'Til debt do us part: 1 in 4 would end a relationship over financial secrets

Additional noteworthy findings from the study include:

Money Doesn’t Matter…Until It Does
At face value, respondents indicate that money does not play a significant role in their relationship or dating life. Only one-third (33%) of all respondents (both coupled and single) viewed financial compatibility as absolutely essential for a successful relationship. Money and wealth (7%) also ranked among the least important traits in a current or prospective partner, behind personality (60%) and values (57%). In fact, nearly half (49%) of single respondents also said they did not care how much money their prospective partner makes. 

But while money may not appear to be important at face value, the survey found it often leads to friction in relationships down the line. Nearly one in three (29%) coupled respondents say finances create tension or lead to arguments in their relationship at least somewhat often. Of the 47% of coupled respondents who admit to having loaned their partner money, nearly one-third (29%) said it has led to resentment in their relationship.

While singles may not be seeking a partner for their salary, almost half (48%) of single women say they still expect men to pay for the full cost of a first date, with only 2% of men expecting women to pay. The survey also found 22% of singles have or would break up with someone because they did not make enough money. Of those who have broken up with someone over income, 22% agree that making $50,000 to $100,000 per year is not enough.

The Hidden Cost of Being Single: The Dating Tax
Dating has evolved into a costly endeavor, with 37% of respondents admitting to overspending to impress a potential partner. Among admitted over spenders, men are particularly guilty, with 40% saying they've spent more than $500 to impress someone, compared to just 28% of women. Overspending singles aren't just spending on the date itself— 59% are investing in pricey clothes, 43% in jewelry and accessories, and 33% in beauty appointments to look their best.

For many, dating is a financial commitment that goes beyond impressing others, and inflation is making things even more difficult. In fact, 27% of respondents say they are cutting back on their dating frequency to save money. Interestingly, 26% of people have gone on a date with someone they weren’t attracted to just to get a free meal.

Money Habits Shape Dating: Generational "Icks" & Red Flags
Money is a significant factor when evaluating a potential partner, with 65% of singles citing early requests for money as a top red flag. Other red flags include expecting a partner to be the sole provider (59%) and rushing into shared finances (52%). These concerns are consistent across generations, though certain preferences differ.

Among those seeking a romantic partner, the most common "icks" – or a sudden feeling of repulsion or disgust towards someone you were previously attracted to – when it comes to money include asking to borrow money (61%), blaming financial habits on astrology (59%), and depending on parental support to pay bills (37%). Baby Boomers are particularly turned off by someone asking to borrow money, with 85% reporting it as a major red flag—nearly twice the percentage of Gen Z respondents (43%). Gender differences also emerge, as 47% of women find it off-putting if a partner complains about prices on a menu, compared to just 22% of men. Additionally, 41% of women would be uncomfortable if a potential partner revealed their income early on, while 26% of men feel the same.

¹Survey Methodology 
This was an online survey of 1,685 U.S. respondents aged 18+ that was conducted from January 2-3, 2025.