Score, the dating app for people with good credit, is back

After a two-year hiatus, Luke Bailey is reintroducing Score, a dating app specifically designed for individuals with good to excellent credit. Launched just before Valentine's Day in its first iteration, the app required users to have a credit score of at least 675 to create an account. Bailey's vision was to foster open discussions about personal finance, an often uncomfortable topic in relationships. Bailey pointed out a striking statistic: "Fifty-four percent of people say a partner’s debt is a reason to consider divorce." He emphasized that financial compatibility is a crucial but overlooked aspect of romantic relationships, a gap his app aimed to fill. Initially criticized for its perceived elitism, Score grew to 50,000 users in just six months before being taken offline as its popularity waned. However, the app’s closure sparked ongoing interest, with many users and academics expressing a desire to explore its impact on dating culture. Recognizing this persistent demand, Bailey has decided to bring Score back permanently. "We assumed the conversation about financial responsibility in love would continue, but it didn’t, and people kept asking why we shut it down," he explained. This revamped version of Score will be launching on the iOS App Store, marking a significant change from its previous mobile-only format. In response to earlier feedback highlighting its exclusivity, Bailey has made the app more inclusive. Users can now choose between a basic tier, which allows browsing and connecting without ID or credit verification, and a verified tier that requires users to confirm their identity and credit score to access premium features. Score utilizes Equifax for identity and credit verification through a soft pull, ensuring that users' credit scores are not negatively impacted. Bailey reassured users that the app does not store sensitive financial data, instead merely confirming eligibility for the verified status. Premium features will include options to view nearby members, track profile saves, and send video introductions. Bailey remains committed to the idea that credit scores reflect consistency rather than wealth. He stated, "Banks look for consistency and reliability in customers, just as we do in relationships. While traditional dating apps measure attrition, we add a layer of accountability." The previous version of Score revealed intriguing data about generational credit trends, and the new app aims to monitor how these patterns evolve. While initially a U.S.-focused initiative, Score plans to expand internationally, starting with Canada and exploring potential partnerships. Bailey concluded, "Financial behavior is a significant predictor of life stability, and we believe compatibility algorithms should take that into account."