Forget dinner reservations and gym selfies. Financial literacy is the new dating flex.
A recent OKX survey of 1,000 Americans reveals something unexpected. Two-thirds of people find financial know-how attractive in a potential partner. But here’s the twist: understanding crypto and digital assets scores major bonus points, especially among younger daters.
So does owning Bitcoin make you more dateable? The answer is more nuanced than you’d think.
Younger Generations Want Partners Who Get Money
The survey shows a clear generational divide in what makes someone attractive. Overall, 66% of Americans said personal finance knowledge matters. But that number jumps dramatically for younger age groups.
Among Gen Z, 76% find financial literacy attractive. Millennials aren’t far behind at 75%. Meanwhile, older generations care less about whether someone understands compound interest or investment strategies.
Gender plays a surprising role here. Millennial women and Gen Z men both hit 77% in prioritizing financial knowledge. That shatters old stereotypes about who values money management skills in relationships.
Plus, this trend reflects something deeper than surface-level attraction. Economic uncertainty has defined the past decade for younger Americans. Student debt, housing affordability crises, and pandemic disruptions created a generation that values financial competence as foundational, not optional.
Understanding Crypto Beats Owning It
Here’s where things get interesting. Knowing about digital assets matters more than actually holding them.
More than half of men (52-55%) said understanding crypto and digital wallets makes someone more attractive. Among women, 49% shared that view. So digital asset literacy carries real social value.
Among Millennials, 66% find crypto knowledge attractive. Gen Z follows at 65%. Baby Boomers? Only 37% care.
But actual ownership tells a different story. Just 17% of Americans said owning crypto makes someone more attractive. That figure rises to 30% among Millennials and 28% among Gen Z. Yet 64% of all respondents feel neutral about whether someone holds digital assets.
What does this split reveal? People evaluate competence differently than ownership. Understanding how crypto works signals curiosity and adaptability. Owning it doesn’t automatically boost your dating profile the same way.
Importantly, there’s no negative sentiment toward crypto owners. Most people just don’t treat holding digital assets as a relationship bonus point. They treat knowledge as the real green flag.
Crypto as Valentine’s Gift? Results Are Mixed
Financial literacy scores dating points. But would crypto work as a romantic gift?
Overall, 21% of Americans said receiving crypto for Valentine’s Day would be a “turn-on.” That includes 25% of men and 17% of women. Meanwhile, 35% prefer traditional gifts, and 44% feel neutral.
Among Millennials, receptiveness jumps to 34%. Gen Z clocks in at 31%, with Gen Z men the most enthusiastic at 39%.
So crypto gifting isn’t mainstream yet. But it’s gaining traction among digital natives who view it as a forward-thinking gesture rather than a weird experiment.
The takeaway? Know your audience. Gifting crypto to a Millennial who follows blockchain news might land well. Surprising your Boomer date with Ethereum? Probably not.
Actual Crypto Use in Dating Remains Rare
Despite growing interest, real-world crypto transactions on dates stay limited. Only 5% of Americans said they’ve paid for a date using crypto. Among Gen Z, that climbs to 13%. Among Boomers? Less than 1%.
Another 6% of respondents said they’ve sent crypto afterward to split a bill someone else paid traditionally. That figure rises to 14% among Gen Z.
But barriers differ by generation. Among Gen Z who haven’t used crypto for dating expenses, 37% cited lack of access as the reason. They want to use it but can’t find restaurants or venues that accept it.
For Boomers, the issue is cultural, not logistical. A full 65% said they wouldn’t feel comfortable paying with crypto regardless of whether it’s accepted.
“The data tells us this is an access problem rather than a demand problem,” an OKX spokesperson told BeInCrypto. “What’s still being built is payment infrastructure at the point of sale, like the ability to tap and pay the same way you would with a card or mobile.”
So demand exists, especially among younger daters. Infrastructure just hasn’t caught up yet. As more venues accept crypto payments through simple point-of-sale systems, usage will likely rise.
What This Really Means for Modern Dating
Financial literacy clearly matters more than showing off wealth. Understanding money management, whether traditional or digital, resonates across age groups.
For younger generations shaped by economic instability, financial competence signals adaptability. It shows someone stays curious about how money and markets work. That matters more than a single steady paycheck.
Crypto knowledge fits into this broader pattern. It demonstrates engagement with emerging financial tools. It suggests someone thinks about the future of money, not just present spending habits.
But actual crypto ownership? Neutral at best for most people. It doesn’t hurt your chances. It just doesn’t automatically boost them either.
The shift makes sense when you consider how dating has evolved. Apps and online profiles force people to evaluate potential partners quickly. Demonstrable skills and knowledge stand out more than material possessions you can’t verify.
Financial literacy has become part of how people present themselves. It’s not just about stability anymore. It’s about showing you’re engaged, informed, and forward-thinking.
For anyone trying to improve their dating appeal, the message is clear. Learn about money management. Understand how digital assets work. Show you’re curious about financial topics.
You don’t need to own Bitcoin to be attractive. You just need to understand why it exists and how it fits into the broader financial landscape.
That knowledge signals something deeper: you’re someone who pays attention, adapts to change, and thinks critically about the future. Those qualities transcend any single investment or account balance.