Generation Z Americans may be willing to pay for dates with cryptocurrency, but most still aren’t putting their digital coins where their hearts are, according to a January Pollfish study commissioned by cryptocurrency exchange OKX.
A survey of 1,000 American adults found that 13% of Gen Z respondents said they had paid for a date using cryptocurrency, while many who didn’t said the main problem was practical: they didn’t have a direct way to pay with cryptocurrency.
Interest beyond payments. 31% of Gen Z respondents said receiving cryptocurrencies as a Valentine’s Day gift would be attractive, and 76% said financial literacy was an attractive quality in a partner, a reminder that for some daters, “knowing your numbers” may be more charming than knowing your zodiac sign.
Still, ownership appears to be a limiting factor. OKX told Cointelegraph that 29.5% of respondents said they currently own or previously owned crypto assets, suggesting that curiosity about cryptocurrencies does not automatically translate into everyday utilize.
Gen Z is flirting with cryptocurrencies, but ease of utilize is an issue
The discrepancy between “open” and “actually did it” points to a familiar obstacle with cryptocurrencies: In many everyday situations, it’s still easier to tap your card than pay directly with your wallet.
The survey also found that two-thirds of respondents said financial literacy was a good fit for the dating market, with Gen Z (76%) and Millennials (75%) showing the greatest support.
Knowledge of digital finance tools was also critical. Between 52% and 55% of respondents said that knowledge about digital assets such as cryptocurrencies and digital wallets can make a person more attractive as a potential partner.
However, only 17% of respondents overall said that owning digital assets makes someone more attractive, including 30% of Millennials and 28% of Gen Z. The results indicate that for younger cohorts, digital asset awareness is increasingly seen as part of broader financial literacy.
Related: Valentine’s Day nightmare? Romance scams continue to be a $1 billion lure for criminals
Romance scams spoil the mood
Crypto has also made headlines on dating sites for less romantic reasons. In 2024, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission issued a consumer alert amid a growing number of cryptocurrency romance scams. Canadian authorities issued similar warnings as crypto scammers flooded dating apps.
The rise of artificial intelligence has also increased the risk of romance scams in crypto. In 2025, fraudsters are increasingly using chatbots and deepfakes to manipulate victims emotionally and financially.
Perceptions were also mixed. While the OKX study found that some people are attracted to cryptocurrencies, a 2024 survey conducted by the Date Psychology blog found that women rank cryptocurrencies among the least attractive male interests.
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