Should You Break Up With Someone Who Has Bad Credit?

If you are dating someone, there are a lot of things you may want to discuss before taking the relationship to the next level. Finances are something that many couples talk about before they move in together or get married. For some, bad credit could be a deal breaker. Here are several things to think about before you jump into a serious relationship with someone who has bad credit.
1. Bad Credit Isn’t a Character Flaw
Just because someone has bad credit doesn’t mean they are a bad person or that they are irresponsible or untrustworthy. Medical bills, job loss, student loans, and other things can drag your credit score down fast. Most of the time, the individual is also working on improving their score. So, take the time to ask whether or not they’ve acknowledged their financial struggles. If they’re willing to change, there’s no reason to go your separate ways.
2. It Will Affect Your Shared Financial Future
All of that said, ignoring bad credit isn’t an option either. If you plan to have a future together, their finances will impact you. From buying a house to leasing a car (or even getting a joint credit card), your partner’s credit history will have an impact on your ability to achieve your goals. In some cases, your partner’s bad credit could lead you to have higher interest rates or even be denied altogether. The key is to openly discuss this hurdle and determine if it’s something you can work through together.
3. It Can Be a Sign of Bigger Habits
Credit scores don’t lie—they reflect patterns. If your partner consistently overspends, ignores bills, or refuses to talk about money, those habits could impact your life too. Financial stress is one of the leading causes of relationship breakdowns. If bad credit is part of a larger pattern of poor money management, that’s worth paying attention to. Loving someone doesn’t mean ignoring red flags that could cost you both in the future.
4. You Need to Know What You’re Willing to Take On
Loving someone doesn’t mean signing up to be their financial rescue mission. If your partner’s bad credit makes you anxious or puts your goals on hold, it’s okay to reassess what you’re comfortable with. Relationships require compromise—but not at the cost of your own financial well-being. Ask yourself: Are you willing to wait to buy a home? Share financial risk? If not, that doesn’t make you heartless—it makes you honest.
5. You Can Support Without Sacrificing Your Stability
If you choose to stay, make sure you set boundaries around your own credit and finances. Keep separate accounts if necessary, avoid co-signing loans, and be upfront about your expectations. Helping someone rebuild their financial life is admirable—but only if you’re protected in the process. Encourage your partner to seek credit counseling or budgeting tools. Just don’t let their journey derail your own.
6. Money Talks Should Happen Early and Often
Too many couples avoid “the money talk” until it’s too late. If you discover bad credit deep into the relationship, it can feel like betrayal—even if it wasn’t intentional. That’s why it’s important to start talking about finances early. What are your goals? Your spending habits? Your credit scores? Transparency now prevents heartbreak later.
7. Love Alone Can’t Fix Financial Incompatibility
Romance is powerful, but it doesn’t pay off credit card debt or erase bad credit history. If you and your partner have completely different financial values, even the strongest love may struggle to survive. Are you a saver while they’re a spender? Do you prioritize debt-free living while they rack up new balances? Financial compatibility is just as important as emotional chemistry when building a life together.
8. There’s a Difference Between Struggling and Stalling
Everyone deserves grace during hard times—but if your partner shows no interest in improving their situation, that’s a red flag. A poor credit score can be rebuilt, but only if they’re willing to work at it. Watch out for excuses, defensiveness, or total avoidance. A partner who won’t take responsibility for their finances may eventually drag you down too.
9. Talk to a Financial Counselor Together
If you’re serious about staying together and tackling bad credit as a team, consider seeing a financial advisor or counselor. These professionals can help both of you build a strategy that protects your goals and addresses weak points. It’s also a great way to see if your partner is truly ready to put in the effort. Taking this step shows maturity—and might be the reassurance you need to move forward.
10. It’s Okay to Walk Away If It’s Too Much
At the end of the day, love shouldn’t come with long-term financial anxiety. If you’ve communicated, supported, and still feel weighed down by your partner’s bad credit and lack of action, it’s okay to choose yourself. Relationships are partnerships—not financial rescue missions. Ending things doesn’t make you selfish—it means you’re prioritizing your peace, stability, and future.
You’re Not a Bad Person for Asking Tough Questions
There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to financial compatibility. You have to have some serious conversations with the person you are dating before you move forward. It’s important to talk about boundaries and not feel guilty about whatever your decision is. There’s nothing wrong with choosing your financial future over a relationship.
Have you ever dated someone with bad credit? Did it affect your relationship or future plans? Share your story in the comments—others could learn from your experience!
Read More
Is Social Media Ruining Your Marriage? How to Tell Before It’s Too Late