Get ready for a dating app revolution! Score, the controversial app that shook up the dating scene, is making a comeback, and this time, it's here to stay.
Two years ago, Luke Bailey introduced an idea that sparked intense debate: a dating app called Score, exclusively for individuals with good to excellent credit. Just before Valentine's Day, this app hit the market, requiring users to have a credit score of at least 675 to join. Bailey's motivation? To encourage open conversations about personal finance, a topic often avoided in relationships.
"Fifty-four percent of people consider a partner's debt as a potential deal-breaker," Bailey shared with TechCrunch. "Financial compatibility is a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of relationships, and no dating platform addressed it directly."
While the app faced criticism for its focus on financial stability, it gained immense popularity, attracting 50,000 users and making headlines worldwide. Despite its initial 90-day lifespan, Bailey kept it running for six months, but then, it disappeared.
But here's where it gets interesting... After a brief hiatus, Score is back, and Bailey is determined to make it a permanent fixture in the dating app landscape. He explained to TechCrunch, "We originally launched Score to integrate financial responsibility into the realm of love. When we shut it down, we thought the conversation would continue without us, but it didn't."
This time, Score will be available on the iOS App Store, and Bailey promises a more inclusive experience, addressing the exclusivity concerns of the past. "Everyone is welcome to join," he assures.
The app will offer two tiers: a basic level, allowing anyone to browse and connect without ID or credit verification, and a verified tier, requiring members to verify their ID and credit score to access premium features. The app uses Equifax for verification, ensuring a soft pull with no impact on credit scores.
"We only receive confirmation that users meet the Verified criteria; we don't store full credit reports or sensitive data," Bailey clarified.
The verified plan includes exciting features like seeing nearby members, viewing who has saved your profile, sending video intros to potential matches, and messaging users before they've swiped back. Bailey believes credit scores are not just about wealth but consistency, reflecting the same values banks look for in customers.
"Dating apps measure attrition; we measure attrition plus accountability," he emphasized.
Score's return promises to continue the conversation about financial compatibility in relationships. With its global expansion plans, starting with Canada, and potential partnerships, Bailey aims to highlight the importance of financial behavior in predicting life stability.
"Financial behavior is a powerful indicator of life stability, and we believe compatibility algorithms should reflect that," Bailey concluded.
So, what do you think? Is Score a bold step towards honest conversations about finances in relationships, or does it perpetuate classist ideals? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
