economy
In this economy, millennials and Gen Z would rather break up than date someone in debt: 'There's a pretty big divide'
Checking a partner’s credit score used to be something people joked about before a third date. Now it’s closer to standard practice. According to TD Bank’s 2026 Love & Money Survey, which polled 2,000 adults, 46% of Americans say someone’s debt or financial habits would influence whether they pursue a serious relationship with them—and Millennials (51%) and Gen Z (49%) are more likely to say so than Gen X or Baby Boomers (39% each).
TL;DR
- 46% of Americans say a partner's debt or financial habits influence their decision to pursue a serious relationship.
- Millennials (51%) and Gen Z (49%) are more likely than older generations to prioritize financial habits in dating.
- Economic factors like student debt, inflation, and housing costs are cited as reasons for this shift.
- Over half of respondents (54%) would consider signing a prenuptial agreement, a number higher than historical polls.
- Miami stands out as the most financially anxious city surveyed, with high rates of pressure to appear successful and financial secrecy.
- 30% of respondents admitted to hiding a purchase or financial decision, and 11% keep a bank account hidden.
- Financial help within families is bidirectional, with most respondents having both given and received financial assistance.
- The high financial stakes of relationships are influenced by factors like the cost of housing, saving, credit, and loan repayment.