Is using a voucher on a date cheap? Rex Features/Etienne Ansotte

ALISTAIR Shrimpton, managing director of dating agency Dating Direct, says: “With purse strings being tightened, using a voucher has become a symbol of ­financial savvy without ­appearing too cheap.”

He may have a point. ­According to a poll by moneysupermarket.com, ­almost half of women said they would go on a second date with a voucher-toter, in the hope that he had a more generous side.

Sian Harrison, the website’s voucher ­expert, says: “Our ­research found that it’s widely acceptable to whip out a voucher on date four.”

But are discounts really good date etiquette? We spoke to two single Londoners.

Charlie Cannell

26, lives in Shoreditch and works in recruitment

When did you first pay for a date with a voucher?

It was my first date with Abbie, a girl I had met through work. I took her to Harvey ­Nichols, where they were offering three courses and ­unlimited wine for £20.

Were you worried how she might ­react?

No. I told her openly that I’d found a good deal and had the voucher with me. I’d rather be upfront and honest on dates. She seemed OK about it. I thought I was going to get lucky, but I didn’t hear from her again.

Have you used a voucher since?

Yes, I have, but responses vary. I took one girl out to a fancy restaurant, using a £15-for-three-courses deal. She told me I was tight and walked out. I didn’t care. She was rude and didn’t even have the ­decency to say thanks.

Can you see why a woman might think it’s unromantic?

Not really. We had a three-course meal in a nice ­restaurant – what more could she want? If you’re paying, then why not find a good deal? It would be different if I had taken her to a cheap restaurant and then used a voucher – that’d be unromantic!

Kirsty Glynn

23, lives in Essex and works as a showroom assistant

Describe the first time a date paid with a voucher?

It was my second date with Olly, a 25-year-old graphic ­designer. He took me to Pizza Express and we got on well. When the waiter came over with the bill, he whipped out a voucher. He was really casual about it like it was nothing. I was just speechless!

How did you react?

I was a little shocked and embarrassed, but I ­overlooked it as I liked him. I use ­vouchers with friends, but I’d never ­expect it on a date. We met once again and he did it again, but this time he made me pay and that really put me off.

What’s the problem with a ­voucher?

It made the atmosphere awkward. I wouldn’t mind if we’d been together for a while, but I did feel a bit ­uneasy as he was supposed to be trying to impress me. If a guy is prepared to scrimp on a first date, you never know what he is prepared to cut corners on.

Do you think your attitudes are dated?

No, I’m all for women paying their way. But if a man invites a woman out, it’s up to him to show her a good time.