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Public IRA Match: Highlights
Public.com is currently offering a 1% IRA match on eligible contributions made to a Public Traditional IRA or Roth IRA. This promotion gives retirement savers a modest bonus when they put new money into an IRA through Public.
The offer is easy to understand: Public matches 1% of eligible IRA contributions, up to the annual IRA contribution limit. For example, a $1,000 IRA contribution would receive a $10 match. A $7,500 contribution would receive a $75 match.
How the 1% IRA Match Works
To qualify for the match, you must make an eligible contribution to a Public IRA. Public’s terms describe an eligible contribution as a new deposit of at least $1.00 made through either a one-time contribution or a recurring contribution.
The contribution must successfully settle, and it must be made before the IRA contribution limit for the year has already been reached. Contributions made through dividends, rewards, or other promotions do not count as eligible contributions.
How Much Can You Earn?
The bonus amount is based on how much you contribute. Since the match is 1%, the bonus equals $1 for every $100 contributed.
If you contribute $500, the match would be $5. If you contribute $2,000, the match would be $20. If you contribute the full $7,500 IRA limit, the match would be $75.
Investors who are age 50 or older may be able to contribute more because of the IRA catch-up contribution. With an $8,600 contribution, the 1% match would be $86.
Does the Match Count Toward the IRA Limit?
Public treats the IRA match as interest earned inside the IRA account. This means the match does not count against the annual IRA contribution limit.
This matters because investors can still contribute up to the IRS limit, while the Public match is added separately on top of that amount.
5-Year Holding Requirement
Public requires matched funds to remain in the account for at least 5 years. If money or securities are taken out of the account during the holding period, Public may charge an early removal fee.
The early removal fee can apply to withdrawals, rollovers, transfers, account closures, excess contribution removals, and other funds removed from the account. Because of this rule, the promotion works best for investors who expect to keep their IRA at Public for several years.
When Is the Match Paid?
Public’s terms say the match is generally credited within about 30 days after the contribution settles. However, payment may take longer if Public needs extra time to review the account or contribution.
Public IRA Transfer Match Note
Public’s IRA page also refers to IRA transfers and 401(k) rollovers. However, the latest terms state that the IRA and ACATS transfer offer period ends on May 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Since promotional rules can change, investors should review Public’s current terms before transferring an IRA or rolling over a 401(k) to qualify for a bonus.
Bottom Line
Public’s 1% IRA match is a simple retirement promotion for investors who want to contribute to a Traditional or Roth IRA. The bonus is not huge, but it is easy to understand and can provide extra value for people who already planned to fund an IRA.
The main point to keep in mind is the 5-year holding rule. If you think you may move your IRA soon, the match may not be worth it. But if you plan to keep your retirement account at Public for the long run, the 1% match can be a useful additional benefit.
Updated on 6/3/2026.
Arthur Chachuna is a professional personal finance blogger, and the owner of Brokerage-Review.com.
He has been an avid investor for 25 years, and has a background in both applied math and programming.
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