Gen Ys are more likely to get into arguments about credit card spending. Source: Getty Images

The poll of 1,200 consumers by Creditcardfinder.com.au found a quarter of those aged 18-34 admitted making secret purchases on their credit cards.

“Generation Y was the most untrustworthy group when it came to their credit card spending, as they were more likely to have a secret credit card or hide purchases than other age groups,” the survey found.

“They were also more likely to get into an argument about their credit card spending than other generations.” Overall, 17 per cent of all women surveyed admitted hiding credit card spending from their partner, compared with 14 per cent of men.

Fifteen per cent of those surveyed admitted owning a secret credit card, or using a card to make purchases their partner didn’t know about.

Creditcardfinder.com.au’s Michelle Hutchinson said it could be tempting to keep credit card spending secret.

“When you’re in a relationship where your spending affects someone else, keeping a secret could seem like an easier option than controlling your spending urges,” she said.

“But in reality, you are potentially risking your relationship and cheating yourself out of money you could be wasting on interest charges.”