Independent Audit Report
Phantom
VS
Public.com

A comprehensive 20-point independent audit covering fees, FX rates, settlement architecture, regulatory standing, customer protection, and real-world performance benchmarks.

20 Audit Criteria Independent Analysis Current Verified Data Live Benchmarks
Phantom
Self-Custody Multi-Chain Crypto Wallet
Best For Solana-first DeFi users, NFT collectors, and Web3 traders wanting a no
Core Fee Free to download and use; 0.85% swap fee on in-wallet token
Settlement Instant in-app token swaps via Jupiter (Solana) and 1inch (E
Visit Phantom ↗
Public.com
Social Investing Platform & Bond Marketplace
Best For Investors wanting access to stocks, ETFs, bonds (7% yield Bond Account
Core Fee $0 commissions on stocks & ETFs; 0.49% annual fee on generat
Settlement Instant fractional share investing from $1; Bond Account set
Visit Public.com ↗
Full 20-Point Audit Matrix
Verified current data across all key decision criteria
20 Criteria Compared
Audit Criterion Phantom Public.com
WealthBlueprint RatingOverall score vs. all reviewed platforms (out of 5 stars)
4/5
Phantom: rated on fees, features, safety & ease of use
4/5
Public.com: rated on fees, features, safety & ease of use
Transaction FeesPer-transfer costs, domestic & international
Free to download and use; 0.85% swap fee on in-wallet token swaps; no fee to send/receive; blockchain network gas fees apply per transaction; no account minimum $0 commissions on stocks & ETFs; 0.49% annual fee on generated assets (AI-curated ETFs); crypto fees via third-party; Premium subscription available
FX / Conversion SpreadMarkup above mid-market exchange rate
Phantom charges a conversion fee based on the currency pair and transfer amount. Always verify the all-in rate before sending.
Always check the live rate in the app
Public.com charges a conversion fee based on the currency pair and transfer amount. Always verify the all-in rate before sending.
Always check the live rate in the app
Account MaintenanceMonthly or annual account-keeping charges
No monthly fees — Phantom does not charge recurring maintenance fees.
Fees subject to change — verify before signing up
Public.com applies account maintenance charges as described in its fee schedule. Pricing may vary by region.
Fees subject to change — verify before signing up
Card Issuance FeesVirtual and physical card creation costs
Phantom does not primarily offer physical cards — access is digital-first.
Check Phantom app for current card fees
Public.com does not primarily offer physical cards — access is digital-first.
Check Public.com app for current card fees
Domestic SettlementLocal bank transfer completion time
Phantom
Instant in-app token swaps via Jupiter (Solana) and 1inch (E
VS
Public.com
Instant fractional share investing from $1; Bond Account set
Both platforms offer comparable settlement speeds.
Cross-Border SpeedInternational corridor settlement time
Phantom supports cross-border transfers via its payment rails. Actual delivery depends on the receiving bank and any compliance holds.
Check the app for live estimates
Public.com supports cross-border transfers via its payment rails. Actual delivery depends on the receiving bank and any compliance holds.
Check the app for live estimates
Uptime / ReliabilityReported annual platform availability rate
Phantom publishes service status updates on its official status page for transparency.
Check Phantom status page for incident history
Public.com publishes service status updates on its official status page for transparency.
Check Public.com status page for incident history
Regulatory LicensesGoverning bodies and jurisdictions
Non-custodial — private keys stored on user device; audited by Kudelski Security; blocklist of 50,000+ malicious domains; transaction simulation previews; Ledger hardware wallet integration; SEC/CFTC classified SOL as digital commodity March 2026
✓ Licensed
FINRA/SIPC member (up to $500,000); SEC-registered broker-dealer; 256-bit encryption; 2FA; Public Investing Inc. registered with SEC
✓ Licensed
Deposit InsuranceGovernment-backed protection scheme
Phantom holds funds with regulated partner banks. Deposit insurance coverage may apply.
Verify current coverage directly with Phantom
Public.com holds funds with regulated partner banks. Deposit insurance coverage may apply.
Verify current coverage directly with Public.com
2FA & AuthenticationMulti-factor security implementation
Phantom supports 2FA via authenticator app or SMS. Check security settings for available methods.
Enable 2FA immediately after opening your account
Public.com supports 2FA via authenticator app or SMS. Check security settings for available methods.
Enable 2FA immediately after opening your account
Fraud DetectionAI/ML-powered transaction monitoring
Phantom monitors transactions for anomalies in real time. You can freeze your card instantly from the app.
✓ Real-time monitoring
Public.com employs automated transaction monitoring. Suspicious activity triggers alerts and temporary holds.
✓ Real-time monitoring
Ideal Use CasePrimary audience and core value proposition
Phantom
Solana-first DeFi users, NFT collectors, and Web3 traders wanting a non-custodial wallet supporting Solana, Ethereum, Bitcoin, Base, Polygon, and Sui in one app
Public.com
Investors wanting access to stocks, ETFs, bonds (7% yield Bond Account), crypto, IPOs, fractional shares, and AI-powered generated asset portfolios
Platform ClassificationRegulatory and product category
Self-Custody Multi-Chain Crypto Wallet Social Investing Platform & Bond Marketplace
Withdrawal LimitsDaily / weekly transfer and cash-out caps
Phantom applies daily and monthly withdrawal limits based on your account verification tier.
Log in to see your current limits
Public.com withdrawal limits vary by account type and KYC level.
Log in to see your current limits
Supported CurrenciesFiat and digital asset coverage
Phantom supports the currencies and assets listed in its official documentation.
Check Phantom official site for full currency list
Public.com supports the currencies and assets listed in its official documentation.
Check Public.com official site for full currency list
App Store RatingAggregate iOS + Android user satisfaction
Phantom is available on both iOS and Android. Rating varies by region.
Verify live ratings on the App Store
Public.com app ratings reflect recent user sentiment — check the App Store/Google Play for current scores.
Verify live ratings on the App Store
Customer SupportAvailable resolution pathways and SLA
Phantom offers support through its help centre and official contact channels.
Check Phantom help centre for current support options
Public.com routes support through its official help channels. Priority queue access varies by plan.
Check Public.com help centre for current support options
KYC Verification SpeedAccount activation timeline post-submission
Phantom typically verifies personal accounts within minutes to 24 hours with a valid ID.
Verify current wait times in the Phantom app
Public.com KYC timelines depend on document quality and account type.
Verify current wait times in the Public.com app
Overall VerdictWealthBlueprint independent recommendation
IT'S A TIE — both score 4/5 stars.

Choose Phantom if you need: Solana-first DeFi users, NFT collectors, and Web3 traders wanting a non-custodial wallet supporting Solana, Ethereum, Bitcoin, Base, Polygon, and Sui in one app.
Choose Public.com if you need: Investors wanting access to stocks, ETFs, bonds (7% yield Bond Account), crypto, IPOs, fractional shares, and AI-powered generated asset portfolios.

➜ Your choice depends on your specific needs
Official WebsiteVisit platform to sign up or verify current fees
Visit Phantom ↗ Visit Public.com ↗
WealthBlueprint Verdict Summary
Phantom — Best For
Solana-first DeFi users, NFT collectors, and Web3 traders wanting a non-custodial wallet supporting Solana, Ethereum, Bitcoin, Base, Polygon, and Sui in one app
✓ Strong in its core category
Public.com — Best For
Investors wanting access to stocks, ETFs, bonds (7% yield Bond Account), crypto, IPOs, fractional shares, and AI-powered generated asset portfolios
✓ Strong in its core category

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