If you're into building your investment portfolio with a little extra cash, here's a deal that's worth a look. Public, the brokerage app known for its social trading features, has brought back its referral bonus. Both you and the person you refer can snag $100 in a stock or ETF of your choice, provided they make a deposit of at least $1,000. It's a straightforward offer, but there are a few strings attached that you should know about before you start sharing your link.
What's the Deal?
Public is running a referral promotion where both the existing customer and the new sign-up get $100 in a stock or ETF. The catch? The newbie has to fund their account with at least $1,000 to trigger the bonus. Once that deposit lands, the reward is credited, but you can't just cash out immediately—it has to sit in your account for a full year.
This isn't a one-time thing; Public has brought this offer back before. It was available in January 2026 and again at the end of August 2026. So if you missed it the first time, here's your second chance.
Who Can You Refer?
Before you go posting your referral link all over social media, read the fine print. Public's terms say you can only refer people you have a direct, personal relationship with. That means no spamming strangers, no buying traffic, and no commercial advertising. They're pretty strict about this, and if you violate it, you could miss out on the bonus entirely.
So, think friends, family, or that coworker you actually chat with. Just don't be that person who drops their link in a random Facebook group—it's against the rules and could get you disqualified.
Why This Could Be Worth Your Time
If you're already using Public or have been thinking about opening an account, this is a low-effort way to earn $100. You don't need to jump through hoops like setting up direct deposit or making a certain number of trades. Just refer someone you know, they deposit a grand, and you both get a free stock or ETF.
Plus, $100 is a decent chunk of change compared to some other brokerage promos that offer less or require larger deposits. And since you get to pick the stock or ETF, you can choose something you actually believe in, which is a nice touch.
What to Watch Out For
The 12-month holding period is the big one. That $100 isn't liquid—you can't sell it or transfer it out for a year. If you're someone who likes to move money around often, this might be a dealbreaker. Make sure you're okay with tying up that amount for that long.
Also, the deposit requirement is $1,000, which isn't pocket change. Make sure the person you're referring is comfortable with that amount. And remember, the bonus is only paid after the deposit is made, so there's no way to get the reward without the upfront cash.
Finally, double-check the current terms on Public's official referral page before you rely on this offer. Promotions can change, and you don't want to be caught off guard by updated rules.
Bottom Line
- Refer a friend to Public with a $1,000+ deposit to earn $100 in stock/ETF for both of you.
- The reward must stay in your account for 12 months—plan accordingly.
- Only refer people you know personally; spamming or commercial solicitation is prohibited.
- Check Public's official terms for the latest details before participating.
Common Questions
How do I get the $100 bonus?
You need to refer someone you have a direct personal relationship with. They must open a new Public account and deposit at least $1,000. Once that's done, both of you receive $100 in a stock or ETF of your choice.
Can I withdraw the $100 immediately?
No, the $100 reward must stay in your account for 12 months. You can't sell or transfer it during that period.
Is this offer available to existing Public users?
Yes, the referral bonus is for existing customers who refer new users. If you're not yet a Public customer, you can sign up and then refer others once your account is active.
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