Valentine's Day brings more than just the usual romantic flair this year, as Neon Money Club launches "Score," a dating app with a unique criterion - a minimum credit score of 675. The financial platform aims to bring awareness to the often-neglected topic of finances in relationships.

The app intends to reshape how people perceive financial discussions, intertwining them with the dating realm.

Financial Literacy Meets Romance

In a world where personal finance and dating seldom cross paths, Neon Money Club sees an opportunity to merge financial literacy with the quest for love.

The idea for "Score" emerged during AfroTech, prompting the founders to contemplate a way to make financial awareness more engaging. Luke Bailey, co-founder and CEO of Neon Money Club, explained that the question of "what should the minimum credit score be for someone you're dating?" posed during a party evolved into the concept of "Score."

The app is a short experiment, available for around 90 days, where users must apply for access. The limited timeframe and application process add an exclusivity factor to the app.

Discussing finances can be challenging in any relationship, and "Score" aims to break down this barrier by creating a platform where users share financial compatibility from the beginning. The app conducts a soft credit check on users upon signup, ensuring their credit reports remain unaffected.

While the credit score is not displayed on the app, the users, once approved, gain access to a pool of financially like-minded individuals. Interestingly, "Score" does not segregate matches based on credit tiers, allowing individuals with varying credit scores to connect.

Addressing Concerns and Fostering Financial Awareness

While "Score's" innovative approach has garnered attention, it raises concerns about potential exclusivity and class divide. With the average U.S. credit score at 716, the minimum requirement of 675 may create disparities, especially considering racial variations in credit scores.

Bailey addresses this by emphasizing the aspirational nature of good credit, highlighting that individuals with low credit are redirected to resources for financial literacy and credit-building platforms.

The app's creators view "Score" as a positive cycle, where denied users can enhance their financial literacy and return to qualify for Neon Money Club's products.

Neon Money Club, launched in 2021, has already made strides in financial literacy by becoming the first Black-owned tech business to introduce a credit card with AMEX. The card allows users to convert credit card points into cash for stock market investments.

As "Score" enters the realm of dating, it aims to play matchmaker and promote financial awareness and education. The short-lived experiment will test whether integrating credit scores into the dating landscape can open conversations about financial compatibility and responsibility. Neon Money Club's innovative venture could spark discussions about the role of finance in relationships and the importance of aligning economic values right from the start.

As "Score" reshapes the dating narrative, it prompts users to ponder, "What's your credit score?" alongside the usual questions about interests and hobbies.