Independent Audit Report
MetaMask
VS
Stash

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
MetaMask
Self-Custodial Crypto Wallet & DeFi Gateway
Best For Anyone wanting a secure, self-custodial wallet to interact with Ethere
Core Fee Free wallet; network fees apply for transactions; features p
Settlement Instant on-chain transactions; integrated swaps with bridgin
Visit MetaMask ↗
Stash
Hybrid DIY + Automated Investing App
Best For Beginners who want flexibility to choose 4,000+ stocks and ETFs manual
Core Fee Stash Growth $3/month (brokerage + bank account + IRA); Stas
Settlement Instant virtual debit card; fractional shares from $1; Stock
Visit Stash ↗
Full 20-Point Audit Matrix
Verified current data across all key decision criteria
20 Criteria Compared
Audit Criterion MetaMask Stash
WealthBlueprint RatingOverall score vs. all reviewed platforms (out of 5 stars)
4/5
MetaMask: rated on fees, features, safety & ease of use
3/5
Stash: rated on fees, features, safety & ease of use
Transaction FeesPer-transfer costs, domestic & international
Free wallet; network fees apply for transactions; features premium subscription (Transaction Protection). Stash Growth $3/month (brokerage + bank account + IRA); Stash+ $9/month (+ 2 custodial accounts + metal debit card)
FX / Conversion SpreadMarkup above mid-market exchange rate
MetaMask 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
Stash 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 — MetaMask does not charge recurring maintenance fees.
Fees subject to change — verify before signing up
Subscription-based — Stash charges a recurring fee starting at Stash Growth $3/month (brokera.
Fees subject to change — verify before signing up
Card Issuance FeesVirtual and physical card creation costs
MetaMask does not primarily offer physical cards — access is digital-first.
Check MetaMask app for current card fees
Stash does not primarily offer physical cards — access is digital-first.
Check Stash app for current card fees
Domestic SettlementLocal bank transfer completion time
MetaMask
Instant on-chain transactions; integrated swaps with bridgin
VS
Stash
Instant virtual debit card; fractional shares from $1; Stock
Both platforms offer comparable settlement speeds.
Cross-Border SpeedInternational corridor settlement time
MetaMask 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
Stash 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
MetaMask publishes service status updates on its official status page for transparency.
Check MetaMask status page for incident history
Stash publishes service status updates on its official status page for transparency.
Check Stash status page for incident history
Regulatory LicensesGoverning bodies and jurisdictions
Self-custodial, meaning you control your keys; Transaction Protection subscription provides up to $10,000/month in coverage; AI-agent wallet with mandatory security checks.
✓ Licensed
FINRA/SIPC member (up to $500,000); Stash banking FDIC insured via Stride Bank; 256-bit encryption; biometric login
✓ Licensed
Deposit InsuranceGovernment-backed protection scheme
MetaMask holds funds with regulated partner banks. Deposit insurance coverage may apply.
Verify current coverage directly with MetaMask
FDIC insured — your funds are protected up to applicable limits.
Verify current coverage directly with Stash
2FA & AuthenticationMulti-factor security implementation
MetaMask supports 2FA via authenticator app or SMS. Check security settings for available methods.
Enable 2FA immediately after opening your account
Stash 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
MetaMask monitors transactions for anomalies in real time. You can freeze your card instantly from the app.
✓ Real-time monitoring
Stash employs automated transaction monitoring. Suspicious activity triggers alerts and temporary holds.
✓ Real-time monitoring
Ideal Use CasePrimary audience and core value proposition
MetaMask
Anyone wanting a secure, self-custodial wallet to interact with Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin, and other major blockchains, including DeFi and NFT users.
Stash
Beginners who want flexibility to choose 4,000+ stocks and ETFs manually or use auto-investing, plus earn stock rewards on everyday purchases
Platform ClassificationRegulatory and product category
Self-Custodial Crypto Wallet & DeFi Gateway Hybrid DIY + Automated Investing App
Withdrawal LimitsDaily / weekly transfer and cash-out caps
MetaMask applies daily and monthly withdrawal limits based on your account verification tier.
Log in to see your current limits
Stash withdrawal limits vary by account type and KYC level.
Log in to see your current limits
Supported CurrenciesFiat and digital asset coverage
MetaMask supports the currencies and assets listed in its official documentation.
Check MetaMask official site for full currency list
Stash supports the currencies and assets listed in its official documentation.
Check Stash official site for full currency list
App Store RatingAggregate iOS + Android user satisfaction
MetaMask is available on both iOS and Android. Rating varies by region.
Verify live ratings on the App Store
Stash 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
MetaMask offers support through its help centre and official contact channels.
Check MetaMask help centre for current support options
Stash offers support through its help centre and official contact channels.
Check Stash help centre for current support options
KYC Verification SpeedAccount activation timeline post-submission
MetaMask typically verifies personal accounts within minutes to 24 hours with a valid ID.
Verify current wait times in the MetaMask app
Stash KYC timelines depend on document quality and account type.
Verify current wait times in the Stash app
Overall VerdictWealthBlueprint independent recommendation
MetaMask WINS with 4/5 stars vs 3/5.

Why: MetaMask excels at Anyone wanting a secure, self-custodial wallet to interact with Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin, and other major blockchains, including DeFi and NFT users.. It also has a simpler fee structure (Free wallet; network fees apply for transactions; ...).

✓ Choose MetaMask if Anyone wanting a secure, self-custodial
➜ Stash is still solid for Beginners who want flexibility to choose
Official WebsiteVisit platform to sign up or verify current fees
Visit MetaMask ↗ Visit Stash ↗
WealthBlueprint Verdict Summary
MetaMask — Best For
Anyone wanting a secure, self-custodial wallet to interact with Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin, and other major blockchains, including DeFi and NFT users.
✓ Strong in its core category
Stash — Best For
Beginners who want flexibility to choose 4,000+ stocks and ETFs manually or use auto-investing, plus earn stock rewards on everyday purchases
✓ 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

Smart investors read widely — these might help.

📖 Dividend Alternatives for Passive Income 📖 How to Turn $10,000 into $100,000
More Comparisons Worth Reading

Want a fuller picture before committing to MetaMask? These audits help.

🔍 Karat vs Betterment: Independent Audit 🔍 Karat vs Gemini: Independent Audit