More than half of Americans surveyed said they keep a financial secret, according to a new Talker Research poll commissioned by TD Bank US. The survey found that 59% of 2,000 respondents had concealed a money matter from other people.
Credit problems were among the most frequently hidden issues. Twenty-one percent said they kept a bad credit score secret, while 16% reported concealing significant credit card debt. The survey covered financial secrets kept from others generally, rather than only from spouses or partners.
Credit and debt ranked among the most common secrets
The survey also identified other financial matters that respondents said they had withheld. Unpaid student loans ranked below credit card debt, while some respondents cited undisclosed bank accounts, gambling and bankruptcy.
| Financial matter | Share of respondents |
|---|---|
| Bad credit score | 21% |
| Significant credit card debt | 16% |
| Gambling hobby | 14% |
| Undisclosed bank account | 11% |
| Unpaid student loans | 9% |
| Child support or alimony payments | 6% |
| Bankruptcy | 5% |
Some answers focused specifically on relationships. Eleven percent said they had a bank account their partner did not know about. In addition, 30% said they had hidden a purchase or financial decision from a spouse, partner or family member. Another 23% said someone close to them had concealed a purchase or financial decision from them.
The findings also connected money with decisions about relationships and shared finances. Financial stability mattered to 72% of respondents when they considered a potential partner. Debt or financial habits would affect the willingness of 46% to pursue a relationship, according to the survey.
Respondents differed on when to combine finances
There was no single milestone that most respondents selected for combining money with a partner. Thirty percent preferred marriage, while 13% favored moving in together. Another 13% said couples should keep their finances completely separate.
“The survey suggests money isn’t just influencing financial decisions; it’s influencing relationship dynamics, major life milestones and overall confidence,” said Marc Womack, head of client experience, strategy, and governance at TD Bank US.
Womack also said financial education and planning may help people handle these pressures, have more productive conversations and make more informed decisions about their future. Talker Research conducted the online survey from June 29 through July 13, 2026.
- 59% of the 2,000 respondents said they keep a financial secret.
- Bad credit scores and significant credit card debt were the most commonly reported hidden money issues.
- Respondents varied widely on whether marriage, moving in together or complete separation should determine how couples manage money.
