Millions of Aussies rate financial infidelity as worse than physical cheating

Secrets are never healthy in a relationship, particularly when it comes to cheating. But millions of Australians think there’s an even worse sin.

Millions of Australians consider financial infidelity to be the ultimate betrayal in their relationship – even worse than physical cheating, according to new research.

Surprisingly, more than one-in-five Aussies think financial infidelity is worse than their partner having an affair, a survey from comparison website Finder has found.

Yet finances seem to remain a secret in many relationships. Two-in-five people – the equivalent to more than 7 million Australians – were unaware of how much their partner was worth.

Gen Z are more likely to admit they believe financial infidelity is worse than physical cheating with 27 per cent not prepared to stand for it, compared to just 17 per cent of Baby Boomers.

Gen Z are more likely to admit they believe financial infidelity is worse than physical cheating. Picture: iStock.

Men and women were quite evenly tied when it comes to thinking financial infidelity is worse than physical cheating.

Kate Browne, personal finance expert at Finder, said being transparent about your finances with your partner can be considered equally as important as being faithful in a relationship, especially if your finances are combined.

“Financial infidelity can range from something as small as lying about buying a new pair of shoes right through to gambling large amounts of money,” she said.

“Financial cheating is up there with physical cheating and can have even more devastating consequences long term.”

Financial infidelity can have a devastating impact on relationships. Picture: News Regional Media

She encourages individuals to be open about their finances with their partner from the get-go.

“Checking that your attitudes towards spending and saving are compatible early on means that you’re less likely to get blindsided later down the track,” she added.

Yet, a survey by Relationships Australia revealed that the majority of respondents considered that infidelity should not always result in the end of a relationship.

However, more than 10 per cent of men and women thought infidelity should always result in the end of a relationship.