‘Gold digger index’: Aussies react to credit score dating app feature

The majority of Aussies have revealed they are not a fan of a controversial new dating app feature that shines a light on your financial history, a survey has shown. See why and have your say in our poll.

Forget wealth, charm and good looks. There is an important new metric for success in the world of online dating: a healthy credit rating.

More than 50 per cent of News Corp readers revealed they wish they knew their date’s credit score from the start.

There were almost 1000 votes cast in responses to this question: ‘Would you prefer to know a person’s credit score before going out on a date?’

The results showed that 56 per cent of respondents were in favour of knowing their date’s credit score, with just 44 per cent against the idea.

“It’s a good way to get an early insight into a person’s character. The people who complain loudly are the ones who will be exposed for what they are,” commented one reader.

“Oh please. Don't call it a credit score!! Call it the ‘gold digger index,” wrote another.

“Shallow and probably not worth the effort to line up a date with if that is a requirement,” another commented.

“And they say romance is dead,” someone else quipped.

Daniel Wessels says credit is an important consideration for couples. Picture: Supplied

An American app 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”.

The new app, called Score, is designed to connect “financially like-minded” singles, and while some have criticised it as being “classist”, others say it makes a lot of sense.

Chief executive of Australian lender Jacaranda Finance Daniel Wessels said credit was an important consideration while dating — and apps should consider including it here.

A 2024 Finder survey found one in six Australian 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 several dating apps and said she’s “all for” this kind of disclosure.

Gold Coast woman Jenna McManus says it’s important to discuss money. Picture: Supplied

“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,” the Gold Coast woman said.

“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.

Originally published as ‘Gold digger index’: Aussies react to credit score dating app feature