What Is Raya? The Application-Only Dating App with a 2.5 Million-Person Waitlist
Learn about Raya, the application-only dating app. Discover how membership works, what it costs, and what to do if rejected.
How Raya membership works, how its application review runs, what it costs, and what is known about rejected applications.
What is Raya?
Raya is a private membership app that combines dating, friendship, and professional networking within one global community. Membership is available by application only, and accepted users are referred to as members.
The app launched in 2015. Unlike dating services built around one city, Raya allows members to discover people both nearby and around the world.
How does Raya work?
Raya members can use the app for dating, friendship, and professional networking. Features including Daily Recommendations, Maps, and Directory help members discover other people both nearby and in other parts of the world.
Members can control their visibility within the app. Raya can also suspend or terminate accounts when behavior violates its community guidelines.
How do I join Raya?
Joining Raya begins with an application. A global committee reviews applications on an ongoing basis, and decisions can take anywhere from a few days to several months depending on a number of factors.
Applicants who are accepted can choose a membership lasting one, six, or 12 months. Memberships renew automatically unless canceled.
How do I get off the waitlist for Raya?
Getting off Raya's waitlist depends on the outcome of its application review. A global committee evaluates applications on an ongoing basis, with decisions taking anywhere from a few days to several months.
Raya also offers a paid in-app feature called Skip the Wait. As of September 2026, one costs $7.99, three cost $19.99, and five cost $29.99. Raya has not disclosed exactly how purchasing Skip the Wait affects an application.
As of August 2025, reports put Raya's waitlist at 2.5 million people, with only a small share of applicants being admitted.
How much does a Raya membership cost?
As of September 2026, Raya's listed in-app prices include $24.99 and $113.99 for Membership and $49.99 for Raya+ Membership. Members can choose a one-, six-, or 12-month term, which renews automatically unless canceled. The app does not specify which listed price corresponds to each term.
As of August 2025, a Raya membership cost $24.99 per month, while about one-fifth of members paid $49.99 for Raya+.
Rejected from Raya? What to do next
Raya has not publicly explained what rejected applicants should do next, including whether or when they can apply again.
What is known is that applications are reviewed by a global committee on an ongoing basis, and decisions can take anywhere from a few days to several months. As of August 2025, reports indicated that Raya accepts only a small share of applicants.
Looking for curated matches in your city without the long waitlist?
Known offers a curated matchmaking experience built around meeting people in your own city. Instead of browsing a global membership network, Known's matchmaker gets to know you, from your values and relationship goals to the smaller details that matter to you, and introduces you when there is someone nearby worth meeting.
Potential matches go through the same thoughtful process. When you both say yes, Known finds a time, books the reservation, and sends you the details, so you can skip the swiping and get to the actual date.
Known is currently available in San Francisco and San Diego, with plans to expand nationwide. Download Known to see when your city is launching.
Getting to know someone takes trust. Known puts privacy and safety alongside the introduction. Our privacy policy explains how information is handled, while our community guidelines cover consent, respectful behavior, and confidential reporting.