Evaluating MySpecialDates.com: An in-depth review of this dating site

2/6

Poor
 
Review MySpecialDates.com landing page
Screenshot of MySpecialDates.com

Pros and cons of MySpecialDates.com

A brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages of MySpecialDates.com

Advantages

  • +Registration is free
  • +User-friendly design
  • +20 free credits to get started

Disadvantages

  • -Risky subscription
  • -No mobile app
  • -No special features
  • -No video or phone calls
  • -No strict verification process
Table of contents

Introduction

MySpecialDates.com is a global networking platform intended for individuals who want to make new friends and connections. The site promotes inclusivity by welcoming individuals of all sexual orientations, including LGBTQ members. From my experience, signing up is easy and free, providing access to a user-friendly interface. The platform enhances matchmaking and communication via various features, ensuring users can quickly find matches.

Prospective users should note that it’s a paid platform and requires users to purchase virtual credits for premium features. While new users receive free credits upon email verification, they must buy more to continue communicating when they run out of credits. However, my detailed review of the site found that it may subject users to subscription issues. My online research has also uncovered mixed user reviews, showcasing its pros and cons.

Usability and design

First impression

At first glance, the website has a warm, modern design that creates a romantic atmosphere. It seems like a legit site dedicated to connecting users looking to make new friends. The visual design also implies that individuals can find romantic partners on the site. It promotes a user-friendly experience with a simple, free registration process. The site showcases its ease of use and highlights unique features such as photo galleries, its efficient communication tools, and the option to manually verify your profile, making it attractive to those looking for connections. Additionally, the site emphasizes how it has 24/7 support for any issues, thanks to its responsive customer service team.

Navigation

After a quick and straightforward registration, the platform provides a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate. It only takes a few minutes to get familiar with your account. Key features and sections are readily accessible, allowing for smooth transitions between different areas of the site. The platform offers helpful search filters to make browsing member profiles more efficient, which enables users to find suitable matches quickly.

Although many important functions require credits, users can earn free credits by verifying their email, providing a great starting advantage. Additionally, the website is compatible with browsers, phones, and computers, ensuring convenient access for most users.

Registration process

As previously stated, creating a profile on this platform is quick and straightforward. Users can register for free and create a profile using either Google or email. You only need to provide a few basic details, including a username, gender, email, password, and date of birth. It’s critical that users review the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy before agreeing to them during the registration process.

The platform offers new users two options before accessing their accounts. They can either start matching with others right away or take their time to complete their profiles to make them more appealing. If they’d prefer not to, users can choose to skip this step entirely. Although email verification is optional, completing it grants new users 20 free credits to help them get started on the platform.

Review MySpecialDates.com member area
Screenshot of the member area of MySpecialDates.com

General Terms and Conditions

This platform operates as a subscription service and also has a one-off payment model, but the site lacks a clear pricing structure. Although they claim users can manage and cancel their subscriptions, there aren’t any clear guidelines on how to do so. When I reviewed the platform, I couldn’t find an option to enable or disable automatic payments. Users who unknowingly choose this option may find themselves trapped in costly recurring subscriptions.

Excerpt from the GTC

7.9. After you enable automatic replenishment, we will send an acknowledgement (agreement on automatic replenishment) to your email address within two work days, which will include the following information: confirmation that the you have agreed to a automatic replenishment; the date of agreement (start date of an automatic replenishment); the term of the agreement (automatic replenishment is enabled until you disable it in your profile); number of credits and amount of payment; your identification number; the transaction amount and date for the initial transaction; however, if after enabling automatic top-up, you disable and then re-enable it on the same terms within 24 hours, we will send you a separate email acknowledgement.

Functions and tools

Main functions

Upon joining the platform, users will first interact with the “Search” feature. It allows users to find other members using various criteria, such as ID or name, and to filter by those who are currently online or offline. Users can also use search filters to specify age, location, and sexual orientation when looking for profiles. Next, the “Like” feature offers a quick way to connect with potential matches suggested via the system by liking their profiles, which shows interest.

The “All Chats” feature provides access to all ongoing conversations, helps users manage unread messages, and keeps track of notifications, such as when a user adds you to their favorites list or likes your profile. The “Letters” feature enables users to send and receive letters from other members. Finally, the “Favorites” and “Your Likes” features show profiles you have saved to your favorites list and the profiles you have liked, respectively.

Communication tools

Communication on the platform primarily occurs through text messages, either via the “Chat” feature or through letters. Members can start a chat through the “Chat Now” button on any profile. The chat feature includes various options that allow users to enhance their messages with emojis, stickers, and media attachments. Additionally, this feature offers a “Say Hello” service, a “Send a Wink” option, and pre-written prompts that can be used as conversation starters or icebreakers.

Users can keep track of all their conversations in the “All Chats” section. Letters provide a more traditional method of communication, enabling long-form interactions. The platform also offers a simple way to show interest in others by liking their profiles, helping members discover potential matches.

Special features

There are no special features on this platform.

Security and data protection

Privacy policy

As users join and use this platform, the website may gather their personal information through various methods, such as during registration and through cookies. The platform provides a Privacy Policy which explains how they process user data. This policy adheres to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidelines, ensuring that users within the European Economic Area (EEA) have certain data protection rights.

Security measures

According to the Privacy Policy, the platform prioritizes data security by implementing various technical and organizational protection measures. The platform protects data by using pseudonymization and encryption, ensuring systems are secure and always accessible, restoring data access quickly after any problems, and regularly testing security measures to ensure they work. Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidelines, EEA users have the right to object to this website’s processing of their data.

Target group analysis and matching quality

Demography

People from all over the world looking to connect with new people or find romantic partners are welcome to join this platform. It’s restricted to individuals 18 years of age or older, indicating it’s an adult-oriented site. The website facilitates meaningful connections while promoting safety and privacy, appealing to those seeking genuine interactions in a discreet environment.

By accommodating anyone seeking friendship or romance, the site ensures a broad and welcoming community. When I joined the platform, I also observed that it gives users of all sexual orientations, including gays, lesbians, heterosexuals, and bisexuals, the opportunity to meet like-minded people.

Matchmaking algorithm

Immediately after registering, users can participate in an interactive matchmaking activity. The platform offers a personality test where users can specify their attributes and the qualities they seek in an ideal partner. Based on these inputs, the platform suggests potential matches through the “Like” feature, allowing users to “Like” profiles that interest them and dismiss others. On each member’s profile, there are options to start a chat, send a letter, or add the profile to favorites.

Costs and price-performance ratio

Free vs. paid functions

Creating an account on this platform is free and grants new users a free membership. They can then proceed to build their profiles and upload pictures to the photo gallery. With this free membership, users can receive match suggestions, search for ideal matches, browse member profiles, view photo galleries, and save favorite profiles.

The site gives new users 20 free credits once they verify their email, which allows them to send a few introductory messages. However, effective communication on this platform requires more credits. Paid features include sending letters, using prompts to say “Hello,” liking profiles, and sending winks, stickers, and emojis. Additionally, there are costs associated with sending and opening photos, audio messages, and video messages.

Price structure

This platform uses a virtual credit system where users exchange credits for paid features. Credits are available in packages. New users can only access an “Offer” package of 35 credits for $2.99. Users can make payments for credits via Google Pay or with Visa, MasterCard, or Unlimint credit and debit cards.

My review of the platform’s Terms and Conditions found that the site has an automatic renewal subscription feature, where users can turn on and off the “Automatic Top-Up” button. This feature is said to be found in the “Credits” section of the user’s account. Users are supposed to be able to manage the automatic top-up feature, whether they want automatic renewal or one-off purchases. However, the option to turn on and off the automatic replenishment is unclear, which might trap users in an ongoing subscription.

Review MySpecialDates.com cost area
Screenshot of the costs of MySpecialDates.com

Contact details and customer service

Operator

ASTRASOFT PROJECTS LTD, Ifigeneias 14, 3036, Limassol, Cyprus

Company registration

ΗΕ 409810

Mail address

support@myspecialdates.com

Support

If users have any questions about the service, they can contact customer service through the support email. Additionally, they can find self-help resources on the FAQ page.

FAQ page: https://myspecialdates.com/faq?topic=22

Conclusion and recommendations

MySpecialDates.com is an international social network designed to connect people seeking friendships and romantic partners. From my experience, the platform has both pros and cons. On the positive side, it boasts a user-friendly interface, promotes inclusivity, and offers a range of features to help users form quick and legit connections. New users receive free credits upon verifying email, providing an excellent way to explore the website before committing to it.

However, there are some notable downsides to the site detailed in this review. My research reveals negative user reviews on the internet, some citing concerns regarding subscriptions. Additionally, my in-depth analysis of the website also uncovered that it may subject users to subscription problems.

Updated on September 30, 2024 by Franckline Abram

Review by Franckline Abram

I'm Franckline, an author deeply passionate about crafting articles and conducting extensive research. Since November 2023, I've focused on reviewing dating websites for DatingSpot24, thoroughly evaluating their safety features to provide well-informed recommendations to my readers.


An inside look into how we create reliable test reports and more about What does it mean if dating sites use moderated chats, controllers, or animators? and Dating sites with subscription issues.

Social media

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/p/Myspecialdates-100095140375384/

X:

x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fmyspecialdates1

YouTube:

User experiences and ratings

User feedback

I didn’t find any user experiences or testimonials shared by the website during this review.

Reviews on the Internet

Trustpilot.com - MySpecialDates reviews: The site has received a rating of 1.9 stars based on 39 user reviews, that mostly cite it as a money-making scheme which uses chat moderators.
http://au.trustpilot.com/review/myspecialdates.com
ScamAdviser.com - MySpecialDates reviews: The site received a perfect trust score and a 3.9 rating based on 50 user reviews.
http://www.scamadviser.com/check-website/myspecialdates.com#review-container
Sitejabber - MySpecialDates reviews: This site has received a rating of 4.1 stars from 60 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases.
http://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/myspecialdates.com
Scam Detector - MySpecialDates reviews: The site has received a trust score of 64.3, suggesting that it’s a low-risk site.
http://www.scam-detector.com/validator/myspecialdates-com-review/
Bgfashion.net – MySpecialDates review: This article emphasizes the website fulfills its promises, offering a valuable platform for successful online dating.
http://www.bgfashion.net/article/18973/80/MySpecialDatescom-Your-Comprehensive-Guide-and-Review
Mailorderbridesite.com – MySpecialDates review: This review offers a comprehensive assessment of the platform, highlighting cons such as the lack of user verification and live video chats, as well as pros like its user-friendly design and detailed profiles.
http://mail-order-bride-sites.com/reviews/myspecialdates/
Datingstudio.com – MySpecialDates review: According to the review, the site has excellent customer service, quality profiles, and users receive value for money.
http://datingstudio.com/review/myspecialdates/
Datingstudio.com – MySpecialDates review: This review claims that the site is legitimate and features many women who are interested in lasting and healthy relationships.
http://www.callistoclinic.com/myspecialdates-site-review-2023-38/
Tjara.com – MySpecialDates review: This review states that the dating site is effective and reliable.
http://tjara.com/myspecialdates-com-testimonial-rates-top-quality-4/
Doves-of-love.com – MySpecialDates review: This review highlights the mixed opinions the website receives. Some users provide positive feedback about the site’s good-quality profiles, while others raise concerns about fictitious profiles and the site's high prices.
http://www.doves-of-love.com/en/dating-sites-reviews/myspecialdates-com-review/

Appendix

Sources:

MySpecialDates.com

Methodology:

This report is based on an analysis of publicly available information on the website of MySpecialDates.com.