Independent Audit Report
Ellevest
VS
H&R Block

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
Ellevest
Women-Focused Wealth Management Firm
Best For High-net-worth women ($500,000+) seeking gender-aware portfolio manage
Core Fee 0.35%–1.25% AUM fee for wealth management ($500,000+ minimum
Settlement Personalized advisory onboarding; portfolio management by de
Visit Ellevest ↗
H&R Block
Tax Preparation & Financial Services
Best For Tax filers wanting professional-assisted or DIY tax preparation with i
Core Fee DIY: $0-$85+ federal; Assisted: $89-$300+; varies by complex
Settlement Fast online filing; in-person appointments available; mobile
Visit H&R Block ↗
Full 20-Point Audit Matrix
Verified current data across all key decision criteria
20 Criteria Compared
Audit Criterion Ellevest H&R Block
WealthBlueprint RatingOverall score vs. all reviewed platforms (out of 5 stars)
3/5
Ellevest: rated on fees, features, safety & ease of use
3/5
H&R Block: rated on fees, features, safety & ease of use
Transaction FeesPer-transfer costs, domestic & international
0.35%–1.25% AUM fee for wealth management ($500,000+ minimum); flat $3,600/year for financial planning only; automated investing discontinued Feb 2025 (moved to Betterment) DIY: $0-$85+ federal; Assisted: $89-$300+; varies by complexity and service level
FX / Conversion SpreadMarkup above mid-market exchange rate
Ellevest 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
H&R Block 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
Ellevest applies account maintenance charges as described in its fee schedule. Pricing may vary by region.
Fees subject to change — verify before signing up
Custom/tiered pricing — H&R Block's fee structure depends on your account tier or usage volume.
Fees subject to change — verify before signing up
Card Issuance FeesVirtual and physical card creation costs
Ellevest does not primarily offer physical cards — access is digital-first.
Check Ellevest app for current card fees
H&R Block does not primarily offer physical cards — access is digital-first.
Check H&R Block app for current card fees
Domestic SettlementLocal bank transfer completion time
Ellevest
Personalized advisory onboarding; portfolio management by de
VS
H&R Block
Fast online filing; in-person appointments available; mobile
Both platforms offer comparable settlement speeds.
Cross-Border SpeedInternational corridor settlement time
Ellevest 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
H&R Block 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
Ellevest publishes service status updates on its official status page for transparency.
Check Ellevest status page for incident history
H&R Block publishes service status updates on its official status page for transparency.
Check H&R Block status page for incident history
Regulatory LicensesGoverning bodies and jurisdictions
SEC-registered investment advisor (RIA); over $2B in AUM; fiduciary standard legally bound to act in client interest; all-female advisory team
✓ Licensed
100% accuracy guarantee; maximum refund guarantee; over 60 years in business; IRS-approved e-file provider
✓ Licensed
Deposit InsuranceGovernment-backed protection scheme
Ellevest holds funds with regulated partner banks. Deposit insurance coverage may apply.
Verify current coverage directly with Ellevest
H&R Block holds funds with regulated partner banks. Deposit insurance coverage may apply.
Verify current coverage directly with H&R Block
2FA & AuthenticationMulti-factor security implementation
Ellevest supports 2FA via authenticator app or SMS. Check security settings for available methods.
Enable 2FA immediately after opening your account
H&R Block 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
Ellevest employs automated transaction monitoring. Suspicious activity triggers alerts and temporary holds.
✓ Real-time monitoring
H&R Block employs automated transaction monitoring. Suspicious activity triggers alerts and temporary holds.
✓ Real-time monitoring
Ideal Use CasePrimary audience and core value proposition
Ellevest
High-net-worth women ($500,000+) seeking gender-aware portfolio management, CFP-staffed advisory team, impact investing, and holistic financial planning
H&R Block
Tax filers wanting professional-assisted or DIY tax preparation with in-person office and virtual options
Platform ClassificationRegulatory and product category
Women-Focused Wealth Management Firm Tax Preparation & Financial Services
Withdrawal LimitsDaily / weekly transfer and cash-out caps
Ellevest withdrawal limits vary by account type and KYC level.
Log in to see your current limits
H&R Block withdrawal limits vary by account type and KYC level.
Log in to see your current limits
Supported CurrenciesFiat and digital asset coverage
Ellevest supports the currencies and assets listed in its official documentation.
Check Ellevest official site for full currency list
H&R Block supports the currencies and assets listed in its official documentation.
Check H&R Block official site for full currency list
App Store RatingAggregate iOS + Android user satisfaction
Ellevest app ratings reflect recent user sentiment — check the App Store/Google Play for current scores.
Verify live ratings on the App Store
H&R Block 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
Ellevest offers support through its help centre and official contact channels.
Check Ellevest help centre for current support options
H&R Block offers support through its help centre and official contact channels.
Check H&R Block help centre for current support options
KYC Verification SpeedAccount activation timeline post-submission
Ellevest KYC timelines depend on document quality and account type.
Verify current wait times in the Ellevest app
H&R Block KYC timelines depend on document quality and account type.
Verify current wait times in the H&R Block app
Overall VerdictWealthBlueprint independent recommendation
IT'S A TIE — both score 3/5 stars.

Choose Ellevest if you need: High-net-worth women ($500,000+) seeking gender-aware portfolio management, CFP-staffed advisory team, impact investing, and holistic financial planning.
Choose H&R Block if you need: Tax filers wanting professional-assisted or DIY tax preparation with in-person office and virtual options.

➜ Your choice depends on your specific needs
Official WebsiteVisit platform to sign up or verify current fees
Visit Ellevest ↗ Visit H&R Block ↗
WealthBlueprint Verdict Summary
Ellevest — Best For
High-net-worth women ($500,000+) seeking gender-aware portfolio management, CFP-staffed advisory team, impact investing, and holistic financial planning
✓ Strong in its core category
H&R Block — Best For
Tax filers wanting professional-assisted or DIY tax preparation with in-person office and virtual options
✓ Strong in its core category

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