Most Single Women Would Rather be in a Relationship with Someone that Has a Tattoo of Their Ex Versus Someone with Bad Credit

Washington, DC, March 27, 2019 — According to a recent online survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Charlie Finance, 46% of women who are single/have never been married say that they would rather be in a relationship with someone who has bad credit (credit score below 500) over someone who has a tattoo of their ex (54%). Another 45% say that they would rather go on a first date with someone who has moderate credit card debt ($5k - $10k) over someone who doesn’t vote in political elections (versus 55% who disagree). However, six in ten (58%) say that they would feel less inclined to want to get married if their partner had a large amount of debt. Only a third (34%) believe that being in a serious relationship brings financial security (versus 66% who disagree).

• Women under the age of 30 are significantly more likely to rather be in a relationship with someone with bad credit than someone who has a tattoo of their ex (49% vs. 36% of those ages 31-40). On the other hand, older women (67% of those age 31-40) are much more likely to be hesitant to get married to someone with a large amount of debt (vs. 56% of those age 18-30).

When asked whether they would want to have an engagement ring or the cash value to use however they want (e.g., on the future wedding, honeymoon, make a major purchase, or put in savings), 51% would choose the ring versus 49% who would opt for the cash. Women between the ages of 18-30 are much more likely to select having a ring (54%), while most women over the age of 30 would opt for the cash (58%).

Dating and Finances

When it comes to using dating apps, most single women say that they would not want to see financial details on someone's dating profile (74%). However, one in ten (12%) would want to see a potential date’s credit score (12%) and 7% would be interested in knowing how much credit card debt this person has. Very few would instead be most interested in seeing a person’s savings account balance (3%) or how much student loans they have (3%).

Opinions are split when it comes to who should pay on the first date, with 51% of single/never married women agreeing that both parties should split the bill equally on the first date (vs. 49% who disagree). Only 3% believe it is acceptable to discuss money on the very first date. Instead, women are more likely to think it is better to wait until they have been on two to four dates (18%) or even five to ten dates (25%) before bringing up finances (e.g., debt, savings, spending) - and nearly half (48%) say instead that the subject of money should only come up when in a serious relationship. Only 18% say that they feel more comfortable sharing their salary with someone they are casually dating than with their friends.

About the Study

These are the findings from an Ipsos poll conducted January 23 - 31, 2019 on behalf of Charlie Finance. For the survey, a sample of 533 women ages 18-40 from the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii was interviewed online, in English. To qualify for the survey, women had to be single/never married. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll has a credibility interval of ±4.8 percentage points for all respondents.

The sample for this study was randomly drawn from Ipsos’s online panel (see link below for more info on “Access Panels and Recruitment”), partner online panel sources, and “river” sampling (see link below for more info on the Ipsos “Ampario Overview” sample method) and does not rely on a population frame in the traditional sense. Ipsos uses fixed sample targets, unique to each study, in drawing sample. After a sample has been obtained from the Ipsos panel, Ipsos calibrates respondent characteristics to be representative of the U.S. Population using standard procedures such as raking-ratio adjustments. The source of these population targets is U.S. Census 2016 American Community Survey data. The sample drawn for this study reflects fixed sample targets on demographics. Post-hoc weights were made to the population characteristics on gender, age, and region.

Statistical margins of error are not applicable to online nonprobability sampling polls. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error and measurement error. Where figures do not sum to 100, this is due to the effects of rounding. Ipsos calculates a design effect (DEFF) for each study based on the variation of the weights, following the formula of Kish (1965). This study had a credibility interval adjusted for design effect of the following (n=533, DEFF=1.5, adjusted Confidence Interval=6.3).

For more information about conducting research intended for public release or Ipsos’ online polling methodology, please visit our Public Opinion Polling and Communication page where you can download our brochure, see our public release protocol, or contact us.

For more information on this news release, please contact:

Negar Ballard
Senior Account Manager, U.S.
Ipsos Public Affairs
+1 312 292-8366
[email protected]

Marie-Pierre Lemay
Senior Account Manager, U.S.
Ipsos Public Affairs
+1 613 793-1622
[email protected]

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks fourth in the global research industry.
With offices in 89 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across five research specializations: brand, advertising and media; customer loyalty; marketing; public affairs research; and survey management.
Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.
Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of €1,749.5 million in 2018.