Would You Use a Coupon on a First Date? The Surprising Percentage of Americans That Say 'Yes'

The stigma around saving money on a first date may be fading. A recent survey reveals that nearly six in ten Americans wouldn't mind if their date used a coupon during the first outing—a sign that modern dating norms are shifting toward practicality over performance.

Commissioned by TopCashback and conducted by Talker Research, the poll of 2,000 US adults found that 56% said they'd be perfectly comfortable if their date pulled out a discount code or voucher.

What might have once been seen as tacky is now increasingly viewed as thoughtful and financially aware.

Smart Spending Beats Flashy Splurges

Beyond just tolerating thriftiness, 61% of respondents said they find financial prudence attractive, with nearly a third (28%) even calling it 'sexy'.

Meanwhile, over half (56%) said they were turned off by extravagant displays of wealth, including flashy watches, luxury cars, and name-dropping pricey venues.

Still, there's a gap between theory and action. While many say using a coupon is acceptable, only around one in seven have actually done so on a first date. The hesitation, respondents admit, is rooted in fear of being judged.

Survey Details And Demographics

The survey was conducted between 17 and 21 April 2025 and included a diverse cross-section of American adults, spanning various age groups, income brackets, dating backgrounds, and relationship experiences.

Interestingly, younger daters, LGBTQ+ respondents, and men were the most open to budget-conscious dating.

Many in these groups also said they value early transparency around spending habits—seeing it as a sign of emotional maturity and long-term compatibility.

Dating In A Cost-Of-Living Crisis

As inflation continues to push up prices on everything from drinks to dinner, many singles are rethinking what counts as a red flag. Booking during happy hour, using points or loyalty rewards, and suggesting casual venues are increasingly seen as smart rather than stingy.

Experts say the key is confidence and context. Casually mentioning a deal upfront, instead of awkwardly handing over a coupon in silence, can help normalise the behaviour and avoid misunderstandings.

From Red Flag To Green Flag

The study also found that traits like humility, self-awareness, and financial stability ranked higher than charm or physical appearance when it came to what people found attractive in a partner.

On average, respondents said spending over $125 on a first date felt excessive, with many preferring a more grounded and value-conscious approach.

For a growing number of singles, a coupon isn't a deal breaker—it's a green flag.