A controversial dating app is making a comeback, bringing a unique twist to the online dating scene: integrating credit scores. The app, Score, is returning with a mission to revolutionize how people view and interact with personal finances in the context of dating.
A Pop-Up Project's Success
Score initially launched in 2024 as a pop-up project from the now-defunct financial services company Neon Money Club. The app's initial six-month run attracted approximately 50,000 users, sparking interest in making personal finances more transparent in dating.
A New, Inclusive Version
The app's founder, Luke Bailey, has announced the permanent return of Score, with a focus on inclusivity. The new version will be open to all users, eliminating the previous credit score requirement of 675 or higher. This change addresses previous critiques and aims to make the app more accessible.
Two Tiers, Two Experiences
Score will offer two tiers: a basic tier and a premium tier. The basic tier is open to all users, allowing them to browse and connect with potential matches without any additional verification. However, users willing to verify their credit score can access the premium tier, which includes exclusive features.
The premium tier offers enhanced capabilities such as viewing nearby users, seeing who has saved their profile, sending video introductions, and messaging people who haven't swiped back yet. This premium experience caters to users who value financial transparency and reliability.
Credit as a Reflection of Reliability
Bailey emphasizes that Score views credit not as a measure of wealth but as a reflection of consistency and reliability. The app measures reliability alongside compatibility, setting it apart from traditional dating platforms that focus on attrition.
Privacy and Security Measures
To address privacy concerns, Bailey assures that Equifax will handle identity and credit verification through a soft pull, ensuring that user credit scores remain unaffected. The app claims not to store or share sensitive personal information, securing all data within an encrypted infrastructure.
Financial Transparency's Appeal
The concept of integrating credit scores into dating may seem classist, but research suggests that younger users are increasingly interested in financial transparency. A survey by Credit One Bank found that 50% of millennials and Gen Z respondents believe a high credit score adds to someone's attractiveness, and 20% would like dating apps to include credit scores or financial habits.
A National Credit Score Decline
Interestingly, the relaunch of Score coincides with a national decline in credit scores. According to FICO, the average U.S. credit score fell two points to 715 in 2025, marking the fastest decline since 2009. This trend adds an intriguing layer to the app's relaunch, as it may attract users seeking to showcase their financial responsibility despite the broader economic context.
