Independent Audit Report
Gusto
VS
Oxygen

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
Gusto
Full-Service Payroll, Benefits & HR Platform
Best For Small to mid-sized US businesses wanting an all-in-one payroll, benefi
Core Fee Simple: $49/month + $6/employee; Plus: $80/month + $12/emplo
Settlement Next-day direct deposit on Plus and above; AutoPilot runs re
Visit Gusto ↗
Oxygen
Digital Banking & Financial Services for SMBs
Best For Small businesses and startups wanting modern banking with integrated f
Core Fee Free basic plan; premium plans available with subscription f
Settlement Quick account opening; real-time transaction alerts; mobile-
Visit Oxygen ↗
Full 20-Point Audit Matrix
Verified current data across all key decision criteria
20 Criteria Compared
Audit Criterion Gusto Oxygen
WealthBlueprint RatingOverall score vs. all reviewed platforms (out of 5 stars)
5/5
Gusto: rated on fees, features, safety & ease of use
3/5
Oxygen: rated on fees, features, safety & ease of use
Transaction FeesPer-transfer costs, domestic & international
Simple: $49/month + $6/employee; Plus: $80/month + $12/employee; Premium: $180/month + $22/employee; Contractor Only: $35/month + $6/contractor; base fee raised March 2026 Free basic plan; premium plans available with subscription fees; not publicly listed
FX / Conversion SpreadMarkup above mid-market exchange rate
Gusto 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
Oxygen 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
Subscription-based — Gusto charges a recurring fee starting at Simple: $49/month + $6/employe.
Fees subject to change — verify before signing up
No monthly fees — Oxygen does not charge recurring maintenance fees.
Fees subject to change — verify before signing up
Card Issuance FeesVirtual and physical card creation costs
Gusto does not primarily offer physical cards — access is digital-first.
Check Gusto app for current card fees
Oxygen offers virtual and physical cards. Card issuance is typically included at no extra cost.
Check Oxygen app for current card fees
Domestic SettlementLocal bank transfer completion time
Gusto
Next-day direct deposit on Plus and above; AutoPilot runs re
VS
Oxygen
Quick account opening; real-time transaction alerts; mobile-
Both platforms offer comparable settlement speeds.
Cross-Border SpeedInternational corridor settlement time
Gusto 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
Oxygen 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
Gusto publishes service status updates on its official status page for transparency.
Check Gusto status page for incident history
Oxygen publishes service status updates on its official status page for transparency.
Check Oxygen status page for incident history
Regulatory LicensesGoverning bodies and jurisdictions
SOC 2 Type II certified; 256-bit encryption; all payroll tax filings automated and guaranteed compliant; FDIC-insured spending accounts via partner banks; IRS compliance alerts included
✓ Licensed
Banking via partner FDIC-insured institutions; standard security; fraud monitoring
✓ Licensed
Deposit InsuranceGovernment-backed protection scheme
FDIC insured — your funds are protected up to applicable limits.
Verify current coverage directly with Gusto
FDIC insured — your funds are protected up to applicable limits.
Verify current coverage directly with Oxygen
2FA & AuthenticationMulti-factor security implementation
Gusto supports 2FA via authenticator app or SMS. Check security settings for available methods.
Enable 2FA immediately after opening your account
Oxygen offers multi-factor authentication. Enable 2FA in account security settings. Biometric and PIN options vary by device.
Enable 2FA immediately after opening your account
Fraud DetectionAI/ML-powered transaction monitoring
Gusto employs automated transaction monitoring. Suspicious activity triggers alerts and temporary holds.
✓ Real-time monitoring
Oxygen monitors transactions for anomalies in real time. You can freeze your card instantly from the app.
✓ Real-time monitoring
Ideal Use CasePrimary audience and core value proposition
Gusto
Small to mid-sized US businesses wanting an all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform with automated tax filing, digital onboarding, and 150+ integrations including QuickBooks
Oxygen
Small businesses and startups wanting modern banking with integrated financial tools
Platform ClassificationRegulatory and product category
Full-Service Payroll, Benefits & HR Platform Digital Banking & Financial Services for SMBs
Withdrawal LimitsDaily / weekly transfer and cash-out caps
Gusto withdrawal limits vary by account type and KYC level.
Log in to see your current limits
Oxygen applies daily and monthly withdrawal limits based on your account verification tier.
Log in to see your current limits
Supported CurrenciesFiat and digital asset coverage
Gusto supports the currencies and assets listed in its official documentation.
Check Gusto official site for full currency list
Oxygen supports the currencies and assets listed in its official documentation.
Check Oxygen official site for full currency list
App Store RatingAggregate iOS + Android user satisfaction
Gusto app ratings reflect recent user sentiment — check the App Store/Google Play for current scores.
Verify live ratings on the App Store
Oxygen is available on both iOS and Android. Rating varies by region.
Verify live ratings on the App Store
Customer SupportAvailable resolution pathways and SLA
Gusto routes support through its official help channels. Priority queue access varies by plan.
Check Gusto help centre for current support options
Oxygen offers in-app support and email. Response times may vary by account tier.
Check Oxygen help centre for current support options
KYC Verification SpeedAccount activation timeline post-submission
Gusto KYC timelines depend on document quality and account type.
Verify current wait times in the Gusto app
Oxygen typically verifies personal accounts within minutes to 24 hours with a valid ID.
Verify current wait times in the Oxygen app
Overall VerdictWealthBlueprint independent recommendation
Gusto WINS with 5/5 stars vs 3/5.

Why: Gusto excels at Small to mid-sized US businesses wanting an all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform with automated tax filing, digital onboarding, and 150+ integrations including QuickBooks.

✓ Choose Gusto if Small to mid-sized US businesses wanting
➜ Oxygen is still solid for Small businesses and startups wanting mo
Official WebsiteVisit platform to sign up or verify current fees
Visit Gusto ↗ Visit Oxygen ↗
WealthBlueprint Verdict Summary
Gusto — Best For
Small to mid-sized US businesses wanting an all-in-one payroll, benefits, and HR platform with automated tax filing, digital onboarding, and 150+ integrations including QuickBooks
✓ Strong in its core category
Oxygen — Best For
Small businesses and startups wanting modern banking with integrated financial tools
✓ Strong in its core category

Not sure which is right for you?

Take our 2-minute financial literacy quiz to understand which platforms align with your income profile and goals.

From the WealthBlueprint Library

Expanding your financial knowledge pays dividends.

📖 Best Business Credit Cards 📖 SPY vs VOO: Why SPY is Outperforming
More Comparisons Worth Reading

Gusto users often explore these comparisons before making a final decision.

🔍 Karat vs Acorns: Independent Audit 🔍 Karat vs Arrived: Independent Audit