Our Methodology
How we vet the
best of the best.
Rankings based on verified reviews, credentials, specialization depth, experience, and proof of work. Every score is earned through merit—never bought.
Our Commitment to Buyers
MintList exists to help business owners find trusted financial partners. Every decision we make—from how we source providers to how we rank them—puts buyer interests first. Providers pay to be listed, but they can never pay for position.
The Six Scoring Criteria
Every provider is evaluated against these six criteria. Combined, they paint a comprehensive picture of quality, expertise, and trustworthiness.
Verified Client Reviews
We analyze the quality and quantity of authentic client feedback. Not anonymous ratings—verified reviews from real clients who have worked with the provider.
Certifications & Credentials
Professional certifications validate expertise and commitment to standards. We verify credentials directly with issuing bodies—no self-reported claims.
Industry Specialization Depth
Generalists serve many. Specialists excel. We evaluate proven expertise in specific verticals and service niches.
Years in Business
Longevity matters. Track record and stability indicate a provider who has weathered challenges and maintained client trust over time.
Software Expertise
Modern financial services require technical proficiency. We assess mastery of relevant tools and platforms.
Case Studies & Proof of Work
Claims are easy. Proof is hard. We review documented client success stories and measurable results.
Why We Don't Disclose Weights
You might wonder why we don't publish exactly how much each criterion contributes to the final score. The answer is simple: transparency of criteria, privacy of weights.
When scoring formulas are public, providers inevitably optimize for scores rather than genuine quality. We've seen it happen with other platforms—gaming the algorithm becomes the priority.
By keeping weights private, we ensure providers focus on what actually matters: delivering excellent service to their clients. That authentic excellence is what we're measuring.
What We Guarantee
- All six criteria contribute meaningfully to the score
- No single criterion can dominate unfairly
- Payment never influences ranking position
- The methodology is applied consistently to all providers
- Rankings reflect genuine quality, not algorithm gaming
The Invite-Only Model
Unlike traditional directories where anyone can list themselves, MintList takes a fundamentally different approach.
Traditional Directories
Anyone pays to list. Quantity over quality. Buyers wade through thousands of unvetted options. Prominence often correlates with payment, not performance.
MintList Approach
We identify top performers through research. We reach out with invitations. Providers can't apply—they're selected. Payment covers listing costs, never ranking position.
"You were selected. Your ranking is earned, not bought."
This is the promise we make to every provider we invite—and the assurance we give to every buyer who browses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about how we evaluate and rank providers.
Can providers pay for higher rankings?
Absolutely not. Rankings are determined solely by our merit-based scoring across six criteria. While providers pay a membership fee to be listed, this never influences their ranking position. A Top 50 provider who pays the same as a Top 10 provider—tier placement is earned, not bought.
How do you prevent gaming the system?
We intentionally do not disclose the specific weights assigned to each criterion. This prevents providers from optimizing for scores rather than genuinely improving their service. Our evaluation methodology is designed to reward authentic excellence.
How often are rankings updated?
We continuously monitor providers and update rankings as new information becomes available. Major re-evaluations occur quarterly, but rankings can shift at any time based on new reviews, credential changes, or updated case studies.
What happens if a provider's quality declines?
We actively monitor listed providers. If quality indicators decline—such as negative review patterns or lapsed credentials—providers may be moved to a lower tier or removed entirely. Our commitment is to buyers, not to protecting provider listings.
Why is MintList invite-only?
The invite-only model is core to our quality promise. We proactively research and identify top performers rather than accepting anyone who applies. This ensures every listing represents a genuinely vetted, high-quality provider—not just someone willing to pay for a listing.
How do you verify credentials?
Every certification, license, and credential claim is verified directly with the issuing organization. We check CPA licenses with state boards, ProAdvisor status with Intuit, and professional certifications with their governing bodies. No self-reported claims are accepted.
Trust the process. Trust the list.
Get early access to MintList and be among the first to browse our rigorously vetted directory of financial service providers.