Financial Transparency in Dating: Gen Z and Millennials Prioritize Openness
A new survey of 2,000 singles or casual daters in the United States has revealed a shift in traditional financial expectations in dating, with younger generations prioritizing financial transparency and equality over convention.
According to the survey, 42% of baby boomers and 45% of Gen X still believe that the man should pay for a date, while 36% of Gen Z share the same sentiment.
However, Gen Z is more likely than any other generation to say that whoever plans or schedules the date should pay (28%) or even that it should be split evenly between both parties (23%).
Financial Openness Seen as Attractive
The survey also found that half of both Gen Z and millennials find it attractive when a casual date is open about their income, compared to just 37% of Gen X and 23% of baby boomers.
Gen Z is even more than twice as likely as baby boomers to find someone who is a “big spender” attractive (34% vs 16%).
Finances ranked as one of the top three most stressful conversations to have with a date, along with relationship history and sex.
However, many singles believe that discussing financial expectations upfront can alleviate awkward moments and lead to stronger relationships.
Financial Pressures and Expectations
The survey found that nearly two in five Gen Z (37%) feel pressure to spend a lot of money on dates, and one in five (19%) have even gone so far as to ghost someone because of their poor financial habits.
Men are more likely to feel pressure to appear more financially stable than they actually are (39% vs 30%), and nearly half of men (47%) believe that the man should pay for all of a date.
However, both men and women have slightly different ideas of what’s an “acceptable” amount of money to spend on someone they’ve been dating for six months, with women keeping it under $100 (averaging $98) and men averaging $109.
Women are also more likely to be turned off by someone who is stingy with their money (33% vs 19%).
The survey highlights a shift in financial norms around dating, particularly among younger generations who are choosing transparency and equality over tradition.
By prioritizing financial openness and discussing expectations upfront, couples can alleviate stress, build stronger relationships, and literally “bank on love”.
The survey was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of banking app Chime, polling 2,000 Americans who are single or casually dating, split evenly by generation and region, with 1,000 men and 1,000 women.