Why Gen Zers Pretend to Have More Money While Dating and How That Can Lead to Debt

Why Gen Zers Pretend to Have More Money While Dating and How That Can Lead to Debt

Isabel O'Brien

Sat, September 5, 2026 at 11:05 PM GMT+3 3 min read

Key Takeaways

• More than half of Gen Zers say they've overspent to appear more financially successful.

• For some, dating is a key driver—almost 17% say they've taken on debt or hurt their credit score to buy a gift for a partner.

• Financial insecurity may play a role, with many feeling a higher credit score would make them more attractive to a potential partner.

Why is someone you know posing on Instagram with a sports car or a designer handbag? Are they really earning that much more than you?

Probably not. Many Gen Z respondents to a recent Credit One Bank survey say they're willing to fake their finances to land dates and boost their social credibility.

A Surprising Share of Gen Z Admits to Stretching the Truth on Money

About one-third of Gen Zers (34%) say they regularly exaggerate their income, job title, or financial situation, according to Credit One Bank's 'The Social Status of Credit: How Millennials & Gen Z View Credit Scores' survey. Another 17% say they've done it once or twice.

At the same time, 59% say they've overspent to appear more financially successful in dating, on social media, or in social situations, and 39% say they do so regularly.

Still, not everyone is playing along—49% say they've never misrepresented their finances.

So what's driving the pressure to exaggerate what's in their bank accounts? Often, it comes down to dating.

Some Gen Zers Say They'd Go Into Debt to Impress a Date

A significant share of Gen Z is willing to take on debt to make a good impression. In fact, 37% say they would overdraft their account or go into debt to impress a date or significant other. Of that group, almost 20% say they'd cap it at $100.

Others say they've already crossed that line. Roughly 17% report taking on debt or hurting their credit score to buy a lavish gift for a significant other, making it the most common reason respondents went into debt for gift-giving. By comparison, fewer than 7% said they had done this for a friend's gift.

Whether all of that shows up in credit card balances is harder to measure. But Gen Z is carrying more credit card debt than millennials did at the same age. TransUnion data shows average balances for 22- to 24-year-olds rose from $2,248 in 2013 (adjusted for inflation) to $2,834 in 2023.

What's Behind Gen Z's Tendency to Fake Their Finances

Young Americans' tendency to fake their finances may not be about superficiality as much as financial insecurity. Survey data suggests relatively few Gen Zers prioritize money as a dealbreaker in relationships.

Only about 18% say they would end a relationship over poor financial habits, while almost a quarter (24%) say they wouldn't consider a credit score when dating. Nearly half (48%) say they either have or would marry someone with a poor credit score or financial history.

Note

Many Gen Zers say financial insecurity plays a role—40% believe a higher credit score would make them more attractive to a partner.

The Bottom Line

Even as many Gen Zers say they don't prioritize money in relationships, the pressure to appear financially secure is shaping how some present themselves. For a sizable share, that can mean stretching the truth—or even taking on debt—to project an image of stability or success.

That disconnect highlights a broader tension: While financial status may not be a dealbreaker in dating, perceptions around money still carry weight—and can influence real financial decisions.

Read the original article on Investopedia