In a Nutshell
pros
- Intuitive sign-up process
- Detailed match features
- Messaging and video chats
cons
- Only paid users can message
- Amount of users can vary based on location
Black Cupid at a Glance
Sign Up Process
Matchmaking
Free Services
Features
Security
Best for: African American singles and singles looking for black partners
Number of members: 3,500+
Recommended age: 30-50
Favorite features: CupidTag
BlackCupid Love Stories
"I have found a man that is true and faithful." - Shillah
"Hit it off the moment we started communicating. He is everything I hoped for!" -Bonny
Signup Process
BlackCupid lets you sign up via email or Facebook. The process is simple and can be done in minutes.
After creating a password, you’ll be led to a questionnaire that will ask you your gender, the gender of your desired match, and your age. The initial queries are much less detailed than other sites, which may be a relief to some, especially those who prefer to choose their own matches rather than rely on algorithms. Others may wish for some more compatibility-matching questions to start off. However, users do get a chance to enter interests and answer personality questions once they start working on their profiles.
After the brief questionnaire, you’re able to view matches and create your profile. The site offers few prompts to help you along, and there is less direction than other sites, which could be a relief or leave you wanting, depending on how new you are to dating and how familiar you are with the process.
Profile Setup
Photos: The uploader lets you choose up to 5 photos from your computer or Facebook, with a few guidelines: your primary photo must clearly show your face, be well lit, and contain no nudity. One interesting guideline states that you must be alone in your primary photo.
Profile questions: In addition to your name and basic details, the profile questionnaire has about 35 questions with drop-down answers. Answers are mandatory for all profile questions. They range from questions on basic appearance (hair and eye color, facial hair, body art), to lifestyle questions (drinking, smoking, marital status, children, occupation, and income), to questions about nationality, political views, religion, and your star sign. There are also 2 text boxes where you are asked to write a short self-summary and a description of what you’re looking for.
Matchmaking & Search Functions
Search Functions
BlackCupid’s search functions are relatively bare bones, though there are some advanced search options that allow you to narrow your choices down. On the main page where your matches are shown, you can search by age, location, and distance from that location. The advanced search tab gives you a few more options; you can search for profiles with photos only, you can narrow your searches by “last active,” and you can check general physical traits such as hair color, height, and weight.
Matchmaking
BlackCupid’s matchmaking section is by far its most detailed part of the user experiences. Under “edit my profile” you’ll find a Match section with almost 100 topics you can check off in order to better match with other singles. These are divided into 6 sections:
- Basic details, such as the gender, age, and location of the matches you’re seeking
- Appearance traits, such as height, weight, body type, and a general appearance rating question that includes “average,” “attractive,” and “very attractive”
- A hobbies and entertainment section with more than 50 boxes for you to check off ranging from museums and wine tasting to fashion events, volunteering, and photography
- A favorite foods section
- A favorite music section
- A favorite sports section
Overall, the matchmaking tools provide an ample amount of personal traits for you to check off. These will surely help the algorithms find you a compatible match, though the distribution seems a little lopsided, for example the favorite sports section, which is the 2nd largest category and leaves those uninterested in sports blocked from a good portion of the matchmaking functions.
Features & Communication Tools
Beside each user’s photo is a heart icon that you can click to “show interest” in that person without outright contacting them. Members using the free plan are limited to using this feature to communicate interest in one another.
Another feature is the CupidTag, which is similar to a hashtag. You can add certain keywords that will be attached to your profile and help those with similar interests more easily find each other.
Messaging is available for paid users, as are instant messaging and video chats. One interesting feature is the ‘translate’ feature, which will translate languages if you and your match are from different parts of the world. It’s a creative idea that at its best offers another method of connecting people, though it could seem a bit superfluous given that most users are looking for people within their vicinity, and those who message people from other countries aren’t typically the most ideal matches.
Safety & Security
BlackCupid appears to take the safety of its members seriously. Users are encouraged to verify their profile by uploading ID such as a passport or driver’s license. They’ll be rewarded by being listed higher in matches and earning a large green verified badge that will earn them the trust and confidence of others.
In the event of abuse or unwanted attention, you can block and report users easily by clicking the “block user” or “report abuse” buttons, which can be found in both the message and instant messenger areas as well as each person’s profile.
The website also features an entire page dedicated to dating safety, with tips for best practices, a list of red flags to look out for, and other general guidelines for online daters to keep in mind so that they have a safe experience.
Pricing
The standard package is free and includes:
- Basic matching
- Communicate by “show interest” feature
- Communicate with paying members
The gold package includes the above, as well as:
- Communication with all members
- Ability to send and receive emails
- No ads
The platinum package includes all of the above, as well as:
- Highest ranking in searches
- Profile highlighting
- Advanced matching
- Exclusive search features
- Message translations
Help & Support
BlackCupid offers customer service support through the phone and message. US-based customers may prefer to submit a message through the online messaging portal, since the company is based out of Australia. There is a toll-free number for US and Canadian customers, though service representatives are only available during Australian working hours. North American customers would be advised to search the FAQs are submit their questions here.
Find Love on BlackCupid
BlackCupid is a straightforward, best dating site for black singles and those looking for black partners. The bells, whistles, and algorithm-feeding questions are kept to a minimum, which might feel basic to younger users but come off as practical and grounded to older singles or those with less experience in online dating. The site offers a decent selection of matching tools, however, with plenty of room to express your individuality. Overall, BlackCupid is a simple, non-flashy platform with all the necessities for searching for, flirting with, and meeting others.
