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Modern dating isn’t just about chemistry — it’s also about navigating the tricky terrain of finances. A new survey* conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Chime® uncovers how singles across generations handle money matters in their dating lives, revealing a shift in attitudes and expectations, especially among younger adults. Younger Americans, in particular, were found to place greater value on financial transparency and equality, signaling a move away from traditional gender expectations in relationships.
While older generations often stick to tradition, with 42% of Baby Boomers and 45% of Gen X believing the man should pick up the tab, younger daters are more divided. Among Gen Z, 36% still agree with this expectation, but many are open to alternatives. Nearly a quarter (23%) prefer to split the bill, and 28% say whoever plans the date should cover the cost. This growing openness to shared responsibility signals a shift toward financial transparency and equality in modern dating.
Gender differences also shape the dating and money landscape. Findings reveal that 39% of men feel pressure to appear more financially stable than they actually are. In fact, nearly half of men (47%) believe that the man should pay for all of a date, and only about a third of women agree (34%).
This desire for transparency doesn’t end when the check arrives. In fact, half of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed say it’s attractive when someone is upfront about their income, compared to only 23% of Boomers. Furthermore, Gen Z is twice as likely than Boomers to view big spending as appealing, with 34% saying it is a positive trait compared to just 16% of older daters.
Even so, money remains one of the biggest sources of stress in dating. Of those most stressed by finances (25%), top concerns include debt (51%), salary (45%), spending habits (39%), and savings (35%).
“Money can be a major source of anxiety in dating,” said Dr. Traci Williams, Certified Financial Therapist. “Opening up about financial expectations early can ease tension and help couples focus on building a genuine connection.”
When it comes to dating, bad money habits can quickly become dealbreakers. For many singles, behaviors like flaunting wealth, overspending, or being overly frugal are instant turn-offs. In fact, 33% say they would be put off by partners who live beyond their means, while 26% say being ungenerous and stingy is a clear “financial ick”.
“With Chime’s financial tools, people can feel more confident managing their money and focus on what really matters — building meaningful connections,” said Janelle Sallenave, Chief Spending Officer at Chime. “From budgeting for nights out to managing everyday expenses, having financial confidence makes dating less stressful and more enjoyable.”
*Survey Methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who are single or casually dating, split evenly by generation and region, with 1,000 men and 1,000 women; the survey was commissioned by Chime and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between June 2 and June 9, 2025.
Respondents were sourced through:
- Online access panels (opt-in participants receiving incentives)
- Programmatic sampling (users offered surveys in exchange for virtual incentives)
Dynamic online sampling ensured quotas were met. Surveys were conducted in English, and respondents earned points with small cash-equivalent value.
Quality control measures included:
- Speeders (completing too quickly)
- Inappropriate open-ended responses
- Bots (filtered via CAPTCHA)
- Duplicates (removed via digital fingerprinting)