Match.com: How Much Does It Really Cost?

So, what does match.com really cost? It’s America’s most popular dating site, but they don’t make their rates and fees obvious. In summary, the longer subscriptions are cheaper per month, with the 6-month subscription being the best deal. Also, new members can use a promo code to bring the price down further.

We researched the cost match.com subscription pricing in detail, and here’s what we learned:

There are two subscription levels: BUNDLE or BASIC:

match subscription cost bundlemoney bagBefore joining match.com, you’ll want to understand the difference between the two subscription levels. By default you’ll be presented with match.com’s “Bundle” plan which has a few more features.

  • BUNDLE Plan: You’ll get: “Email read” notifications, “First Impressions” feature, and a better, “highlighted profile”
  • BASIC Plan: You can save about 10%, but it’s probably not worth it for what you give up.

Both “Bundle” and “Basic” plans include core features like the ability to search for matches and to contact other singles. Most people choose to spend the extra $2 or so per month to get the more robust Bundle plan which includes premium features like Email Read Alerts, First Impressions, and Highlighted Profile.

Ok, so, how much is match.com?

Match.com prices per month:

dating teens

I hope you didn’t pay full price for your match.com subscription!

Here are the monthly costs for match.com signup for the Bundle and Basic plans. I’ve crossed out the “regular” prices, and included the lower prices that you get when you apply their 25% off promo code.

Subscription Length:BUNDLE Plan Cost:BASIC Plan Cost:
1 Month
Total:
NA$40.99 (Meh...)
$30.74
3 Months
Total Price:
$20.99 $15.74 / month
$80.97 $60.73
$22.99 $17.24 / month
$68.97 $51.73
6 Months - Popular!
Total Price:
$20.99 $15.74 / month
$137.94 $94.46
$20.99 $15.74 / month
$125.94 $103.46
12 Months
Total Price:
$18.99 $14.24 / month
$239.88 $179.91
$18.99 $14.24 / month
$227.88 $170.91
Free Trial
3 or 7 days
Why not try it out for free first?

The lower price is locked in for the length of time that you initially commit to, and then the price is renewed at the higher (crossed out rate.)

So, for example, if you buy 6 months up front, you get the discounted monthly rate until the promotional period ends at month seven, at which time you’ll be billed the higher monthly price.

*I update these prices often, but they might fluctuate slightly. You actually have to sign-in and click “subscribe” to view today’s discount pricing info on match.com

So, How Much Is Match.com?

Match.com’s most popular subscription is their 6-month bundle plan, so let’s use that as our example. I’ll apply the 25% off promotional code and see exactly what the subscription costs:

how much match costs

I’m choosing the popular 6-month subscription

Ok, discount applied. It shows us the monthly cost, and notes that the 6-month subscription comes with their guarantee that if you don’t meet someone special, you get an additional 6 months at no cost.

Now, let’s see what the total price is in the shopping cart:

match.com total cost 6 months

match.com total cost 6 months

Notice that after the promotional period ends, your subscription is renewed at a higher price. Let’s talk about those prices now!

Match.com Subscription: Promotional & Renewal Prices (Total) 

Note that after your promotional period ends, you will be billed for the same number of months, but at a higher rate.

So, for example, when your 6-month subscription ends, you’ll be billed automatically for another 6 months, but at a higher price.

Here are the promotional prices (at signup) and renewal prices for the match.com bundle:

  • 3 months: $60.73 (at signup) / $80.97 (renewal)
  • 6 months: $103.46 (at signup) / $137.94 (renewal) 
  • 12 months: $179.91 (at signup) / $239.88 (renewal)

A lot of people are confused by this, and don’t realize that after the promotion ends, their subscription is automatically renewed, and billed on their credit card at a higher price.

If you aren’t loving match.com, cancel before your promotional period ends, or you’ll be billed automatically for renewal when it does! See our tip below about turning off “auto-renewal.” 


Tips on pricing & billing:

dating girl match.com tips

It’s best to do your homework before signing up for match.com. Here are some tips:

  • Initial cost: You are billed a one-time amount upfront for whatever length you commit to at the lower, promotional price.
  • Monthly billing: When the promotional period ends, you are billed automatically for the same period of time (3, 6, or 12 months) at a slightly higher cost.
  • Tip: Turn off “auto-renewal” – To avoid unexpected costs after the promotional pricing ends, I recommend turning off auto-renewal after you signup. If you want to continue your subscription, you can turn it back on later.
  • Free Trial: If you aren’t familiar with match.com, I recommend taking advantage of their free trial before joining. During your trial period, can click the “subscribe” button at any time to join.  Just be sure to cancel before the 3-7 day trial ends if you don’t want to be billed.
  • CancellationNot sold on 100% on match.com? Be sure to cancel 2 days before your subscription ends to avoid being billed for the next month

Prices for Add-Ons

If you select the BASIC plans to save a buck, match.com will present you with a number of ways to spend more money at checkout. Here are the prices for the optional add-ons:

match add on costs

Maybe I’m just cheap, but I always skip the premium add-ons. Take a look for yourself to decide if you want any of these options:

  • Anyone can reply to your emails for free: $7.49/month
  • Private mode: $7.49/month
  • Email read alerts: $2.24/month
  • Highlighted profile: $1.65/month
  • First impressions: $1.65/month
  • matchPhone: $2.50/month

The Bundle plan includes Email Read Alerts, First Impressions, and Highlighted Profile, so if you are considering paying for any of these, just buy the Bundle Plan, and it will be cheaper!


The 6-month match.com subscription is the best deal

match blue logoSo, you probably realized that the “Basic” plan is a joke, but so is the 1-month plan. Really, it takes most people a couple of weeks just to get established on Match.com, so who really wants to pay double (monthly cost) to only join for only a month?

The 6-month subscription seems to hit the sweet spot of the best length, and best price. If you opt for longer, you’re not saving much more (per month), and you’re committing to an awfully long time.

What if you meet your soulmate after a couple months? There’s no need to commit to a 12-month membership in my opinion, unless you are committed to not settling down any time soon!

Also, the the 6-month subscription comes with the match.com guarantee, stating that if you hven’t found someone really special in 6 months, they will credit you for another 6 months free. Yet another reason NOT to pay for a year up-front.


match discount price

Avoid being billed at full price when the promotion ends: Turn OFF “auto-renewal”

woman surprisedIf you do sign up for match.com, consider turning off auto-renewal immediately.

Otherwise, you will be billed every month at regular price (about $50!) after your discounted subscription ends.

To turn it off, click account settings, and then change/cancel membership. You can always turn auto-renew back on, but it’s less of a hassle this way.

match.com complaints?

Most of the many match.com complaints come from people who didn’t realize that match.com would bill them each month at regular price after the promotional period ends. If you’re not familiar with how it works, try the free trial, and be ready to cancel before it ends. Also, be smart, and do research (like this!) to avoid billing confusion!

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