Imagine swiping through profiles, only to realize the person you’ve matched with is more than just a face—they come with a credit score. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a dating app called Score is stirring the pot by adding financial factors to the mix.
Initially launched in 2024 by the now-defunct Neon Money Club, Score required users to have a credit score of at least 675. It gained traction with around 50,000 users during its six-month run as a unique experiment to encourage transparency in finances.
Fast forward to today, and founder Luke Bailey is bringing Score back, promising a more inclusive platform that aims to blend love and financial reliability.
Swiping Right on Financial Transparency
Bailey recently shared with TechCrunch that the app is re-launching on a permanent basis, inviting users to sign up for a waitlist under the tagline, “Dating For People With Good Credit.” The language is provocative, stirring curiosity about how our credit scores might influence romantic connections.
What are the tiers in Score’s new model?
The revamped Score app will introduce two tiers: a basic tier, open to everyone, and a premium tier for those willing to verify their credit scores. The basic tier will allow users to browse and connect without any financial scrutiny, easing many concerns about data usage.
However, those who opt for credit verification will unlock exclusive features like discovering who’s nearby, seeing saved profiles, sending video introductions, and messaging users who haven’t swiped back. The concept of “reliability” is suddenly on display alongside compatibility—a portrait of the new dating landscape.
The Double-Edged Sword of Data Privacy
But there’s a catch. Bringing in a major credit bureau like Equifax for identity and credit verification raises questions about privacy, especially as consumers grow increasingly wary of data breaches.
Bailey reassures users that sensitive information will be safeguarded with encrypted infrastructure. Still, as you ponder this model, can you shake the feeling that your finances are now part of your dating profile?
How do dating app users feel about financial transparency?
Despite its classist undertones, research shows a growing interest in financial transparency among younger generations. A recent Credit One Bank survey indicated that half of millennials and Gen Z respondents believe a strong credit score enhances attractiveness. More than a fifth expressed a desire for dating apps to showcase credit scores and financial habits.
Timing is Everything
The timing of Score’s return is intriguing, especially against a backdrop of waning credit scores nationally. According to FICO, the average U.S. credit score dipped to 715 in 2025, marking the sharpest decline since 2009. In a culture where financial stability is prized, this situation presents a curious irony for potential matches.
As you contemplate clicking ‘sign up,’ are you ready to bring your credit into the realm of romance? Or do you believe love should remain untethered from financial metrics?