Till debt do us part: 78% of Americans say a partner with debt is a dating dealbreaker

New study from Achieve shows short-term debt plays a defining role in who Americans are willing to date

SAN MATEO, Calif., Feb. 12, 2026 While the search for a soulmate often focuses on chemistry and shared interests, a prospective partner’s balance sheet plays a pivotal role in romantic compatibility. Over three-quarters of Americans (78%) are unwilling to be in a relationship with someone who carries short-term debt from credit cards,…