Dating agencies for over 60s: is an agency or a dating site better?

A dating agency for over 60s hand-picks introductions for you after an interview, usually for a substantial joining fee. A dating site lets you see who is there and choose for yourself, often free to start. An agency suits people who want someone else to do the searching and can afford it; a site suits people who want choice and control at little or no cost.

What does a dating agency do?

A traditional introduction agency meets you, in person or by video, to understand what you are looking for. It then searches its own membership and introduces people it thinks will suit you, sometimes with a short profile and photo, sometimes only a first name and a phone number. Some agencies offer coaching or arrange the first meeting. The appeal is obvious: someone else does the sifting, and every introduction has been vetted.

The catch is that an agency can only introduce you to its own members. A small agency may have very few people of your age in your area, and the number of introductions is often limited by the package you buy.

What does a dating site do differently?

On a dating site you build your own profile, set the age range and distance you want, and browse. On Single 60s you also get daily suggestions picked from those settings. You decide who to write to, and anyone can write to you. Nobody filters for you, which means more choice and more work, but also more control and a far lower cost. A free Single 60s account lets you send a few messages a day; VIP starts at £18.49 for a week, and every plan is on our prices page.

Agency or site: a fair comparison

Introduction agencies and dating sites for the over 60s

	Dating agency	Dating site
Who chooses	The agency, after an interview	You, helped by suggestions
How many people	A handful of introductions	As many as are in your area and age range
Cost	Usually a fee paid up front	Often free to start; optional subscription
Speed	Weeks between introductions	Start browsing the same day
Vetting	Interview by the agency	Moderation and optional ID or video checks

Questions to ask a dating agency before you pay

• How many members aged over 60 do you have within an hour of me?
• How many introductions does my fee include, and over what period?
• How do you check the people you introduce?
• What happens if there is nobody suitable? Is any of the fee refundable?
• Are you a member of a trade body, and can I see your terms in writing?

A reputable agency will answer all of these happily. If you are pressed to sign on the day, walk away.

Can you do both?

Yes. Some people use an agency for a handful of carefully chosen introductions and keep a dating site profile for the wider net. If you are not sure, start with the cheaper option: a free profile costs nothing but an hour of your time, and our profile tips for over 60s will help that hour count. Read our guide to the best dating sites for over 60s if you are comparing sites, and our safety advice before meeting anyone, however you found them.