Would you date someone who regularly spends more than they earn?

For more than half of Aussie singles, this would be an instant dealbreaker.

Dating has always been about chemistry including a shared sense of humour, similar interests and sparks flying on a first meet.

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But discussing debt over dinner and asking about savings goals? Not so long ago, those conversations would have felt completely off-limits.

However, it turns out Australian singles might be rewriting the dating checklist.

New research commissioned by ING suggests financial compatibility is becoming an important factor when it comes to choosing a partner.

Saving habits, spending behaviours and future financial goals are all topics that are playing a much bigger role in modern relationships, especially among younger Australians.

One in five Millennials and almost one in five Gen Z singles say having a shared financial approach is one of the most important traits they look for in a potential partner.

This stems from saving for a home, rising household costs or planning for the future being the money-driven factors that are so important for life’s biggest decisions.

Why Australians are putting money on the dating checklist

Australians still place huge importance on shared interests, lifestyle preferences and personal connection when dating, but the ING research revealed that financial compatibility matters more than career compatibility.

Singles are more than twice as likely to rank a shared approach to saving, spending and long-term financial goals as the most important trait in a future partner than having similar career ambitions.

More than half of Australians believe having aligned financial habits is important before entering a relationship, while similar expectations around lifestyle, spending and saving are viewed as important traits for relationship longevity.

Despite money traditionally being considered a taboo topic, it appears Australians are becoming more comfortable having those conversations earlier with 14 per cent of singles say they’ve already discussed money within the first three dates.

The new dating green flags

For years, dating culture has encouraged people to present the most exciting version of themselves, but Australia’s singles might be looking for something more practical.

ING research revealed smart money habits are a green flag for singles with around two in three say they’re more attracted to someone who avoids unnecessary debt. Close to half are drawn to other singles who consistently save.

Women place a strong emphasis on financial preparedness and are more likely to find emergency funds and regular saving attractive qualities in a potential partner.

And it’s not just the big financial milestones that matter.

Over one in four singles say someone who uses savings “hacks” to stretch their money further would become more attractive, while others are impressed by habits like using multiple savings accounts to stay on track with financial goals.

The modern dating green flag isn’t having more money — it’s being intentional with what you do have.

Forget the Ick. These are the new dating dealbreakers

Nearly two-thirds of Australian singles say poor money habits would reduce their interest in dating someone, even if they were otherwise attracted to them.

When it comes to relationships, Australians are more concerned about financial behaviours than financial circumstances. With frequent gambling, hiding purchases, regularly spending more than you earn and avoiding conversations about money all ranked among the biggest dealbreakers.

Australians appear less concerned about how much someone has in the bank and more interested in whether they demonstrate financial responsibility, transparency and shared values.

As Australians become more open to money conversations, it seems financial compatibility is earning a place alongside the traditional relationship green flags.