Scroll through any social feed or dating profile, and you’ll see a curated parade of designer bags, tropical getaways, and endless brunches. But behind the glossy facade, a startling truth is emerging: nearly half of young adults are pretending to be wealthier than they really are.
According to a new Credit One Bank survey of 1,000 Gen Z and millennial adults, **51% admit to exaggerating or outright fabricating their financial status**—with Gen Z leading the trend at 54%, slightly ahead of millennials at 48%. Even more alarming? **37% say they’d willingly overdraft their accounts or go into debt just to impress someone on a date.**
Credit Scores: The New Currency of Attraction
In today’s dating scene, a sparkling personality might not be enough—your FICO score could be doing the heavy lifting. The survey reveals that **more than half of young adults find high credit scores attractive**, and **24% won’t consider a serious relationship unless their partner’s score is 700 or higher**. Meanwhile, another 24% say credit scores don’t factor into their dating decisions at all, highlighting a generational split between pragmatism and romantic idealism.
Some are even calling for dating apps to display financial metrics alongside bios and photos. **One in five respondents support showing credit scores upfront**, treating fiscal responsibility like a standard profile detail. But the idea remains controversial: **55% find it too invasive**, with opposition strongest among those earning under $50,000 annually—60% of whom reject the concept outright. By contrast, nearly a third of high earners (those making over $150,000) welcome the transparency.
The Gender Gap in Financial Posturing
When it comes to spending beyond their means to impress, men are far more likely to take the risk. **46% of men admit they’d overdraft to wow a date**, compared to just 28% of women. Overall, **38% of all respondents have gone into debt or harmed their credit to make a romantic impression**—22% specifically for a partner.
Men also report a greater willingness to absorb financial hits for love: **41% say they’ve damaged their credit for a relationship**, versus 35% of women. Lingering expectations around traditional dating roles—like men covering the bill—may be fueling this pressure, even as gender norms shift elsewhere.
Bad Credit Isn’t Always a Dealbreaker
Despite the performative wealth and score-checking, most young adults understand what credit scores actually mean. **73% say they grasp how credit impacts their lives**, yet **54% prefer to keep their financial details private until a relationship gets serious**.
And poor credit isn’t necessarily a romance-ender. Only **8% consider it a marriage dealbreaker**. Nearly half (48%) have married—or would marry—someone with financial baggage, and another 37% would consider it if their partner was actively improving their situation.
Men are notably more forgiving: **47% would overlook a partner’s troubled financial past**, compared to just 27% of women. Women are also twice as likely to call bad credit a dealbreaker (10% vs. 5%).
What really matters? Patterns over one-time mistakes. While **21% would end a relationship over repeated financial irresponsibility**, **23% say poor money habits wouldn’t affect their bond at all**.
The Money Taboo Among Friends
Surprisingly, money remains a silent subject among even the closest friends. **32% of young adults never discuss finances with their inner circle**, and only 11% do so regularly. The silence is especially pronounced among women—**70% rarely or never talk money with friends**, compared to 60% of men.
Romantic relationships, however, tell a different story. **67% of partnered respondents discuss finances at least monthly**, with 44% checking in weekly and 10% even daily. As commitment deepens, so does financial transparency.
Most friendships remain unaffected by a friend’s financial status—**56% say it doesn’t matter**. But bad financial advice can strain bonds: **32% would forgive but stay cautious**, 23% would blame themselves, 20% would confront the friend, and 2% admit they’d seek revenge.
Seeking Stability—But on Their Own Terms
In an era of economic uncertainty, **53% of young adults prioritize financial independence**, even as they weigh the benefits of support from others. Among those open to help, **27% hope family or friends might step in**, while **20% are actively looking for romantic partners who can provide financial security**.
If the economy worsens, **40% say it wouldn’t change their approach to relationships**. But **20% would prioritize financially stable partners**, and another 20% say stability would become important in both romantic and platonic connections.
When it comes to financial advice, generations diverge: **60% of Gen Zers turn to their parents**, compared to just 44% of millennials. A notable 21% of Gen Z even consult Reddit, influencers, or AI tools like ChatGPT. Millennials, meanwhile, lean toward professionals—**43% seek expert guidance**, versus 35% of Gen Z.
Financial Reputation Beyond Romance
Credit scores don’t just influence dating—they shape workplace perceptions too. **43% of respondents say they’d lose some confidence in a boss with serious debt or bad credit**, with 18% seriously questioning their leadership. Yet **37% wouldn’t change their opinion**, and **20% would actually respect a leader more for being transparent** about financial struggles.
Personal finances also carry deep emotional weight. Only **about one-third of young adults would feel proud if others knew the full truth about their financial life**. Men are more likely to feel pride (38%) than women (28%), and far less likely to feel shame (10% vs. 15%).
Income plays a defining role: just **22% of those earning under $50,000 would feel proud**, while **56% of those making over $150,000 say they’d feel confident** sharing their financial reality.
The Bigger Picture
This generation is navigating record student debt, soaring housing costs, and job market volatility—all while being bombarded by images of effortless affluence online. The result? A cycle of comparison, concealment, and financial strain disguised as success.
Yet beneath the performative spending lies a growing awareness: **financial health is deeply intertwined with trust, stability, and self-worth**. While personality still tops the list of desirable partner traits, a solid credit score is increasingly seen as a sign of reliability and maturity.
In love, friendship, and career, money matters—maybe now more than ever. And perhaps the most radical act isn’t posting a luxury vacation, but **talking honestly about your bank balance**.
*Methodology: Credit One Bank surveyed 1,000 Gen Z and millennial adults across diverse income levels and U.S. regions in October 2025 to explore how credit and financial habits shape social perceptions, relationships, and self-image.*