Contrary to popular belief, the first generation to grow up with Facebook, Instagram and dating apps is not blinded by good looks. Setting aside small talk, millennials are judging their romantic partners by their credit scores, salaries, and credit card debt, according to a new report by Bankrate.com.
While talking about money on a first date is taboo for many baby boomers, millennials are more open to broaching the subject right at the start of a relationship. Bankrate’s survey found that 35% of millennials are comfortable discussing money on a first date, compared to 14% of baby boomers.
Considering the fact that millennials (now between 23 and 38), many of whom started their careers during the financial crisis in 2008 and its aftermath, have less wealth than their parents and grandparents’ generations did at their age, it’s not hard to see why finances remain a top priority as they pursue love. Setting financial expectations right at the start of a relationship is just par for the course.
Splitting the check
Millennials are more likely to expect to split the bill on a first date than their parents and grandparents were. Thirty-seven percent of millennials are prepared to do so, compared to 26% of Gen Xers, baby boomers, or part of the silent generation, according to Bankrate.
One reason for millennials’ penchant to go dutch: the financial empowerment of women. “We see a lot of advancement for women. A lot of women are earning college degrees more so than in the past. Even though we still have the issue of a gender wage gap, women have made a lot of progress. For millennials, men and women are in a position to take care of themselves financially,” says Bankrate.com analyst Amanda Dixon.
Credit scores determine future dates
A majority of millennials also judge a romantic interest on their credit score. According to Bankrate.com, more than 6 in 10 millennials say knowing a person’s credit score could affect their decision to go on a future date. In comparison, only 51% of older respondents felt the same way.
“To be dating someone who has a low credit score suggests that maybe they’re not keeping track of their score, maybe they’re not taking the steps that they need to take to improve it, and so that could be a red flag if you’re thinking about whether or not you have a future with this person,” says Dixon.
Millennials say a good credit score suggests a person is responsible in how they handle money, according to Bankrate, which speaks to their reliability in general.
Salaries matter
Twelve percent of millennials view a discrepancy in income as a red flag, whether their love interest makes significantly more or less money than them. For older generations, Gen Xers, that number is just 3%.
Millennials have more options than their parents and grandparents had in choosing a partner – the proliferation of dating apps has significantly widened their dating pool. “When you have so many options, you’re going to be picky,” says Dixon, “and you’re going to be selective and you’re going to want to look for someone who really matches you in every single way, including in income.”
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