The resurgence of Score, a dating app focused on financial compatibility, underscores a significant intersection of personal finance and relationships. For entrepreneurs, this presents an opportunity to explore untapped markets where financial literacy meets personal connections.
Two years ago, Luke Bailey launched Score, a dating app targeting individuals with credit scores of 675 or higher. His aim was not only to facilitate meaningful connections but also to foster discussions about financial health—often a taboo topic in romantic partnerships.
“Fifty-four percent of people say a partner’s debt is a reason to consider divorce,” Bailey emphasized. “While financial compatibility is crucial, existing dating platforms have overlooked this essential aspect.”
Despite criticism labeling the app as classist, it found unexpected success. Originally slated for a 90-day trial, Score captured the attention of 50,000 users over six months, provoking discussions worldwide about its unique premise.
Recently, in response to ongoing demand, Bailey announced that Score would be returning permanently. “We launched Score to merge financial responsibility with something people value deeply—love. We mistakenly thought the conversation could continue without us, but that hasn’t been the case,” Bailey shared.
Noticing persistent inquiries about its closure, Bailey recognized that the dialogue surrounding financial behavior in relationships was far from over. “Academics have reached out, eager to understand the behavioral implications,” he noted.
This time, Score is broadening its accessibility, offering a two-tier structure. The basic tier will allow anyone to join without verification, while a verified tier requires users to confirm their ID and credit score to unlock enhanced functionalities. Utilizing Equifax for soft credit pulls ensures no negative impact on users’ credit.
The app prioritizes user privacy, with no retention of full credit reports or sensitive personal information. “We only verify that individuals meet the criteria for the Verified tier,” Bailey explained.
The new features of the verified plan include location-based matching, profile visibility metrics, and the ability to engage potential matches through video messages prior to swiping. Bailey maintains that credit scores are not just indicators of wealth but are more about reliability and accountability—qualities essential to successful relationships.
Data from the original Score highlighted generational variations in credit scores influenced by socioeconomic factors, such as millennials exhibiting significantly different credit profiles compared to Gen Z. “We will continue to analyze how these trends evolve,” Bailey stated.
While the first iteration of Score was confined to the U.S., the launch will now extend internationally, beginning with Canada. Partnerships and collaborations are on the horizon as well.
“Financial behavior is a key predictor of life stability,” Bailey concluded. “Dating and financial compatibility should be interwoven in our algorithms.”
### Hustle Verdict
Our take is that Score represents a groundbreaking approach to modern dating by intertwining financial responsibility with romantic compatibility. We believe this could be a game-changer for entrepreneurs willing to innovate within the social tech space. The bottom line is that as financial literacy becomes increasingly crucial, the potential for integrating compatible financial behaviors into lifestyle brands remains ripe for exploration.
