Ever met someone with a bank account that’s full, but their behavior leaves you cringing? Money can buy many things, but it can’t buy class.

If you’ve encountered people who flaunt their wealth but lack basic decency, you’re not alone.

In fact, psychology points to specific behaviors that reveal when someone has riches but zero class.

Here are 9 telltale signs that money can’t fix.

1) They flaunt their wealth

Wealthy people with zero class often use their money as a tool to impress or dominate others.

They do this by constantly flaunting their wealth.

This can occur in numerous ways, ranging from obvious gestures like driving flashy cars and wearing expensive clothing, to more subtle actions such as name-dropping brands or bragging about their latest extravagant vacation.

It’s not uncommon for these individuals to use their wealth as a status symbol, believing that it puts them above others.

What they fail to realize is that class isn’t measured by material possessions, but rather by one’s character.

Psychology suggests that this kind of behavior often stems from a deep-seated insecurity.

These individuals may feel the need to prove their worth through materialistic displays, mistakenly believing that this will earn them respect or admiration.

True class is about how you treat others, not what you own or how much money you have in the bank.

2) They lack empathy

Another common trait found in people with a lot of money but zero class is a lack of empathy.

They often struggle to understand or share the feelings of others, especially those who are less fortunate.

They may dismiss the struggles of others, attributing their hardships to laziness or lack of ambition, without considering the systemic and personal challenges that might be at play.

This lack of empathy can also manifest as a disregard for the feelings and needs of those around them.

They might make decisions that benefit them without considering the impact on others.

Empathy is a key component of emotional intelligence and an essential trait for building meaningful relationships.

Without it, people can come across as detached, self-centered, and classless – regardless of their financial status.

3) They seek constant attention

Interestingly, individuals who have a lot of money but lack class often crave attention.

Despite having all the resources to lead a comfortable, independent life, they frequently seek validation and admiration from others.

They might constantly post about their luxurious lifestyle on social media, or create elaborate displays of their wealth in public.

They may also engage in loud, attention-seeking behaviors, dominating conversations and making everything about themselves.

This constant need for attention might seem contradictory for people who seemingly ‘have it all’.

Class is not about how much you have, but about how you behave and treat others. Seeking attention at the expense of others is far from classy.

4) They disregard basic manners

This is a painful truth, but some wealthy people who lack class simply disregard basic manners. They might :

• Interrupt others while they’re speaking
• Show up late to appointments or meetings
• Fail to say “please” and “thank you”

For them, their wealth and status may make them feel entitled, as though the common courtesies that apply to everyone else don’t apply to them.

This kind of behavior is not only disrespectful, but it also reveals a lack of consideration for others.

No amount of money can make up for the absence of basic manners. 

5) They struggle to form genuine connections

 

Despite having all the material possessions one could wish for, individuals with a lot of money but zero class often struggle to form genuine, meaningful connections.

This isn’t to judge them harshly, but rather to empathize with a deep-seated issue they might be facing.

Their focus on wealth and status can cloud their ability to connect with people on a deeper, more personal level.

They may prioritize shallow relationships based on mutual benefits or social standing, rather than on shared interests, values, or emotional bonds.

This can lead to a sense of loneliness and isolation, even when surrounded by people.

It’s a reminder that no amount of wealth can replace the fulfillment and happiness that comes from genuine human connections.

Class, in its truest sense, involves fostering these connections with empathy, kindness, and authenticity.

6) They are never satisfied

We all know that feeling of wanting something more, something better. It’s a normal part of being human.

However, this desire can become an insatiable need for people with a lot of money but zero class.

Despite having more than they could ever need, they are constantly chasing after the next best thing :

• The latest fashion trend
• The newest tech gadget
• The most exotic vacation spot

There’s always something else to acquire, another goal to reach.

This constant pursuit of material possessions can lead to a perpetual state of dissatisfaction.

It’s a stark reminder that real happiness and satisfaction don’t come from what we own but from who we are and how we treat others.

7) They have a flair for the dramatic

Ever noticed how some people just seem to bring a storm of drama wherever they go? It’s almost as if they’re starring in their own soap opera!

They may create unnecessary drama or exaggerate situations to draw attention to themselves.

It could be an over-the-top reaction to a minor inconvenience, or turning a small disagreement into a full-blown argument.

While it can sometimes add a bit of spice to life’s everyday routine, constantly living in the midst of drama can be exhausting for those around them.

Class is about handling situations with grace and dignity, not about being the center of attention in every scene!

8) They use their wealth to manipulate others

One of the most distasteful behaviors displayed by those with plenty of money but zero class is using their wealth to manipulate others.

They might use their money as a lever to control people, whether it’s by making extravagant gifts with strings attached or wielding their financial power to exert influence.

They might also use their wealth to get out of sticky situations, thinking that money can absolve them of any wrongdoing.

This is not only unfair, but it’s a blatant misuse of privilege. 

9) They confuse wealth with worth

The most crucial point to remember is that some wealthy people with zero class often confuse their wealth with their worth.

They believe that their financial success equates to their value as a person.

They might think their expensive possessions, high-status job, or large bank account makes them superior to others.

They base their self-esteem and identity on their financial success, forgetting that true worth comes from within.

However, true class and worth are not determined by material wealth but by:

• Our actions
• The way we treat others
• How we carry ourselves 

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, it’s not the money someone has that leaves a lasting impression—it’s how they make others feel.

While these behaviors might be frustrating to witness, they’re also a clear reminder that wealth doesn’t equal class.

True class shines through humility, kindness, and respect, none of which require a hefty bank account.

It’s not the dollar signs that define you, but the values you live by.

Now that you know these signs, you’ll spot the difference between real class and an empty display of wealth from a mile away.