Score Breakdown by Category
How Tinder's terms rate across my evaluation categories, weighted by real-world impact on users.
Tinder, owned by Match Group, has some of the most consumer-hostile terms in the dating industry. Zero refunds under any circumstances, shadow bans that hide your profile without notification, and permanent account bans with no appeal process.
How Tinder's terms rate across my evaluation categories, weighted by real-world impact on users.
These provisions have caused real harm to Tinder users. Understand these before you subscribe.
Tinder explicitly states that all purchases are final. Even if you're banned the day after purchasing a 12-month subscription, you get nothing back.
Tinder can reduce your profile visibility to near-zero without telling you. You keep paying while getting virtually no matches, never knowing why.
Tinder can permanently ban you for any reason and provides no formal appeal process. Bans often extend to all Match Group apps (Hinge, Match, OkCupid).
You cannot sue Tinder in court or join class actions. All disputes go through individual arbitration, making it economically unfeasible to pursue small claims.
Tinder gets a perpetual, worldwide license to your photos, bio, and content. They can use it for advertising, AI training, or any purpose even after you delete your account.
Tinder's algorithm determines who sees you. The terms allow them to manipulate this for any reason, including to incentivize purchases.
Subscriptions auto-renew by default. While technically disclosed, the cancellation process is intentionally complex.
Your data is shared across all Match Group properties (Hinge, Match, OkCupid, Plenty of Fish) and with "trusted partners."
Court cases and regulatory actions affecting Tinder and Match Group.
FTC sued Match Group (Tinder's parent) for using fake love interest ads from bot accounts to lure users into paid subscriptions. Settlement in 2024 required revised advertising practices.
Settled - favorable for consumersMultiple complaints filed with California AG over allegedly deceptive auto-renewal practices and difficult cancellation processes.
Under investigationLegal developments and news affecting Tinder users.
UK Competition and Markets Authority launched investigation into Match Group's subscription practices, auto-renewal terms, and cancellation barriers across Tinder and other apps.
Federal Trade Commission finalized settlement over deceptive practices including fake profile notifications used to lure subscribers across Match Group properties.
Wall Street Journal investigation revealed Tinder's algorithm intentionally reduces visibility for non-paying users while boosting paid subscribers' profiles.
New AI features analyze user photos and behavior, raising privacy concerns about how biometric and preference data is collected and used for algorithmic matching.
Before you subscribe, compare Tinder's terms with alternatives. Bumble offers significantly better consumer protections.
Need help understanding your rights or resolving a platform dispute?
Analysis