Financial health now ranks above good looks – when it comes to finding a partner

Financial health is now more important than good looks when it comes to finding a new partner, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults found 38 percent are likely to be swept off their feet by someone who is good with money.

This ranked as more attractive than physical appearance, marriage, and wanting to start a family.

Love-seekers even think a partner who is fiscally responsible is more attractive than someone who is in good shape (33 percent), or shares the same political beliefs (23 percent).

But even when thinking more long-term, 65 percent believe financial and sexual compatibility are equally important.

However, 57 percent said they would rather be with someone who is “their type on paper” – even if they are not as career-driven as they would like.

The research was commissioned by NatWest, which has teamed up with dating expert Charlene Douglas to launch the free “Know Your Credit Score” tool for everyone, as part of the bank’s pledge to help more people improve their financial wellness.

Charlene Douglas said: “Checking in on your financial wellness not only helps you feel like you’re in control, but brings with it a sense of pride and determination that radiates to those around you.

“By understanding your partner’s financial habits and priorities – and having regular, open conversations to align on those priorities – you can work together to achieve goals and reduce conflict in your romantic relationships.”

The study also revealed one in 20 (six percent) would love for more singletons to include their credit score, and how much annual leave they get, on their online dating profiles.

And 36 percent want to see fewer people describe themselves as “crazy” or “mad” when they are swiping right or left.

Three in ten are tired of inspirational quotes on profiles, while talk about star signs is a big turn-off for 29 percent.

And 68 percent think online dating would be much simpler if everyone was honest about their financial health.

It also emerged 45 percent actually feel more attractive themselves when they have their money in order – and 67 percent think this feeling can improve relationships overall.

Even outside of the relationship bubble, four in five feel more positive about life in general when they are on top of their money.

However, 45 percent would potentially call it quits with a partner if they prioritised going out over their economic stability.

And it would be a deal-breaker for 44 percent if the person they were in a relationship with was always in their overdraft.

In fact, more said it is a dumpable offence not showing ambition to buy a home (32 percent), compared to a willingness to travel (24 percent), the OnePoll.com data found.

When in the dating stage, it takes as many as six romantic meetings, on average, before they are comfortable talking about their finances – but for a quarter, a bad credit score can put them off.

Phil Sheehy, head of short-term borrowing at NatWest, said: “Relationships can be built on an understanding of how to manage money – as ultimately, this has a big role when things get serious.

“But when starting out in any new relationship, it has never been more important couples have these shared values when it comes to their finances.

“That’s why we have created the Know Your Credit Score tool, which is a free service available to everyone, to help give personalised insights and tools to help them understand their finances and grow their financial compatibility.”