Banking on love: Gen Z’s financial confidence hinges on finding the ‘one’, but more than 50 per cent say cost of dating is getting in the way

• Barclays research finds that one in five single Gen Z adults see being single as a barrier to achieving financial goals
• Almost half believe having a partner would make them more financially secure
• More than £1,300 is spent per year by those who are dating
• 52 per cent of Gen Z feel the expense is impacting their ability to go on dates

New research from Barclays shows nearly one in five (18 per cent) Gen Z adults (18-27 year olds) see being single as a barrier to achieving their financial goals, and almost half of those who are single (45 per cent) believe having a partner would make them feel more financially secure.

The rising cost of dating, however, is an obstacle for those hoping to find the one. On average across all age groups those who date spend £111.74 per month, or more than £1,300 per year, on dates and dating apps. Some 52 per cent of Gen Z adults feel the expense impacts their ability to go on dates.

Financial compatibility is still a priority

Nearly eight in 10 (78 per cent) of those aged 18-27 believe it’s important their partner has similar financial goals to them, compared to 70 per cent of their parents’ generation (Gen X, aged 44 to 59), suggesting Gen Z put more emphasis on financial compatibility. However, when finances don’t align it can spell the end for young peoples’ relationships. Over a third (36 per cent) of Gen Z adults say they would end a relationship due to a financial disagreement, and one in six (16 per cent) already have.

Financial insecurity is a ‘red flag’

Gen Z’s own financial behaviours and circumstances, and their perception of financial ‘red flags’ (qualities or habits they find off putting) are somewhat misaligned. One in four (38 per cent) would be put off a potential partner because of a lack of savings, yet almost a third (29  per cent) have no savings themselves. Similarly, a quarter (24 per cent) of Gen Z see relying on “bank of mum and dad” as a red flag, yet 26 per cent admit depending on their parents for support. This desire for a financially secure partner whilst grappling with personal financial insecurity is perhaps unsurprising for a generation that has grown up in periods of economic uncertainty, and against the backdrop of the cost of living crisis. 

Those who are already in a relationship list sharing the cost of living, having a partner to make financial decisions with, and being able to save more among the biggest financial perks of coupling up.

Kirsty Adams, consumer finance expert at Barclays said: “When it comes to their finances, Gen Z have to navigate tension between what they want and what feels personally achievable. This is a real challenge for a group so exposed to the rising cost of living, and we can see it playing out in their attitudes towards finances and dating.

“Having a partner helps life’s financial milestones feel more achievable, but dating itself is expensive. Financial security is desirable but is a work in progress for many Gen Zs. We’re not matchmakers, but we do have resources to help every young person, regardless of their relationship status, feel confident managing their money to achieve the milestones that matter to them.”

Barclays LifeSkills provides guidance on how to manage your money from school through to university and beyond. Barclays’ Money Management page provides resources for managing the rising cost of living, boosting savings and starting to invest. 

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Opinium surveyed 2,000 UK adults on a variety of questions relating to financial confidence and relationships between 15^th and 19^th August 2025. All data referring to Gen Z is specific to Gen Z adults aged 18 – 27

Barclays offers a range of accounts and services to help young people build their financial confidence, including a student account and Young Person’s Account (for 16 – 17 year olds)

About Barclays

Our vision is to be the UK-centred leader in global finance.  We are a diversified bank with comprehensive UK consumer, corporate and wealth and private banking franchises, a leading investment bank and a strong, specialist US consumer bank.  Through these five divisions, we are working together for a better financial future for our customers, clients and communities.

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