reach out to Ally for further details of the transaction that occurred to result in them reporting to us the shares had been sold. Additionally, our Firm worked with our clearing agent to correct the account type the trade correction was posted as, **** had originally made the update to type 2, margin, however, your **** account is and always has been, Type 1, Cash. After much consultation with Apex, this was corrected on July 11.

  June 20, 2025: While awaiting confirmation of the completion trade rebill back to Ally, our support team notified you that any purchases with funds generated from the two sales of the **** position that caused the short would result in a debit balance on the account, which would need to be covered.

  July 3, 2025: While continuing to await the rebill of the trade from our clearing agent, support again reviewed with you what had occurred during your transfer. As explained, Ally failed to fully restrict your account during the processing of the outgoing transfer, and cancel any open orders, which in turn allowed you to sell shares that were marked to be delivered to our Firm. Our clearing agent then received indication the shares were sold, and the sell trade was transferred to our Firm as per the full outgoing transfer instructions. It was also suggested that you preemptively generate cash to cover any debit balance created from using the proceeds from the two sales.

  July 9, 2025: You indicated to our support team that the shares were pulled back from Ally and never should have appeared in your account with our Firm.

  July 24, 2025: Our clearing agent confirmed that the trade had been rebooked to Ally. This reversal caused the sold **** and ULTY 8/15 Put contracts you held in your account to no longer be collateralized, and the account in a maintenance call of $13,769.02.

  August 15: Compliance reiterated again that to keep the put contracts collateralized, you would need to free up the cash in your positions. We also indicated another option was to repurchase the puts, which were due to expire that day. The **** contracts were purchased to close, and the **** contracts expired, removing the maintenance call in the account.

  August 18: Our firm requested **** to restore the **** May 2025 dividend for $183.65 that was revered due to the short position. 

  August 29: The **** May dividend was restored to the account. 
  
  Please note, it is the delivering firms responsibility to ensure accounts marked for outgoing transfer are restricted for all activity, including trade orders, to ensure the transfer processes smoothly as instructed. When our Firm receives shares from another firm, we allow all assets to be traded based on the good faith that the shares have been transferred from the delivering firm accurately, and are free and clear.

  We again reiterate that your account was opened as, and always has been, a Cash account. Our procedures do not allow for ***'s to be opened as margin accounts. However, we would like to note that several of your positions with Ally were transferred to our firm as margin positions, which had to be corrected to a cash account type by our firm. These details are included in your account statements with our firm, as well as your statements with Ally.

  The Firm understands your frustration, however, unfortunately, the events that occurred were the result of a trade Ally allowed to remain on the books during and after the transfer process, and the margin account type of which your positions were transferred.
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/19/2025

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Today, August 19th. you guys took $895 from my ********* There are also fraudulent transactions with my other checking account. Not sure what this is about and upon further review of my checking account transaction history there are more than 1 transaction withdrawal going to this company. Ive never done business with you guys before, never given you my account information. I believe my identity mightve been compromised and used to open an account on your service. I will be contacting my Bank about this unauthorized ACH DEBIT of $895 as well as the other transactions. You dont have permission to take anything from my account. I didnt authorize you!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/22/2025

  Hi ******, Thank you for reaching out and letting us know. Wed love to review your account and go over these transactions with you as soon as possible. Please reach out to us in the app or by email at ********************************* and well be happy to help. We look forward to hearing from you.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/19/2025

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am attempting to withdraw $1300 from this brokerage account. They have asked me verify my identity, but will stop asking for more verification. I have provided them 3 recent bank statements linked to my brokerage account, and another copy of my drivers license. Their response is to remove the withdrawal option from my account and keep the money.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/20/2025

  Hi ******, Thank you for reaching out. Since we're in a heavily regulated industry, we are required to verify bank account ownership on withdrawals. We kindly ask that you provide us with a photo of your valid government issued ID and proof of bank account ownership in the form of a recent bank statement. We have verified your documentation and the ability to withdraw has been enabled in your account. We appreciate your patience and cooperation. Please let us know if you have any questions in the in-app chat or by email at *********************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/30/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have a smaller account with ******************** this began in February .I noticed I couldnt buy stocks and couldnt withdraw my money they said to provide a copy of my bank statement something about anti laundering money. I said to them Im laundering $500? They said I had to provide them with copy of bank statement even they had my checking number as this was where I was transferring money .I went to the bank got a copy of my statement sent to where they said they answered back that wasnt sufficient it had my account number mine and my wifes name on the paper I sent them. They then told me it wasnt good enough it didnt have the banks seal..I did have $510.when I recently checked it was 491. This company is owned by the employees just give me my money back and we can be done I use other investment firms never asked for this info

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/01/2025

  Hi *****, Thank you for reaching out. Since we're in a heavily regulated industry, we require members to have a verified bank connection before withdrawing funds. In situations where we cant verify your bank account, we kindly ask that you provide us with a photo of your valid government issued ID and proof of bank account ownership in the form of a recent bank statement. As soon as we receive this documentation, we can complete the verification process. 

  We will be on the lookout for your documentation. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us in the apps *********** or by emailing us a *********************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/30/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I can't access my account - it has indicated that I had invalid credentials (but I do have the correct password because I use a PW app); I tried forgot password multiple times and have not been successful in accessing my account. ********************** has no telephone customer support. I have reached out using "Help" online and the response was I was going to be transferred to another department, but then nothing. I contacted them through email and have not received a response. I have never had issues with this account. I asked my husband to access his account, and he does not have any issues. I am very concerned that I am unable to access my account and there is nobody to reach out to for help.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/31/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ***
  
  
  
   
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/25/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I deposited a significant portion of my savings with Public as their HYSA currently offers better rates than any competitors.When I attempted to withdraw a part of those funds about a week later to cover an unexpected expense, Public refused to pay out, at first not even telling me why, and after days coming back to re-request my ID (ok, its banking after all) and detailed statements of all my connected bank accounts to Verify ownership. Communication is dragging on for days on each message, and they are unwilling to accept redacted statements without transactions and balances, which to any reasonable human would be plenty to show ************ far, this so-called bank refusing access to my funds and not communicating requirements in advance has already forced me to take out a high-interest loan to cover expenses my savings could have easily taken care of, and I am at this point looking for them to pay out all my funds and close my accounts.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/30/2025

  Hi **** ***** you for reaching out. Since we are in a highly regulated industry, there are strict regulations in regards to the movement of funds. There are certain situations that require us to verify a member's bank ownership prior to a withdrawal, by requesting a picture of your ID and a recent unredacted bank statement showing ownership. This is all done to ensure the safety and security of your account. As soon as we verify your bank statement, we can provide the next steps. Please reach out to us directly in the app or by email at ******************************** with any questions. ***** you.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/04/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and while it contains no information beyond than the boilerplates I have been getting before, the matter has been resolved.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *** *****
  
  
  
   
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/10/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have a cash account with ********************** a Brokerage firm. they have frozen my account in the value of $8,370.42 for 8 days now, claiming they could not verify my bank account even tough the money was successfully withdrawn and 50% of the deposit was already invested in stocks on their platform, after relentless chats and email correspondence they finally admitted the bank account was indeed verified but still refused to clear the remaining 50% balance for trading or withdrawal. After my many attempts to get them to release and clear my funds they felt I was to aggressive and decided to close my account completely and ban me from trading, to which I had no problem but still refuse to release my funds and proceed with withdrawal until 7/11/2025.I have been a client with Public.com since 2022 using the very same bank account with no problems, all of a sudden it became a problem because they are insolvent and use the clients funds to trade high paying Call and Put Options for their personal profit before they release the funds.Below is my account number with **********************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/11/2025

  Hi Horia, Thank you for reaching out. There is a 3-business-day hold on withdrawing the deposited funds, allowing time for the deposit to process. Your bank account has been verified and the funds from your deposit have settled and are available to withdraw. 

  Heres how to start a withdrawal on the mobile app:
  1. Select the menu icon (=) in the top left corner of the screen
  2. Select Withdraw

  Due to continued violations of our community guidelines, that you agree to when opening an account, we will not be able to support your account going forward. If you have any further questions, please let us know via email at ********************************* Thank you.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/11/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  Even though they claim the money was available to withdraw, upon submitting the withdrawal request the amount requested remained as a full balance in the account and a message popped claiming it would take 10 to 11 business days to clear. That is unacceptable. They are buying another ***** business days hoping I would give up the matter. The time is ridiculous as is, and if the money has not cleared I would have to file another complaint involving more wasted time. 

   

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ******
  
  
  
  
   
  

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/28/2025

  Hi Horia, Thank you for following up. It looks like you were able to with your funds on July 21st. Please let us know if you have any further questions, please reach out to us via email at ********************************************************. 
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/06/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  2025 account established started monthly deposits unable to get access into account after getting locked out. demand for account closure by company ignored traded at least two crypto currency stocks rest cash now about ****** cash balance received paper statements an have bank statements of transactions. seeking account closure including monthly automatic deposits selling of any crypto and a paper check of the amount in account.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/06/2025

  Hi *******, Thank you for reaching out. While were sad to see you go, were more than happy to help you close out your positions and withdraw your funds back to you. Your recurring deposits have been canceled and we have responded to each of your inquiries, but have not received any responses from you. 

  Were available to help via email at ********************************* please reach out to us as soon as possible. Thank you.