From the classic who-pays-the-bill debate to the dreaded ‘so… how much debt do you have?’ moment, money has officially entered the dating chat. But how much does it really matter? Is debt a dealbreaker? And when’s the right time to talk finances without totally killing the vibe?

With Valentine’s Day and dating app season in full swing, Brigit surveyed 650+ singles to find out how finances are shaping modern dating. The results? Honesty and financial responsibility are in.

Financial compatibility: The real green flag

Financial smarts are the real green flag, with 80% of Brigit users saying they prefer someone who is financially responsible to someone with a high income.

Still, financial habits can raise red flags. 25% of men would let it slide if a partner used their credit card without asking–as long as they paid it back—but only 12% of women say they’d be as understanding. 

And while 54% of respondents said they’d date someone without savings, that tolerance disappears fast if their spending habits are out of control. A lack of savings isn’t a dealbreaker–being irresponsible with spending is. 

When should you talk about money? 

Bringing up finances early in a relationship used to be considered awkward and, to be real, kind of rude. But it’s 2025, and the times are changing. While some prefer to wait until things get more serious, 25% of singles say they’re comfortable talking money by the second or third date. And for the record, nearly 30% wouldn’t ghost someone for asking about their credit score right away–they’d actually appreciate the honesty.

People are learning that financial compatibility matters, but the timing of those conversations depends on your comfort level. The one thing most agree on? Financial surprises aren’t romantic. 

Debt isn’t always a dealbreaker 

Credit card debt ranked as the #1 most concerning form of debt in dating. But here’s where things get interesting: 

  • 1 in 5 millennials say lying about debt is worse than cheating. 
  • 44% of respondents say debt alone wouldn’t stop them from dating someone. 
  • 49% would even help a long-term partner pay off debt–as long as they’re financially responsible. 

So what really matters? Not the debt itself but how a person handles it. A partner working toward financial stability is seen as way more attractive than someone racking up charges without a plan. 

Money isn’t just a marriage topic anymore. Dating today means navigating financial red flags, figuring out when to have the talk (no, not that talk), and deciding what really matters in a partner. 

The good news? People aren’t expecting their dates to have a perfect financial history or six-figure salaries. What they do expect is honesty, responsibility, and a shared approach to money.

So whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day splurge, having that first money convo, or just hoping your date isn’t secretly drowning in credit card debt—one thing’s clear: all is fair in love and finances.

Where we come in 

Financial compatibility isn’t just about finding the right person—it’s about feeling secure in your own financial future, too. Whether it’s building better spending habits, paying down debt, or making sure money conversations feel less awkward, Brigit helps you take control of your finances one step at a time.