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“Dating and Finances: What Young Adults Think About Credit Scores”

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In This Article:

  • For Many, Discussing Finances Is TBD
  • How Couples See Their Credit Scores
  • Who Pays? The Answers You’ve Been Waiting For

Experian surveyed 1,000 single and committed Generation Z and millennial consumers about dating and credit. The survey was conducted on January 26, 2024, using a third-party company and did not involve Experian’s consumer credit database.

For Many, Discussing Finances Is TBD

Discussing finances isn’t typically a conversation starter. According to our survey, many people delay financial discussions indefinitely. Over half of those dating (56%) prefer to wait until they are committed before discussing finances.

Question: At what stage in a relationship do you feel comfortable discussing detailed financial matters (like credit scores) with your partner?

Only 4% of singles want to discuss finances before the first date. The rest, about 39%, bring up finances between the first coffee and deleting the dating app.

Most singles don’t think finances will influence their decision. Only 13% say knowing someone’s credit score would affect their decision about that person.

Financial shyness isn’t just a singles issue. Those in relationships or marriages are as curious or incurious about their partner’s finances as singles are about their dates.

How Couples See Their Credit Scores

A recent Experian study found that couples today are less likely to co-mingle their finances than in previous years. Fewer couples have joint accounts, and more married couples file taxes separately.

It’s not surprising that couples’ credit scores often differ. Among committed respondents, only a third said they had similar credit scores to their partner. Another third said their credit score was better, and the remaining third said their partner’s score was better.

Question: Whose credit score is better, yours or your partner’s?

Men were more likely than women to claim they had the better credit score: 41% of men versus 31% of women. However, previous Experian data shows men and women have similar credit scores.

Who Pays? The Answers You’ve Been Waiting For

When the check arrives, preferences on who should pay vary. Among all 1,000 respondents, answers were evenly distributed among four possible replies.

Question: If you share a meal on a first date, who do you think should pay?

Gender is the greatest differentiator. Men are most likely to say they should pay for the first date, more so than region, age, income, or employment status.

If you have a higher income or your first grown-up job, you’re somewhat more likely to pick up the check, but the preference is lukewarm. Region and age show almost no difference in who buys.

Can Good Credit Be Cute?

We asked a simple yes or no question: Is good credit attractive? Four out of five singles say yes. While we don’t suggest including your credit score in your dating profile, good credit can boost confidence, a key factor in relationships.

For any mortgage service needs, call O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. We’re here to help you with all your mortgage needs!

Methodology

The analysis results are based on an Experian-created statistically relevant aggregate sampling of our consumer credit database, which may include the FICO® Score 8 version. Different sampling parameters may generate different findings compared to other similar analyses. Analyzed credit data did not contain personal identification information. Metro areas group counties and cities into specific geographic areas for population censuses and related statistical data.

FICO® is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

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