A Dating App Based on Users' Credit Scores Is Making a Comeback: A New Take on an Old Concept
The Dating Game: A Financial Twist
Dating apps have long been a battleground for the single and the seeking, but a new app is bringing a controversial twist to the mix: credit scores. Score, a dating app that previously required users to have a credit score of 675 or higher, is making a comeback with a few changes. But is this a welcome return, or a step too far?
A Pop-Up Project with a Purpose
The app first launched in 2024 as a pop-up project from the now-defunct financial services company Neon Money Club. The idea was to encourage people to be more open about their personal finances. During its initial six-month run, the app grew to roughly 50,000 users, sparking interest in the concept.
A New Version, But Will It Work?
Now, the app's founder, Luke Bailey, has told TechCrunch that he's bringing the app back on a permanent basis. The new version will be more inclusive, but will have two tiers. Bailey has listened to previous critiques and says everyone can join the new iteration.
The basic tier will be open to all users and won't require ID or credit verification. People on this tier can browse and connect with potential matches as usual. But users willing to verify their credit score can access a premium tier with additional features.
The Premium Tier: What's In It?
These gated tools include seeing who's nearby, viewing who has saved their profile, sending video introductions, and messaging people who haven't swiped back yet. Bailey says Equifax will handle both identity and credit verification through a soft pull that won't impact a user's credit score.
A Classist Concept or a Practical Approach?
While the concept of the app comes across as pretty classist, some research suggests younger users are interested in more financial transparency when it comes to dating. A Credit One Bank survey of 1,000 millennials and Gen Z respondents found that 50% said a high credit score adds to someone's attractiveness. About 20% said they would like dating apps to include a person's credit score or financial habits.
A Controversial Launch
But the relaunch also comes at a time when credit scores are trending downward nationally. According to FICO, the average U.S. credit score fell two points to 715 in 2025, the fastest decline since 2009. This raises obvious privacy questions, especially at a time when consumers are already wary about data breaches. Bailey claims the app won't store or share sensitive personal information and that all data will be secured within an encrypted infrastructure.
The Bottom Line
The new Score app is an interesting concept, but it's a fine line between transparency and intrusion. Will it be a hit or a miss? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: it's certainly sparked a conversation about the role of credit scores in dating. So, what do you think? Is this a step forward or a step too far? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
