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Match more with the power of beans

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Whether you’ve been on Coffee Meets Bagel for three days or three months, chances are pretty high that you’ve seen us talk about beans. But do you know how to use them to their full potential?

We’ll give you the full rundown. But first, let’s cover the basic question: What exactly are beans? Simply put, they’re our in-app currency that you can use to unlock special features. Here’s a few ways they can give you a helping hand.

Everything you can do with beans

Get up to 5x the views. Plus likes that get shown sooner with a little help from Boost. Pick one up by tapping your profile icon in the top left corner, then “Boost me.”

Match in more ways. Suggested is great, but sometimes you might want to explore outside of the potential matches we picked out for you. You can send likes to people who catch your eye in Discover using beans.

Be shown first. When you run into a popular person on the app, you don’t want your like to get stuck behind a long queue. Use beans to buy Skip the Line, which sends flowers with your like and makes sure you get shown first.

Rekindle a convo. Maybe life got in the way and a chat dwindled away, or you just needed some time away from dating. Regardless of the reason, sometimes a chat deserves a second chance. Use beans on Reopen Chat to pick up where you left off.

So, that’s the inside scoop on beans! Now that you’re a total pro, you can let beans do some of the hard dating work for you. If you’re ever curious about how many you have, look for a beans icon in the top right corner of the Profile Me section – they’ll be a counter there. Find yourself wanting more beans? Earn some for free by signing in and referring friends. Or you can always pick some up in the Bean Shop.

Fancy a picnic? 4 Singapore spots for your next first date

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We know planning dates can be hard. Keep it casual with coffee, grab drinks after work, plan a fancy dinner? Sometimes the key is to shake things up and try something new! A way you can do that while still keeping your date simple? A picnic.

And the thing is, you don’t have to be some amazing chef who packs a whole spread for you and your date – just grab your favorite to-go orders from a place nearby! It’s pretty easy with foodpanda pick-up, even if you’re debating until the last minute about where to grab food. It’ll be ready in as fast as 10 minutes. And bonus, you don’t have to wait around in long lines, filling the time with small talk. Just pop in, grab your orders, and head out to your spot for a romantic picnic.

But where to go? We did the work for you and rounded up four picturesque spots in Singapore that make for a great picnic date with someone new.

Marina Barrage

Looking for something scenic? This spot has views of the bayfront, Gardens by the Bay, and Marina Bay Sands – perfect for a sunset picnic. And bonus, the breeze means it’s a popular spot for kite fliers, adding even more to your date backdrop. Pop over to Tim Ho Wan at Marina Bay Sands before heading there to grab some to-go pork puns or dumplings, and maybe even something sweet to split.

Changi Bay PCN

The views of Changi Bay are a great talking point when getting to know someone new. Pick up some dinner at Andes by Astons in Changi Village, pack a blanket, and plan to park at the Changi Beach car park – from there, it’s only about a five-minute walk! And if you’re not too full after eating, you can walk even farther to Changi Bay Point.

Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant

In the mood for a spot that’s less crowded? This one’s a little off the beaten path, but you’ll have skyline views that make for a great sunset date. Note that there isn’t public parking here, so you’ll have to park and walk for your picnic – the nearest car park is Fort Road. Pick up a pizza from nearby Brewerkz for a feast. Don’t forget to debate your favorite toppings.

Marina South Pier

Marina South Pier isn’t just for catching a ferry to St. John’s Island, it’s also a picturesque spot to chill out with someone new. Harry’s at Marina Link Bay Mall is close by and has platters made for sharing. Place a pick-up order on the way there so you can grab and go. Don’t forget a blanket, and watch the ships together.

Even more date inspiration

Once you’ve mastered the art of the picnic date, be sure to check out our Instagram. You’ll find more date ideas so you can expand your options, plus a ton of other dating advice.

Double the matches with CMB Premium

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A note from Arum Kang, co-founder & CEO of Coffee Meets Bagel

Now that you’ve learned how to chat like a champ, pick your best pics, and stay safe while looking for someone special, I wanted to cover one last thing before we officially send you on your way to meet someone great: CMB Premium.

I know what you’re thinking. “Really, an upsell?” But here’s the thing: My sisters and I started Coffee Meets Bagel because we were tired of all of the dead-end dating apps that led you round and round with no end in sight. We wanted to create a better way to date, one that actually helps you meet other people looking for a serious relationship.

And the inside scoop from me to you? Subscribers get up to 2x the quality matches *and* dates, thanks to all of the goodies that come with Premium. That means more chances to find your person. Let’s go over all those Premium benefits so you can better understand how they help (and so there’s no confusion when you see them on the app, too).

All the benefits of Premium

See everyone who likes you. Why wait to meet someone great? Unblur all your likes and match instantly.

8 Discover Likes a month. Remember, Discover is where you can find people outside of your Preferences for Suggested.

Premium Preferences. Want more control over who you see? Set relationship goals, smoking habits, family plans, and more.

3 Boosts a month. All eyes on you! Enjoy up to 5x more views and every like you send while being boosted gets shown sooner.

Unlimited Skip the Line. Stumble upon a popular potential match and want to stand out? Send flowers to be shown first.

Activity Reports. Who doesn’t love some extra info? See who’s worth your time with activity and chat data.

Read Receipts. Waiting, schmaiting. Know when messages are read, so you’re never left in the dark.

Unlimited Rewinds. Have a change of heart? Undo passes on suggested profiles in History.

OK, I’m done preaching about CMB Premium! Whether you decide to give a subscription a try or not, you’re all set to go out there and find your someone. And remember, dating is a process. Try your best to enjoy it, and don’t let any downs overshadow all of the amazing ups. Good luck!

Money talks: 92% of Singaporean daters say money management matters

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Talking about money with someone new has been taboo for too long. We believe every dater should be able to talk about the things that matter most with someone new, and how you manage your finances definitely falls under that category.

So, to better understand how daters feel when it comes to talking about money with their dates, we teamed up with Syfe, Singapore’s leading digital investment platform, to go straight to the source. And you know what? Turns out that money does matter.

In our Love Meets Money survey, we learned that 92% of Singaporeans agree that the ability to manage money is an attractive quality for a long-term partner. And that’s not all. Let’s take a deeper dive into how daters navigate the tricky topic.

Handling the bill on a first date

The discussion about who should pay on a first date has always been a hot-button topic. But based on our survey results, daters might be more aligned than previously thought. For both men and women in Singapore, 2 in 5 think that men should pay, and 1 in 3 think you should just split the bill.

And it turns out traditional beliefs are still going strong, seeing as how less than 1% of Singaporeans think the woman should pay on the first date.

Now, what happens if you offer to cover the bill and your date doesn’t object? Over half of the women surveyed said they’d be offended, whereas only 24% of men expect their date to offer to split in this scenario.

Our take? It’s best to just be both polite and upfront about the bill to avoid awkward exchanges or grudge-holding. For example, offer to pay your own way, but thank them if they insist on paying.

Talking about finances: How soon is too soon?

While we do think it’s important to talk about the things that matter early on, it’s not really a surprise that a lot of our survey participants said bringing up money on a first date is a big turnoff.

Although, this does vary with age: More than half of Singaporeans over 35 think money talk is off-limits for the first date, but only 40% under 35 feel the same way. Maybe talking about money isn’t quite so taboo as it used to be.

Regardless of whether you think finances are appropriate first-date material, most of our survey participants agree you can’t ignore it forever. So when can you bring it up? We’re a little divided, with 32% saying you should have the talk before you define the relationship, and 31% saying it’s OK to wait until you’re already in a serious relationship.

But if you want to hold off until you’ve moved in together or are getting married? Well, a whopping 98% think by that point, it’s too late.

How money matters in a relationship

So, why does talking about money even matter to daters? It turns out that careers play a part. Which makes sense, if you want to be with someone who you’re not only compatible with, but who you can build a stable life with, too.

While talking about money on a first date isn’t really all that sexy, 1 in 3 Singaporeans said they’d be open to discussing salaries in particular within just five dates. And in the same vein, 44% think it’s necessary to get into that topic before you make things official.

The survey also found that women take careers into consideration when picking a potential partner. When it comes to ranking criteria that matter most for a relationship, career came in second place for women, while it didn’t crack the top three for men.

But while Singaporean men and women might disagree on the career ranking, one thing they did agree on? Values are the most important thing to look at when deciding if someone is the right fit for you. And we couldn’t agree more.

The importance of aligning on the big things

We know, talking about money can be awkward and weird and maybe even feel a little intrusive. But it doesn’t have to be! Whether we like it or not, money plays a big role in our lives. And we believe that daters should be able to talk about those big things if they want to build a trusting, lasting relationship. If you’re stuck here’s a few tips to remember:

👉 Do acknowledge the weirdness. Talking about money isn’t easy for everyone. Let them know if you’re nervous, and try to remember this is just a chat and not some battle.

👉 Don’t shame them. Try to remember that not everyone will have the same financial literacy or money-management skills – but we can all learn.

👉 Do consider their situation. Remember that wanting to split costs doesn’t mean they don’t like you, they just might not have the same finances as you.

👉 Don’t ambush them. Give some notice to see if they’re open to talking. For example, “If we’re moving in together I think we should start thinking about a monthly budget. Thoughts?”

So go ahead, have the hard conversations. Make sure you’re on the same page, whether it comes to something as small as splitting the bill, or something as big as making investment plans for your future selves.

But maybe just save the hard-hitting talks for the third or fourth date.

Celebrate Pride by supporting these queer-owned date spots

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As a dating app working to give everyone a chance at love, whoever that may be with, we decided to celebrate Pride this year in one of the best ways we know how: By setting you up on great dates!

We’ve put together a list of queer-owned businesses in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles that are total first-date material. And hey, they’re perfect for third dates or friend outings or solo trips, too. Be sure to check them out not just this Pride Month, but all year long.

New York City

Baz Bagels

You know we had to start this list with bagels. Stop by this charming neighborhood deli in Little Italy for a casual breakfast or lunch date with some hand-rolled bagels. Might we suggest the rainbow variety?

Big Gay Ice Cream

Originally founded as a food truck by Douglas Quint and Bryan Petroff, this spot is your stop if you’re in for a sweet treat. Grab some soft serve at either one of their locations in the Upper West Side or West Village.

Odd Fox Coffee

Want to inject a little whimsy (and caffeine) into a casual date? Odd Fox Coffee has two Brooklyn locations, so take your pick and enjoy a laid-back meetup.

Elmo

Whether it’s brunch, lunch, dinner, or drinks you’re after, Elmo in Chelsea is a go-to spot for a first date. Indulge in some shareable comfort food, like deviled eggs or popcorn shrimp.

Ursula

Spice up a breakfast date at this New Mexican-inspired cafe in Crown Heights, owned by Eric See. Heads up: It’s a takeout spot with only a few outdoor seats, so maybe grab two burritos to go and enjoy a stroll with your date.

Los Angeles

Liberation Coffee House

Located at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, this bright and beautiful cafe and community center is perfect for great conversation with someone new. Fun fact: It’s run by graduates of the organization’s Culinary Arts program that helps prepare LGBTQIA+ participants for work in the restaurant and hospitality industries.

Casita Del Campo

Going out with a margarita lover? Head to this colorful local spot with a long LGBTQIA+ history for an authentic Mexican meal. Pro-tip: Don’t skip out on sharing some chips and guac.

Nickel Diner

Sometimes comfort food in a retro setting is exactly what you need for a date – and at this spot, you can split a homemade pop-tart. Co-owners Monica May and Kristen Trattner also implemented a new “Pay It Forward” program, where you can donate $13 to provide a meal to someone in need.

Little Barn Coffee House

Woman, Latinx, and queer-owned, this little coffee spot is calling your name if you’re interested in a quick drink or a lunch meetup with someone new. And bonus, it’s vegan!

Jewel

Another spot for our dairy and meat-free daters. Check out this plant-based restaurant in Silver Lake with a patio that’s perfect for good conversations.

San Francisco Bay Area

Boichik Bagel

Named after a Yiddish term of endearment for a young man, owner Emily Winston opened this bagel spot to bring a taste of her New Jersey roots to her new home on the West Coast. A great get-to-know-you question for this date: What kind of bagel would you be and why?

Third Culture Bakery

Looking for a casual spot on a beautiful day? Meet up at this counter service bakery for some matcha and mochi muffins, and enjoy them out front in their outdoor seating area.

Equator Coffees

Coffee really can be the best first date, if we do say so ourselves. Equator Coffees has several locations around the Bay Area, so you can easily find a spot that works for both you and your date.

Lion Dance Cafe

Looking for a plant-based date spot in Oakland? This casual space has rave reviews for its authentic Singaporean fare, which you can enjoy in their first-come, first-serve outdoor parklet.

Pinhole Coffee

Tea, coffee, pastries, anyone? Head to this woman, POC, and queer-owned coffee shop in Bernal Heights for a quick meetup that isn’t short on charm.

Show support this Pride and beyond

Pride Month is a great time to get out and support the LGBTQIA+ community, but don’t forget these are great date spots year-round – not just in June. And of course, this list is far from complete. So don’t hold out on us if you know about any other queer-owned spots we missed! Check out our Instagram post and drop your contributions in the comments.

15 AAPI-owned spots to support on your next date

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May is here and brings us Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. A time to celebrate diverse cultures, support our communities, and honor the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders that have shaped who we are today. And as a company founded by three Korean sisters looking to shake up both the dating and entrepreneurial world, it holds a special place in our heart.

So in honor of AAPI Heritage Month, we’ve rounded up some AAPI-owned businesses in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles that you can check out on your next first date. Or third date or anniversary date, or just when you feel like getting something good.

San Francisco Bay Area

Sue’s Gallery Cafe

This mom-and-pop shop with coffee, tea, and pastries is the perfect spot for a casual coffee date. And bonus, you can browse their handmade ceramics while you’re at it.

Home Coffee Roasters

Owners Annie Cheng and In Hwan Heo know a thing or two about coffee dates, as they went on weekly ones together while dreaming of opening a shop of their own. Now, you and your date can follow in their footsteps.

FOB Kitchen

Visit this Oakland spot for delicious Filipino fare and island-inspired cocktails, brought to you by owner and chef Janice Dulce who grew up in the Bay Area and Guam and is now bringing recipes learned from her family to the public.

Cha-Ya

To our non-meat eaters, this one’s for you! Family-owned and operated in San Francisco’s Mission District, this is a great spot if you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine that’s entirely vegan, too.

Dumpling House

Grab some Chinese bites, beer, and tea from this casual, family-owned spot – with a chef whose twenty-plus years of dim sum expertise hail from Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

Los Angeles

B Sweet Dessert Bar

Looking for something less formal than dinner, but different from the standard coffee date? Grab something decadent, like their famous banana pudding, from this dessert bar owned and operated by Barb Batiste, who grew up baking sweets for her close-knit Filipino family.

Bopomofo Cafe

Serving Asian American cuisine, co-founders Philip Wang and Eric Wang turned to bo, po, mo, and fo, “the Chinese ABCs,” to come up with the name for their cafe. Stop by for tea, espresso, matcha, and plenty of shareables perfect for a date.

Broken Mouth

Did you know that in Hawaii, “broke da mout” is used by locals to describe food so good you don’t even have time to chew? Owner and Chef Tim Lee, Korean by blood and born and raised on Oahu, serves up homestyle Hawaiian food for Los Angeles. But if you’re on a first date, maybe try to chew a little.

Pine & Crane

Looking for a casual spot? Head over to this Taiwanese spot in Silver Lake for some staples like beef noodle soup and loose-leaf tea. Emphasis on casual, as it’s first come, first serve.

Maru Coffee

You can’t go wrong with a classic coffee date at this spot in the Arts District. The name comes from native Korean San Ma Ru, which means “mountaintop,” to symbolize their high-quality coffee, as the best beans come from high altitudes.

New York City

Kopitiam

Head to this Lower East Side spot, which means “coffee shop” in Hokkien, for a taste of Nyonya cuisine. Chef and owner Kyo Pang uses family recipes and traditions to introduce visitors to this blend of Chinese and Malay flavors.

Soft Swerve

In the mood for something sweet? Soft Swerve has two locations in NYC where you can cool off with Asian-inspired ice cream flavors like matcha and ube purple yam.

Ihawan

Take your date to try the best barbecue in town at this family-owned and operated Filipino spot in Woodside. You’ll find classic dishes from the Philippines, plus their specialty Kapampangan cuisine.

Pasteur Grill & Noodles

Looking for a spot in Chinatown? Head here for authentic Vietnamese food that’s the byproduct of generations’ worth of family recipes.

Té Company

If the casual coffee date isn’t your thing, how about tea instead? This intimate spot in the West Village has a wide variety of teas sourced from Taiwan, plus Taiwanese food to pair with it.

Let’s support our communities together

We know this list is far from complete, so don’t hesitate to branch out and find other AAPI-owned spots in your area, this May and beyond! And if you have locations in mind and want to share with others, head over to our Instagram post and drop it in the comments.

How to spot the new crypto scam targeting online daters

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Scams are nothing new. We’ve all heard the cautionary tale about emails from a “friend” asking for a loan while they wait for their enormous trust fund to kick in.

But the latest online dating scam is much more clever than a shady email. It also has a new angle: cryptocurrency investing. Known as the “Pig Butchering Scam,” it started in China but is now targeting dating sites all over the world. It’s become such a problem that the FBI recently sent out this warning. They’ve received over 1,800 complaints about this new scam in the first seven months of 2021 alone.

This scam can be harder to spot than others, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel unsafe while dating. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of the Pig Butchering Scam, from what it looks like to how to avoid it.

How the new crypto scam works

Wonder why it’s called the Pig Butchering Scam? It’s because these scammers play the long game. First, they gain your trust, then they “lead you to the butcher.” Here’s how it goes down. 

After matching on a dating site, they’ll spend one to three months making you comfortable. They’re trained on how to act and have scripts for countless scenarios. So, everything feels real.

Next, they’ll suggest they can help you make a lot of money in cryptocurrency investment. Keep in mind, they won’t ask you directly for any money or your personal information. They might even encourage you to buy crypto from a legitimate exchange.

From there, you’ll be directed to a fake third-party website or app to start investing. The phony sites are top-notch, complete with “customer service.”

You’ll start to see a “profit” and they’ll even let you “withdraw” a small amount of money. This is a trick to further gain your trust. Once you’re feeling confident, the scammer will convince you to invest larger amounts. They’ll use phrases like “act fast” or shame you into feeling like you’re not giving enough.

But when you try to withdraw money again, the scammer or fake customer service representative won’t allow it. You’re told that fees or taxes are owed, or the minimum account balance hasn’t been met. The excuses continue until you realize it’s all a scam. At this point, the scammer vanishes – along with your invested money.

So far, large losses have been the norm. The Global Anti-Scam Organization, a volunteer group led by victims of this scam, found that the average loss was $98,000 and about 70 percent of victims were women, most with a bachelor’s degree.

Want an insider’s look into how it works? Check out this video from a fellow online dater who fell victim to the scam.

An online dater goes into detail about how they fell for the popular “Pig Butchering Scam”

Tips for spotting a scammer

So, what does an actor from the Pig Butchering Scam tend to look like? This list won’t match every person involved in the scheme, but here are some general guidelines:

✔️ Realistic profile names with an age range of 28-35 years old

✔️ Fluent in Chinese while also speaking in broken English (They might claim to use a translator)

✔️ Works as a business owner or a field such as finance, medical supplies, or sales

✔️ Studied finance or accounting and invests in crypto, forex, or gold as a hobby

✔️ Shares luxury-type pictures, including cars, jewelry, and handbags

So, this scam is less obvious than ones that ask you for your personal information or money upfront. But there are still some other warning signs that can help you spot a scammer.

They’re everything you’re looking for. The fake profiles show very good-looking men or women, who are also looking for a serious relationship. The conversation will always be flowing. They’ll send good morning and good night texts, selfies, pictures at local landmarks, even shots of their “homecooked dinners.” After a few weeks, they might start using pet names for you or even profess their love. If they get too lovey too quick, throw up a red flag.

Meeting up and video chats aren’t an option. They might use excuses about being too busy to meet in person, usually because of work. Or they’ll say they’re too shy to video chat, and might even pull on your heartstrings by citing a past bad relationship. But if you’ve been talking to someone for weeks and have yet to lay eyes on them, you should be cautious.

They talk a lot about money. Actors in this scam will present themselves as super-wealthy and will talk about spending thousands of dollars like it’s nothing. Reminder: Even if they don’t ask for your private information, any type of talk about your finances with someone you haven’t met is always a red flag.

You’re told about deals that are too good to be true. They’ll convince you that you can have what they have – all you have to do is try out their investment plan. “Trust me,” they’ll say, “My uncle is an expert in crypto and taught me everything they know!” Get rich fast schemes are almost always just that – schemes.

Got scammed? What to do next

Remember, scammers are opportunists and online daters a prime target for their shady schemes. You download a dating app with dreams of opening up and finding your person – and scammers look to take advantage of that vulnerability.

So if you find yourself a victim of a scam, try not to judge yourself. You did something brave by putting yourself out there. The blame is entirely on the scammer.

Now, check out this article on our Help Desk for steps you can take if you need direction after being scammed.

How CMB finds and blocks scammers

Dating should never feel scary – at least not for reasons like this. That’s why we’re working overtime to keep our community safe from scammers.

We use AI programs dedicated to sorting out scammers. Plus, we have an Approval Team that reviews new profiles and checks photos and schools for apparent fakes. If someone happens to get through this system and creates a profile, then we rely on savvy daters like you to be another line of defense.

If you think you’ve come across or matched with a scammer, please report them immediately. By reporting a scammer, you’re preventing them from taking advantage of someone else in the future. And don’t worry – reporting is totally anonymous.

Once reported, we investigate, then ban the profile if appropriate. We’ll then alert our Approval Team not to approve anyone with that user’s information or photos moving forward.

We know this is a lot of information to take in. But we want to give you all of the tools you need to protect yourself. That way you can actually enjoy online dating and find what you’re looking for: a real, lasting relationship (not an empty bank account).

Couple

Dating Sunday Who? Valentine’s Day Draws More Bagels Than Ever

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February 14 is upon us, and you know what that means: National Ferris Wheel Day!

Just kidding. Well, not totally kidding because February 14 is actually National Ferris Wheel Day (if the internet is to be believed). But you know we’re really here to talk about Valentine’s Day – and particularly, how it affects daters on Coffee Meets Bagel.

Historically, Dating Sunday – the first Sunday of the new year – has reigned supreme as the ultimate day for online dating, with daters matching and chatting left and right. But here’s the plot twist: While Dating Sunday may have the most activity, Coffee Meets Bagel actually sees the most user sign-ups on Valentine’s Day.

After discovering that little tidbit, we did some more digging around last year’s February 14. Here’s what we found about the day of love on CMB.

New Daters in Search of a CMB Valentine
Couple holds hands

 
On Valentine’s Day 2019, there was a 63% spike in new user sign-ups compared to the previous 30 days. Put that next to Dating Sunday’s 61% increase in 2019, and it looks like Valentine’s Day takes the heart-shaped cake for new user sign-ups! 

Our data shows that these daters are getting an early jump on the holiday, with sign-ups peaking in the early hours of the morning. And we mean really early: The most popular time to sign up is between 2-3 a.m. EST on Valentine’s Day. 

Pro-tip: With the flood of new CMB’ers looking to match, you’ll want to make sure you stand out. Profiles with details filled out are 50% more liked than those with missing details, so do a quick review to make sure you’re putting your best foot (and photos) forward.

On V-Day, You’re More Likely to Match

couple on a beach

 

For bagels hoping to see an uptick in their number of matches, Valentine’s Day could give you the results you’re looking for. That’s because daters are 24% more likely to match on this Valentine’s Day compared to the previous year. 

And if the day is winding down but you’re not seeing the matches you expected, don’t give up hope yet: We see the most matches between 11-11:59 p.m. EST.

Pro-tip: When those matches do start rolling in, don’t wait to strike up a convo. It’s best to strike while the iron (or should we say bagel) is hot. Chats started on Coffee Meets Bagel within three hours of matching are 52% more likely to get a response!

Bagels Are Feeling Extra Chatty February 14
Couple chatting

 

Ready to get your wordsmith on? We sure hope so because Coffee Meets Bagel daters are 14% more likely to chat on Valentine’s Day, compared to the previous year.

And not only are they feeling more sociable, it looks like bagels are getting right to it and kicking V-Day off with some stimulating conversation. Coffee Meets Bagel daters are the chattiest between 10-11 a.m. EST, so make sure you have your morning coffee.

Pro-tip: We found that when someone leads with a question, the response rate increases by over 20%! Dig deep into your reservoir of icebreakers to snag your match’s attention instead of sending the simple “Hey, how are you?”

Bonus: New Feature Highlights Your ‘Most Likely to Match’

CMB Most Likely to Match

 

Valentine’s Day is already looking to be a hit on Coffee Meets Bagel, but we wanted to sweeten the deal. As you join the flurry of holiday activity, keep an eye out for a new feature we’re rolling out: Most Likely to Match. 

While all of your suggested bagels are tailored to your preferences and picked just for you (thanks to our wicked smart algorithms), you may occasionally stumble upon a bagel with the label “Most Likely to Match” on the top of their profile.

What does that mean exactly? It means that, based on your preferences and behaviors on the app, we think you and this bagel could really hit it off. The shiny Pokemon of bagels, if you will. 

And what exactly makes these potential matches so special? We’ve found that you’re 5x more likely to connect with “Most Likely to Match” bagels. In addition, these specially labeled potentials are likely to spend up to 3x longer viewing your profile than the average suggested bagel.

So whether you’re heading into February 14 with dreams of a potential partner (or ferris wheels, that’s cool, too), Coffee Meets Bagel is the place to meet someone special – and maybe snag a great date while you’re at it.

 

To meet someone special this Valentine’s Day, download Coffee Meets Bagel to text yourself a link. Or, download CMB directly from your phone: iOS | Android

 

In app photo of profiles

The Science to Setting Your Preferences & Liking Bagels

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A note from Steve Pollock, Chief Product Officer at Coffee Meets Bagel

I’ve had success meeting a long-term partner on a dating app. And while my last relationship didn’t work out because, well, life happens – it was an incredibly fulfilling relationship. And another bright side: My experience with dating apps led me to meet Arum and Dawoon Kang, co-founders of Coffee Meets Bagel. 

I’m Steve, the chief product officer at CMB. Like you, I’m actively dating and using apps, but now I have an inside view. My goal is to make you successful – and help you achieve your relationship goals. 

I’ve interviewed lots of online daters, and work closely with our product development and data science team. The data science is the part that’s responsible for matching you with compatible “bagels” on the app. Naturally, I’ve seen many of our success stories, face-to-face and in the data – I’ve been studying relationship dynamics for a long time.

I truly believe that, with the right know-how, and yes, real effort, you can find a meaningful relationship on CMB. Here’s how to make Coffee Meets Bagel work for you.

Setting Your Preferences

First, you’ll need to refine your profile with frame-worthy pics and details (Don’t worry, we’ll give you plenty of tips on this in the coming days.) Then, it’s time to set your Preferences and check out your bagels. But before you start, let’s talk about just how powerful those Preferences can be.

Preferences vs. Dealbreakers

When I first started using dating apps, I thought that getting ultra-specific about what kind of people I wanted to see was a no-brainer. That way, I’d get only quality matches, right? But as it turns out, being too specific about your Preferences may actually lower the quality of the bagels you receive. That’s all due to our algorithm!

How Does the CMB Algorithm Work?

Our algorithm categorizes your set Preferences as “must-haves” in Suggested. Later, the algorithm will use additional info, such as your interests, social circles, education levels, and more, to make educated choices about your best bagels.

But because it considers those Preferences as dealbreakers, this means our algorithm won’t suggest anyone who is even slightly outside of those guidelines. For example, if there’s someone attractive nearby who shares your interests, but they’re just one year older than the age limit you set, our algorithm can’t consider them as a potential match.

In short: too many specific criteria → smaller pool of bagels for the algorithm to work with → less quality matches.

So while you definitely shouldn’t lower your standards or compromise your values when it comes to finding a partner, make sure they’re an absolute must for you – not just a “nice to have.”

Getting Those Bagels

The hard work’s done! Now, it’s just time to sit back and like or pass on my bagels…right? Not so fast. While you can start matching right away, there’s actually a science to browsing bagels.

Focus on the Matches Who Matter

If you’re used to swipe-based dating apps, it may be tempting to “like” any and every one just to see if they like you back. But at Coffee Meets Bagel, we use a “slow dating” approach by sending only your best bagels once per day.

This approach means you’ll be meeting daters looking for a serious relationship (just like you!). So be thoughtful. Take your time looking at each profile and only tap “💜” if a bagel has you feeling some kind of way.

And if the connection just isn’t there? Don’t feel bad about passing — it’s much better than matching and then ghosting.

Give “Maybe Bagels” a Chance

When I observe them liking or passing on bagels, I’m often surprised to find they have the total opposite issue of the one above; they pass on everyone.

While it’s great to know exactly what you’re looking for, I recommend giving “maybe bagels” a shot. As you know from building your own profile, it’s hard to self-promote!  The bagel’s profile may not tell their story well.

Could be interested in a bagel, but not 100% sure? Like them. Hey, they look cute in their first photo…but not feeling the second? Like them. See where it takes you – it could take you on a really memorable date! Tapping “like” doesn’t mean you’re in love.

And chatting with someone doesn’t mean you’re obligated to meet IRL. Not every match you chat with will turn into a date, and that’s OK. Liking a bagel just means you’re interested enough to give them a chance!

How Premium Can Help

Lastly, I want to put in a good word for our CMB Premium package. OK, so I know it may look a little…self-serving. I get it. But since I get a glimpse into the backend data, I can genuinely say that Premium really is the fastest way to get more quality connections. In fact, on average, Premium subscribers connect up to 2x as often as non-subscribers.

Here’s what CMB Premium includes:

💜 See all your likes: Why wait? Unblur all your likes and match instantly.

💜 8 Discover Likes a month: Send likes to people who catch your eye in Discover.

💜 Unlimited Skip the Line: Send flowers to popular people to stand out and be shown first.

💜 3 Boosts a month: Get up to 5x the views, plus likes that get shown sooner!

💜 And more, like access to Read Receipts, Activity Reports, Skip the Line, and Rewinds.

The Next Steps

✔️  Double check that your set Preferences are deal-breakers for you. To edit your Preferences, tap your “profile” icon. On iOS, tap on “Profile Preferences.” On Android, tap on the pencil icon in the bottom right corner. Navigate to the Preferences tab to select them.

✔️  Ready to try out a subscription? Head to the Bean Shop to see our latest subscription offerings and tap “Subscribe.”

You’re all set! Whether you try our Premium or just stick to your new liking routine, I hope you feel empowered to make your best connections on CMB.

If you’re ready to meet matches who matter, download Coffee Meets Bagel on iOS or Android.

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Online Dating Safety Tips: 5 Ways to Spot a Scammer

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A note from Jenny, head of customer experience

Finding a good date used to be at the top of my “things I dread” list, right after public speaking and queuing at the bank. So, when apps like Coffee Meets Bagel came onto the scene, I was beyond relieved. I didn’t have to frequent loud bars, or try to recreate that rom-com scene where the woman bumps into a hunk at a supermarket and the 99-cent-oranges display goes flying.

But while coming across a good date got easier, so did coming across a less savory type: scammers.

Now as the head of customer experience at Coffee Meets Bagel, I’ve heard the happily-ever-after stories and the I-fell-for-a-scam stories. And while CMB does have technology in place to prevent scammers from joining in the first place, we can’t catch all of them by ourselves (yet).

So before you can star in your own dating app success story, check out my tips on how to stay safe.

Quick Online Dating Safety Tips

Buckle up! Safety, first. Before we hop into the five signs your match might be a scammer, check out these quick tips.

  • Never make financial moves with someone you met online. That means not sending money, gift cards, or account info – as well as believing investment advice or “get rich quick” claims.  
  • Keep your exact workplace and address a secret until you’ve met in person and have built trust over time. (Some experts advise also keeping your last name private until after your first date.)
  • Tell your friends or family about when & where you’re meeting a match for the first time. Provide your own transportation, and always meet in a safe, public place, such as a coffee shop.

And, most importantly, if you ever feel uncomfortable or harassed when chatting with a match, stop talking to them and report them on the app. Then, block them from other messaging services if applicable. If you’re already on a date, leave immediately. Dating should never feel scary.

Signs Your Match Might Be a Scammer

Now that we’ve taken care of the crucial safety tips, you’re all set! Well, almost. I want you to spend time on matches who matter on CMB, not scammers. Here’s how to spot if your match is a scammer before you get involved.

They Go From 0-100

Oftentimes, scammers use artful tactics to try to sweep you off your feet. They might shower you with compliments or use flowery, romantic language right off the bat. They might give you a wholesome Disney-eqsue monologue about how they’re “just looking for love,” and “U the one 4 me, babe.” But I know you’re smarter than that, so you’ll see your match moving too fast as a red flag.

Another red flag: They’ll want to take things off the app and start texting, calling, or using other messaging apps (such as Kik, WhatsApp, or WeChat) ASAP. To cut to the chase, they may even include this contact info in their bio.

One thing to note: Scammers nowadays are extra sneaky. So while they might sweep you off of your feet quickly to gain your trust, they could wait a bit before actually trying to pull off their scam. This is especially popular in cryptocurrency dating scams, so be wary of the long game.  

Their Stories Pull on Your Heartstrings

Gone are the days when all scammers were Nigerian princes. Nowadays, they’re architects, oil-rig engineers, geologists, make-up artists, nurses, and more. But one of the most common careers scammers claim to have is that of a soldier, or any career related to the military. And oftentimes they are oh-so-conveniently stationed far overseas where they can’t meet you in person.

But their real job title? A sly scammer. They may even claim to be religious (a tactic used for inspiring trust), or tell you a sob story: they’re a recent widow and their partner has passed in a tragic accident. Or, perhaps they have a sick child or parent they care for. While these unfortunate circumstances may be true for a small portion of singles involved in online dating, one of the telltale signs you’ve matched with a scammer doesn’t come until later — when they ask for your money.

They’re Just Too Good to Be True

If your match has profile photos that belong in a magazine catalogue, you’ve either met a model, or a scammer. And while both exist in real life (models aren’t Bigfoot, after all), it would be very unlikely for a real person not to have any casual, non-professional photos in their profile pic lineup.

Take note of other profile/photo inconsistencies. For example, if their profile says they’re 32, but they look only 22 in their picture, that’s a red flag. Likewise, if their profile claims they have a high level of education, but their grammar is disjointed, something might be up.

On top of conflicting photos, the person in question could be everything you’re looking for. You share all of the same values, never disagree, the conversation is always flowing – they’re basically a match made in heaven. After a few weeks, they might start using pet names for you or even profess their love. Remember what we talked about: If they get too lovey too quick, it’s a red flag.

Meeting in Person Isn’t an Option

We know that the most meaningful connections happen face-to-face, so on Coffee Meets Bagel, we encourage members to meet in person. So if your match isn’t keen on meeting in real life or over video chat, you should raise an eyebrow.

One of the most common excuses scammers use to avoid meeting in person is claiming that they work abroad. Some scammers will dodge video chats and phone calls by claiming to be “too shy” or because they’re dealing with trust issues from past relationships. But if you’ve been talking to someone for days (or weeks) and haven’t taken these steps, that should set off alarm bells.

In situations like this, fact-checking is your friend. Try running a Google reverse image search to check if they have multiple profiles under different names or with different info. Some scammers may also steal photos from influencers, low-profile celebrities, or stock sources.

They Ask for Money, Gift Cards, or Account Info

Lastly, and most importantly, if your match asks you for money, gift cards, or your account information, stop all communication immediately. It is extremely likely this person is a scammer.

But, it isn’t always clear right away. Many scammers will play the long-game by trying to build trust with you over time. Then, suddenly, there’s an “emergency,” and they need money quickly. Here’s a few types of fake emergencies they may claim to have:

  1.  They were robbed and need money
  2.  They have to book a last-minute business trip
  3.  They need a loan
  4.  They or their family member has a medical emergency

Sometimes, scammers may also ask for gift cards, such as an iTunes gift card. But, you should never trust a match who claims they need anything from you but your time and words, even if they promise to pay you back.

Another way a scammer might try to steal from you is less direct: by gaining access to your accounts. While some may directly ask you for your account info, routing numbers, social security number, or driver’s license info, others may be more sneaky.

If your match asks you strangely specific personal questions about old addresses, your pets’ names, or schools you’ve attended, be cautious. They could be trying to gain access to your accounts by resetting your passwords via security question answers.

A final reminder: Even if someone doesn’t directly ask you for money or personal information, matches who spend a lot of time talking up investments, cryptocurrency, or finances should be viewed as suspicious. 

A common trick with these investment scammers will present themselves as super-wealthy. They’ll talk about deals that are too good to be true – all you have to do is try out their plan. So while you might think you’re not directly sending anyone money, you could still get scammed by third-party sites. 

How to Report a Match on CMB

If you think you’ve come across or matched with a scammer, or if your match has violated our terms of service, please report them. By reporting a scammer, you’re preventing them from scamming other lovely bagels on our app in the future.

To report a bagel in Suggested or Discover, simply tap on the flag icon in their profile. 

Ready to meet someone special? Download Coffee Meets Bagel on iOS or Android.