Posted on 05/20/2025 1:08:19 PM PDT by Red Badger
In a nutshell
* 56% of Americans find using coupons on first dates acceptable, with 28% considering frugality “sexy” — showing that budget-consciousness is now an attractive quality
* There’s a clear gender divide when it comes to splitting the bill — only 32% of women are enthusiastic about a second date after splitting, compared to 70% of men
* Financial compatibility matters long-term — 83% of married respondents said shared money views were key to finding their spouse
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NEW YORK — The days of dropping hundreds on lavish first dates to impress a potential partner? Gone. A new survey reveals that 56% of Americans now think using a coupon on a first date is completely fine. Even more surprising—61% find being budget-conscious actively attractive, with 28% going so far as to call frugality downright “sexy.”
The Art of Financial Attraction
When Talker Research asked 2,000 Americans about dating economics on behalf of TopCashback.com, they discovered that showing off wealth might actually hurt your chances. More than half (56%) reported being turned off by dates who flaunt their money.
“The data shows today’s daters aren’t looking to be swept off their feet by spending,” said Destiny Chatman, consumer expert for TopCashback. “Thoughtful financial choices like using a coupon or redeeming cash back show planning, not penny-pinching. In this economy, frugality isn’t just practical. It’s an attractive sign of long-term potential.”
The data identified $125 as the tipping point where first-date spending begins to feel excessive to most Americans. Meanwhile, 37% of respondents said they’d actually be impressed by a date who uses reward points to pay, and nearly half (48%) are comfortable splitting the check—though with a notable gender divide. Only 32% of women expressed enthusiasm for a second date after splitting the bill on the first, compared to 70% of men.
The Economics of Modern Romance
Economic pressures appear to be reshaping dating preferences across the country. A solid 60% of singles say they’re likely to date someone who regularly hunts for deals, with 55% noting that a partner’s financial awareness has become more important to them in the last five years.
The survey showed that the current economic climate is the main reason single people are finding budget-conscious partners more attractive. This trend reflects a broader shift in how Americans approach money in relationships.
For those seeking long-term commitment, financial compatibility proves crucial—83% of married respondents identified similar approaches to money as a key factor in finding their spouse.
Frugal vs. Cheap: Know the Difference
While penny-pinching might win you points, 70% of Americans draw a clear line between being financially savvy and just plain stingy. The behaviors most likely to flag someone as “cheap” rather than “frugal” include:
Skipping on essential expenses like tipping (34%)
Money decisions that negatively affect others (25%)
Financial choices harmful to oneself (13%)
Refusing to spend on any experiences (12%)
“We’re seeing a dynamic shift in dating culture,” added Chatman. “People aren’t just watching how you treat the waiter, they’re watching how you treat your wallet. Being smart with money isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about showing care, confidence and long-term thinking, which is exactly what today’s singles are looking for.”
In a dating world transformed by economic realities, how you handle your finances might reveal more about your relationship potential than your dating profile ever could.
Survey Methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans online between April 17-21, 2025, commissioned by TopCashback.com. The survey used non-probability sampling through online access panels and programmatic sources. Respondents received points with small cash-equivalent value for participation. Statistical significance was calculated at 95% confidence level, with minimum 80 respondents per analysis cell. Quality control measures eliminated speeders, inappropriate responses, bots, and duplicate participants. The survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and results may not be generalizable to those without internet access.
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Thank you very much and God bless you.
It’s better than the Dine-and-Dash and leave her behind to pay the bill.
Female “Influncers” offer coupons these daze?
Coupons are OK. As long as she’s paying, I don’t care.
Coupons indicate some fast food or chain restaurant.
I’d recommend one should do better than that on a first date.
if she approves of you using the coupon
and offers to go dutch
she is a keeper
I always appeared at a first date with a red rose, and No Effing Way would I have ever split the bill, let alone bring/use a “coupon”!
This reminds me of the insanity of the subject matter of these “studies.”
El RushBo once pointed out one of the most ridiculous “studies” that someone actual paid money to perform. The title of the “study” was something close to: “Sexual Habits Of Males And Females In College.”
Do men still pay on dates?
I always wondered, on a gay date who pays?..................🤔.
> if she approves of you using the coupon, and offers to go dutch, she is a keeper <
Not saying you’re wrong. But Chazz Palminteri says to use the door test.
https://youtu.be/y8p1iG-6d-w?si=xc8H843tLdnmYhiY
What happened to just packing an ice chest of beer and taking her out to with you to do some Texas hell raising and show her a night she’ll never forget and plenty of sex at various points of the evening and something to eat at some point, probably at your place for eggs and something easy? It always worked for me.
Hell no, it’s condoms girls NOT coupons! Coupons aren’t going to work!
Wrong again. Lots of independent restaurants offer coupons through services like Local Flavor.
My restaurant does. It’s usually $30 for $15. Lately $25 for $15.
On, Wisconsin!
Is this one of those "Thank God I am not dating now" things?
Whenever we go out the cubs ask where we are going to eat and DH says, "where ever your mom has coupons for".
Lol!
Absolutely not!!! Period! End of discussion!
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