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Head-to-Head Comparison

BNY Mellon vs Shakepay

BNY Mellon leads overall with a score of 76/100. BNY Mellon wins in 3 categories, Shakepay wins in 2.
Custody & SecurityEase of UseFeesFeaturesTransparencySupportBNY MellonShakepay
Category
BNY Mellon
B
Shakepay
C+
Overall Score
76
63
Custody & Security
35% weight
88
40
Ease of Use
20% weight
58
88
Fees
15% weight
55
72
Features
10% weight
62
62
Transparency
10% weight
85
58
Support
10% weight
78
65
Category Breakdown
Custody & Security
35% of overall score
88
BNY Mellon
vs
40
Shakepay
Ease of Use
20% of overall score
58
BNY Mellon
vs
88
Shakepay
Fees
15% of overall score
55
BNY Mellon
vs
72
Shakepay
Features
10% of overall score
62
BNY Mellon
vs
62
Shakepay
Transparency
10% of overall score
85
BNY Mellon
vs
58
Shakepay
Support
10% of overall score
78
BNY Mellon
vs
65
Shakepay
Fee Comparison
BNY Mellon
Custom institutional pricing
Min: Institutional only
Shakepay
~1.5% spread
Min: $0
Custody Features
BNY Mellon
Multisig
Multi-Institution
No Single Point of Failure
Segregated Accounts
Proof of Reserves
Insurance
Regulated Custodian
No Physical Exposure
Multi-Jurisdiction
Inheritance
Segregated Insurance
IRA
Lending
Buy/Sell
Dynasty Trusts
Shakepay

N/A

Our Analysis

BNY Mellon vs Shakepay: What the Data Shows

BNY Mellon (stablecoin-custody) and Shakepay (fintech) serve different corners of the Bitcoin ecosystem, but the question that matters most is the same: who controls the keys? BNY Mellon scores 76/100 (B) versus 63/100 (C+) for Shakepay. The 13-point spread is meaningful — it usually comes down to custody architecture and fee structure.

Where Each Platform Wins

Custody and security — the most heavily weighted category in our methodology at 35% — tilts 48 points toward BNY Mellon (88 vs. 40). Both platforms carry single-point-of-failure risk, but BNY Mellon mitigates it more effectively through its World's Largest Custodian Bank approach. On fees, Shakepay wins by 17 points. Shakepay charges ~1.5% spread compared to Custom institutional pricing at BNY Mellon. Over a multi-year holding period, fee differences compound — a point worth considering for long-term accumulators. Shakepay stands out on ease of use (88 vs. 58), reflecting Shakepay's user experience and onboarding flow.

The Custody Question

Neither BNY Mellon nor Shakepay has fully eliminated single-point-of-failure risk. BNY Mellon uses World's Largest Custodian Bank and Shakepay uses Single Custodian. Both models leave your bitcoin exposed to custodial concentration risk — if that one entity fails, your bitcoin could be locked, seized, or lost. For long-term holders, this is the most important factor to weigh.

Bottom Line

BNY Mellon edges out Shakepay by 13 points. It's a close call, and the right choice depends on your specific situation — how much bitcoin you're holding, how often you need access, and whether you prioritize world's largest custodian bank ($52t+ in assets under custody). holds usdc cash reserves for circle. custodies assets for 11 bitcoin etfs. unmatched regulatory credibility and balance sheet. over canadian bitcoin app. shake for sats feature. visa card with btc rewards.. Keep in mind these platforms target different audiences — BNY Mellon is built for institutions & fund managers, while Shakepay serves canadian. One thing to watch with Shakepay: single custodian. canada-only. spread-based pricing..

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, BNY Mellon or Shakepay?

Based on our six-category scoring methodology, BNY Mellon scores higher at 76/100 compared to 63/100. The biggest differentiator is custody security, which accounts for 35% of the overall score. However, the right choice depends on your individual needs — review the category breakdown above.

Is BNY Mellon safe for storing Bitcoin?

BNY Mellon scored 88/100 on custody and security in our methodology. It does carry single-point-of-failure risk, meaning your bitcoin depends on one entity's security. Its custody model is classified as World's Largest Custodian Bank. Always verify these details and do your own research.

Does Shakepay have a single point of failure?

Yes. Shakepay uses a Single Custodian model, which means a single compromised entity could put your bitcoin at risk. This is a structural concern for long-term holders.

What are the fees for BNY Mellon vs Shakepay?

BNY Mellon charges Custom institutional pricing. Shakepay charges ~1.5% spread. BNY Mellon scored 55/100 on fees versus 72/100 for Shakepay in our methodology.