For the love of money: 3.6 million Australians admit to dating for financial security
Millions of Aussies are putting love on the line for a better bank balance, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,004 respondents revealed almost 1 in 5 (17%) – equivalent to 3.6 million people – have pursued a romantic relationship for financial reasons.
1 in 10 (9%) said they were upfront with their partner about their intentions, while 8% hid their financial motivations.
A further 7% say they've been in a relationship where they think their partner was with them for the money.
Of those who have pursued a romantic relationship for financial reasons, 34% say they were less than truthful about their own financial situation.
Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said the research reveals just how much money can influence matters of the heart.
"For some Australians, the rising cost of living has blurred the lines between love and financial security.
"Choosing a partner based on their bank balance might feel practical in the short term, but it can leave you vulnerable down the track.
"When financial security is the main driver in a relationship, it risks creating power imbalances and can erode trust – both of which are toxic."
While there's no major difference between genders in the research, Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker (CST) shows men continue to have significantly larger cash reserves than women.
The average woman has $33,308 saved in September, compared to $53,301 for men.
Finder's research shows gen Z (32%) are the most likely to have dated for financial security, compared to 27% of millennials, 11% of gen X, and just 2% of baby boomers.
Megginson said healthy relationships require effective communication and emotional connection.
"It's critical to have open conversations about money, and equally important to make sure financial comfort isn't the only thing keeping you together."
Have you ever pursued a romantic relationship primarily for financial security?
| Yes, and I was upfront with my partner about my intentions | 9% |
| Yes, but I kept my true motivations a secret from my partner | 8% |
| No, but I have been in a relationship where I believe my partner was with me for my money | 7% |
| No, I have not | 76% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,004 respondents, September 2025 |  |
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 1,004 respondents from September 2025.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
Sources
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