The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
News
5 credit card perks to save you money on Valentine’s Day shopping
Chris Nelson is a credit cards writer for TPG. He specializes in budget travel, hotels, earning elite status through minimal spending and redeeming points for maximum value.
also contributed to this story
January 22, 2025 • 7 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
Valentine's Day is a prime opportunity to leverage credit card perks for dining, travel and shopping savings.
Some cards offer monthly dining credits at select merchants and annual credits for restaurant reservations, which can be used for takeout, delivery or in-person meals.
Hotel stays can be made more affordable with annual free night certificates or by redeeming rewards for travel purchases, including accommodations and experiences.
Targeted offers and shopping portals can provide additional savings or rewards at a variety of merchants, from chocolate shops to electronics retailers.
What to consider
Enrollment is required for many dining and targeted offers, and eligibility may be limited or require advance registration.
Some credits or certificates may only be usable at specific locations or have defined expiration dates, so planning ahead is important.
Certain premium cards may include extra perks such as purchase protection, luxury discounts or exclusive experiences, but benefits vary by card type.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of which credits, offers and strategies best match different Valentine's Day plans, from romantic dinners to luxury getaways.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Love is in the air, which means the first big-spending holiday of 2025 is upon us.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway for your partner or treating yourself to something special, don’t shop for Valentine’s Day without these credit card perks.
Use the American Express Gold Card dining credit
If you’re spending a romantic evening at home or going out to a new restaurant, the American Express® Gold Card has your back.
THE POINTS GUY
In addition to earning an impressive 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar on dining at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar at restaurants worldwide) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar at U.S. supermarkets), the Amex Gold includes an up to $120 annual dining statement credit per calendar year (up to $10 per month) when you pay with your card at merchants such as Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly (only until June 30, 2026), Wine.com (only until June 30, 2026), Five Guys, Buffalo Wild Wings and Wonder.
The card has a $325 annual fee (see rates and fees). Enrollment is required and terms apply for select benefits.
Even if you don’t frequently dine at any of the restaurants mentioned, you can also use the monthly up to $10 credit for takeout and delivery at Grubhub. Just don’t forget to register beforehand.
In addition to the dining credit, cardmembers also receive an up to $10 monthly credit (up to $120 in annual Uber Cash each calendar year) that can be used for Uber Eats orders in the U.S. (You must add the card to the Uber app to receive this benefit and use an eligible Amex card to pay).
Additionally, you can treat your loved one to a nice Valentine's Day dinner with the annual up to $100 Resy credit per calendar year at U.S. Resy restaurants (allotted up to $50 semiannually).
No reservation is required (although for Valentine's Day, you don't want to be the one without a reservation); all you have to do is pay with your Amex Gold card at a participating Resy restaurant, and you'll receive up to a $50 statement credit bi-annually.
This credit is incredibly easy to use; you may use it without even realizing it, as there are around 20,000 restaurants enrolled. Enrollment is required and terms apply for select benefits.
If you don’t know about Amex Offers, it’s never too late to familiarize yourself with these great deals that are linked to your American Express cards. Amex Offers allow you to save money or earn valuable Membership Rewards points with many shopping, dining and travel brands.
Once you’ve added the targeted Amex Offers to your American Express cards, you just have to make purchases with your card at those merchants.
AMERICANEXPRESS.COM
From chocolate retailers such as Godiva to big tech stores like Best Buy and hotel brands like Hilton and Marriott, there’s bound to be an Amex Offer that will save you cash or earn you valuable transferable points this Valentine’s Day.
To tack on even more savings, don’t forget to use a shopping portal for your online purchases. Eligibility for these offers is limited. Enrollment is required in the Amex Offers section of your account before redeeming.
Of course, as always, we strongly recommend you pay the balance off before the promotional period expires to avoid paying any interest.
Purchasing high-ticket items on Valentine’s Day with a card promoting 0% APR offers will ease financial burdens.TOM WERNER/GETTY IMAGES
If you plan on paying your entire purchase off in full right away, you might also consider a card with a limited-time elevated welcome offer and earn a heap of cash back or points from the welcome bonus, which usually requires a few thousand dollars in spending.
You may have a Visa or Mastercard that offers extra perks and luxury benefits such as rental car insurance, discounts at luxury hotels, concierge services and purchase protection if your high-priced item is lost or stolen.
Both networks feature their own benefits programs on some of their premium cards.
You could save 15% off a basket of goodies at Harry & David by using your Visa card or RSVP for a celebrity cooking class with Mastercard’s Priceless Experiences program from the comfort of your home, as a couple of examples.
Valentine’s Day can get expensive quickly, but you don’t have to spend a ton on this romantic day to make it special. By strategizing a bit with your credit card perks, you can generate extra rewards points, deliver a memorable experience and produce valuable savings on your holiday purchases.
