Scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or just your friends’ feeds, it’s easy to get the impression that everyone around you is a millionaire. Designer clothes, exotic vacations, luxury cars, pistachios for breakfast — life looks like it’s straight out of a glossy magazine. But new statistics show that’s far from always true.
According to a Credit One Bank survey of 1,000 young adults, 51% admitted to embellishing their financial success or outright pretending to be rich on dates. Among Gen Z, that number rises to 54%, while for Millennials it’s 48%. Even more striking, 37% are willing to go into the red or take on debt to impress someone romantically.
Credit Score as the New “Sex Appeal”
It turns out a high credit score is now seen as a sign of success and reliability. More than half of respondents believe a high score makes someone more attractive. One in four young adults won’t consider serious relationships with someone who has a low score, and 20% wish dating apps would display financial history from the start. However, 55% consider that too intrusive.
Men Take More Risks
The gender gap is clear: 46% of men are willing to make financial sacrifices to impress, compared with just 28% of women. Overall, 38% admitted to damaging their credit history just to “show off,” and 22% did it specifically for a romantic partner. Men are also more likely to overlook a partner’s credit problems — 47% versus 27% of women.
The old stereotype that “men should pay” still exists, even as gender roles shift elsewhere. Social media only adds pressure: seeing others’ “fake luxury” pushes people to spend more than they can afford.
Bad Credit Isn’t the End
73% of Gen Z and Millennials understand what a credit score is and how it affects life, but 54% aren’t ready to share their financial situation with a partner until the relationship is serious. Only 8% consider bad credit a dealbreaker. Almost half are willing to marry someone with financial struggles if that person is actively improving.
Friends Don’t Talk Money, Partners Do
Interestingly, conversations about money rarely happen among friends. 32% of men never discuss finances with friends, and nearly 70% of women don’t either. In relationships, the story is different: 67% discuss money with their partner at least once a month, 44% weekly, and 10% daily.
Financial Advice
Where do they turn for advice? 60% of Gen Z ask their parents, while Millennials are more likely to consult offline experts. Social media and influencers help Gen Z in 21% of cases, compared with just 35% for Millennials.
