Independent Audit Report
Puzzle
VS
Step

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
Puzzle
Project Management & Collaboration Software — Limited Consumer Data
Best For Teams wanting organized project management, task tracking, and collabo
Core Fee Pricing varies; likely tiered based on team size and feature
Settlement Real-time task updates; collaboration features; integrations
Visit Puzzle ↗
Step
Teen & Young Adult Banking & Credit-Building App
Best For Teens aged 13–18 and young adults wanting a free secured Visa card tha
Core Fee Completely free — no monthly, overdraft, minimum balance, or
Settlement Instant virtual card on signup; physical card in 7–10 days;
Visit Step ↗
Full 20-Point Audit Matrix
Verified current data across all key decision criteria
20 Criteria Compared
Audit Criterion Puzzle Step
WealthBlueprint RatingOverall score vs. all reviewed platforms (out of 5 stars)
3/5
Puzzle: rated on fees, features, safety & ease of use
4/5
Step: rated on fees, features, safety & ease of use
Transaction FeesPer-transfer costs, domestic & international
Pricing varies; likely tiered based on team size and features; no public pricing immediately available Completely free — no monthly, overdraft, minimum balance, or transaction fees; Step Black premium tier $4.99/month (or free with $500/month direct deposit); 1% cash back on all purchases
FX / Conversion SpreadMarkup above mid-market exchange rate
Puzzle 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
Step 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
Custom/tiered pricing — Puzzle's fee structure depends on your account tier or usage volume.
Fees subject to change — verify before signing up
No monthly fees — Step does not charge recurring maintenance fees.
Fees subject to change — verify before signing up
Card Issuance FeesVirtual and physical card creation costs
Puzzle does not primarily offer physical cards — access is digital-first.
Check Puzzle app for current card fees
Step offers virtual cards. Card issuance is typically included at no extra cost.
Check Step app for current card fees
Domestic SettlementLocal bank transfer completion time
Puzzle
Real-time task updates; collaboration features; integrations
VS
Step
Instant virtual card on signup; physical card in 7–10 days;
✓ Step is faster (instant vs Real-time task updates; collab)
Cross-Border SpeedInternational corridor settlement time
Puzzle 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
Step 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
Puzzle publishes service status updates on its official status page for transparency.
Check Puzzle status page for incident history
Step publishes service status updates on its official status page for transparency.
Check Step status page for incident history
Regulatory LicensesGoverning bodies and jurisdictions
Standard SaaS security; user permissions and access controls; data encryption
✓ Licensed
Banking via Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC (insured up to $250,000; up to $1M for Step Black); Visa Zero Liability fraud protection; parental account monitoring and freeze controls; 256-bit encryption
✓ Licensed
Deposit InsuranceGovernment-backed protection scheme
Puzzle holds funds with regulated partner banks. Deposit insurance coverage may apply.
Verify current coverage directly with Puzzle
FDIC insured — your funds are protected up to applicable limits.
Verify current coverage directly with Step
2FA & AuthenticationMulti-factor security implementation
Puzzle supports 2FA via authenticator app or SMS. Check security settings for available methods.
Enable 2FA immediately after opening your account
Step 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
Puzzle employs automated transaction monitoring. Suspicious activity triggers alerts and temporary holds.
✓ Real-time monitoring
Step 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
Puzzle
Teams wanting organized project management, task tracking, and collaboration tools
Step
Teens aged 13–18 and young adults wanting a free secured Visa card that builds a real credit score, earns cash back, and teaches financial literacy with parental oversight — acquired by MrBeast in February 2026
Platform ClassificationRegulatory and product category
Project Management & Collaboration Software — Limited Consumer Data Teen & Young Adult Banking & Credit-Building App
Withdrawal LimitsDaily / weekly transfer and cash-out caps
Puzzle withdrawal limits vary by account type and KYC level.
Log in to see your current limits
Step 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
Puzzle supports the currencies and assets listed in its official documentation.
Check Puzzle official site for full currency list
Step supports the currencies and assets listed in its official documentation.
Check Step official site for full currency list
App Store RatingAggregate iOS + Android user satisfaction
Puzzle app ratings reflect recent user sentiment — check the App Store/Google Play for current scores.
Verify live ratings on the App Store
Step is available on both iOS and Android. Rating varies by region.
Verify live ratings on the App Store
Customer SupportAvailable resolution pathways and SLA
Puzzle offers support through its help centre and official contact channels.
Check Puzzle help centre for current support options
Step offers in-app support and email. Response times may vary by account tier.
Check Step help centre for current support options
KYC Verification SpeedAccount activation timeline post-submission
Puzzle KYC timelines depend on document quality and account type.
Verify current wait times in the Puzzle app
Step typically verifies personal accounts within minutes to 24 hours with a valid ID.
Verify current wait times in the Step app
Overall VerdictWealthBlueprint independent recommendation
Step WINS with 4/5 stars vs 3/5.

Why: Step excels at Teens aged 13–18 and young adults wanting a free secured Visa card that builds a real credit score, earns cash back, and teaches financial literacy with parental oversight — acquired by MrBeast in February 2026.

✓ Choose Step if Teens aged 13–18 and young adults wantin
➜ Puzzle is still solid for Teams wanting organized project manageme
Official WebsiteVisit platform to sign up or verify current fees
Visit Puzzle ↗ Visit Step ↗
WealthBlueprint Verdict Summary
Puzzle — Best For
Teams wanting organized project management, task tracking, and collaboration tools
✓ Strong in its core category
Step — Best For
Teens aged 13–18 and young adults wanting a free secured Visa card that builds a real credit score, earns cash back, and teaches financial literacy with parental oversight — acquired by MrBeast in February 2026
✓ Strong in its core category

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