All credit to this app for the perfect match
Singles use credit scores on new dating platform
Forget wealth, charm and good looks.
There is an important new metric for success in the world of online dating: a healthy credit rating. And Gold Coast single Jenna McManus rates it.
At the height of a cost of living crisis, a new American app, Score, has launched, specifically pitching to people with credit scores – an indication of someone’s overall financial wellbeing – of 675 and above. Scores range from zero to 1000 and 675 is considered “good”.
Jacaranda Finance
The new app is designed to connect “financially likeminded” singles, and while some have criticised it as “classist”, others say it makes a lot of sense.
Australian lender Jacaranda Finance CEO Daniel Wessels said credit was an important consideration while dating – and apps should consider including it.
A 2024 Finder survey found one in six Australians has been through a break-up due to financial troubles, with 6 per cent dumped over unpaid debt and 5 per cent left hanging due to their low income or lack of savings.
“Giving people the choice to share information like this is empowering,” Mr Wessels said.
“Finance can be such a strain on a relationship and it can feel taboo to talk about it, but you really want to make sure you’re compatible early. Having a bad credit score isn’t the end of the world, it doesn’t last forever, and it’s something you can take control of and improve.”
Jenna McManus, 35, works as a marketing manager and is financially independent.
She uses dating apps and said she’s “all for” this kind of disclosure.
“The stage I’m at in life means I don’t want to ask if they can afford to split the bill or feel pressure to change my habits to make someone feel OK about earning less.
“A credit score is the start of a conversation. It’s not about how much is in his bank account, but a willingness to talk – to have healthy debates and to understand each other’s backgrounds.
“If we’re going to be together, we need to be on the same wavelength. Will we be able to afford to buy a house? If you’re dating with the intention of finding a long-term partner, it’s important – it can be uncomfortable to talk about, but you’re better off doing it before you get serious.”
A Florida woman went viral for adding her credit score to her profile on dating app Hinge with astonishing results in 2023, saying it helped her line up 17 dates in a single month.
In Australia, Hinge, Tinder and Bumble allow users to ask answer prompts about political affiliation, religion, lifestyle habits such as smoking and drinking, preferred taste in music and television, and interest in having children. But a person’s credit score is not yet in the criteria. All three Australian providers were contacted for comment.
It can feel taboo to talk about it, but you really want to make sure you’re compatible early