While many Gen Z Americans say they would consider using cryptocurrency to pay for dates, relatively few are actually doing so, according to a January Pollfish survey commissioned by crypto exchange OKX.
The survey of 1,000 US adults found that 13% of Gen Z respondents have paid for a date using crypto. Among those who haven’t, the most common reason was practical — they lack a direct way to make payments with digital assets.
Interest in crypto went beyond transactions. About 31% of Gen Z participants said they would find receiving cryptocurrency as a Valentine’s Day gift appealing, and 76% said financial literacy is an attractive quality in a partner — suggesting that understanding money may carry more weight than knowing someone’s zodiac sign.
However, actual ownership remains a constraint. OKX told Cointelegraph that 29.5% of respondents currently own or previously owned crypto, indicating that curiosity about digital assets does not necessarily translate into regular use.
Interest High, Usability Still a Barrier
The gap between openness and real-world usage highlights a persistent challenge for crypto adoption: in everyday situations, it is still often simpler to tap a debit or credit card than to pay directly with a digital wallet.
The survey also found that financial literacy carries significant weight in the dating world. Two-thirds of respondents said money smarts are attractive, with Gen Z (76%) and Millennials (75%) expressing the strongest support.
Familiarity with digital financial tools also appears to boost appeal. Between 52% and 55% of participants said that knowledge of digital assets — including cryptocurrencies and digital wallets — can make someone more attractive as a potential partner.
However, actually owning digital assets seems less influential. Just 17% of respondents overall said holding crypto makes someone more attractive, though that figure rises to 30% among Millennials and 28% among Gen Z. The results suggest that younger generations increasingly view digital asset awareness as part of broader financial competence, even if ownership alone doesn’t significantly enhance appeal.
Romance Scams Cast a Shadow
Crypto has also surfaced in dating headlines for less romantic reasons. In 2024, the US Federal Trade Commission issued a consumer alert about a surge in crypto-related romance scams, with Canadian authorities issuing similar warnings as scammers increasingly targeted users on dating apps.
The emergence of artificial intelligence has further amplified the threat. In 2025, fraudsters have increasingly used chatbots and deepfake technology to emotionally manipulate victims and extract funds.
Public perception remains divided. While the OKX survey suggests some daters find crypto knowledge attractive, a separate 2024 survey by the Date Psychology blog found that women ranked cryptocurrency among the least appealing male hobbies.
