Public Integration

Public is a US brokerage that supports stocks, ETFs and options, including index options. RelayDesk connects to Public using OAuth: you authorize the connection on Public's site, and you never enter API keys or share your password with RelayDesk.

Before you start

You need an approved Public brokerage account. If you don't have one, apply at public.com. Public approves most applications the same day. To trade options, your Public account also needs options trading approval.

Public supports live trading only in RelayDesk, so bots using a Public connection trade real money. Test new bots on an Alpaca paper account first.

Connect your Public account

1. In RelayDesk, open Settings > Brokers.
2. Under Available brokers, choose Public.
3. Log in on Public's site and authorize RelayDesk.

Your Public account appears under Connected accounts. Select Test to check the connection. From then on, RelayDesk keeps a live view of your Public positions and syncs realized and unrealized P&L to your dashboard.

What you can trade

Through Public, RelayDesk bots can trade US stocks, ETFs and options, including index options. The position size limits and risk caps you set in RelayDesk apply to every order your bots send to Public.

Fees and rebates

• Public charges $0 commission on options and on regular-hours stock and ETF trades.
• Public's Options Rebate Program pays $0.06 to $0.18 per contract. The rate depends on the underlying, whether the order is placed through the API, and your monthly trading volume.
• Regulatory pass-through fees (ORF, OCC and SEC) still apply.

Rates are set by Public and can change. See the Public integration page and Public's fee schedule for current details.

If something doesn't work

• Authorization fails: confirm your Public account is approved and in good standing, then try connecting again from Settings > Brokers.
• An options order is rejected: check that your Public account has the options approval level the trade requires, and that the bot's position size fits your buying power.
• The connection shows as disconnected: reconnect from Settings > Brokers. Bots using that connection can't place orders until it's restored.

Other brokers

RelayDesk also supports Alpaca and Tradier, and we add brokers regularly. See the integrations page for every supported broker and the roadmap for what's coming.

Options trading carries significant risk and isn't appropriate for every investor.