2020 Valentine’s Day Spending Survey

Whether you love it or loath it, there’s no denying that Valentine’s Day is a big deal. We spend billions of dollars on the occasion each year. And there’s a lot riding on what we do (or don’t do) in Cupid’s name on February 14, to the extent that it could affect whether some people wind up filing joint or individual tax returns come April.

To learn more about exactly how consumers are approaching Valentine’s Day 2020, WalletHub conducted a nationally representative online survey. We asked about everything from what people plan to buy and how much they plan to spend to financial turnoffs and how money problems affect relationships. You can check out the complete results in the infographic below.

Key Stats:

• More Men Say V-Day Debt is Worth it: Men are nearly three times more likely than women to think a Valentine’s Day gift is worth going into credit card debt.
• Reckless Spending Ends Relationships: 46% of people would break up with their significant other if he or she spent irresponsibly.
• Financial Irresponsibility Isn’t Attractive: 4 in 10 people say irresponsible spending is a bigger turnoff than bad breath, and 51% of people say they would not marry someone with bad credit.

Ask the Experts

We posed the following questions to a panel of leading consumer studies scholars. You can find their bios and responses below.

1. WalletHub’s survey found that 51% of people would not marry someone with bad credit. What does that tell you about the state of relationships and financial literacy right now?
2. Do you have any tips for people who want to make sure they date someone who is good with money?
3. Why do you think men are nearly three times more likely than women to believe that a Valentine’s Day gift is worth going into credit card debt for?
4. What advice do you have for the 46% of people who say they would break up with their significant other if he or she spent irresponsibly?
5. Do you believe the 4 in 10 people who say irresponsible spending is a bigger turnoff than bad breath?

Full Details Overall

What is the biggest reason to break up with someone?
Cheating	55%
Inconsistent values	20%
Constant arguing	18%
Money problems	7%
Can financial infidelity be worse than cheating?
Yes	53%
No	47%
How much do you expect your Valentine to spend on a gift?
$50 -$100	34%
$1 - $49	31%
Nothing	27%
$101+	8%
Would you date someone with bad credit?
Yes	63%
No	37%
Would you marry someone with bad credit?
No	51%
Yes	49%
Should couples split the check when dining out on Valentine’s Day?
No	65%
Yes	35%
Would you break up with your significant other if he/she spent money irresponsibly?
No	54%
Yes	46%
Which of the following money problems are worst for a relationship?
Financial secrets	35%
Irresponsible spending	27%
High debt level	15%
Not saving for the future	12%
Ruining your credit score	8%
Losing money on bad investment decisions	4%
Which is more important to you: Love or Money?
Love	86%
Money	14%
Would it bother you if your significant other made less money than you?
No	88%
Yes	12%
What's the best way to avoid money problems in a relationship?
Separate accounts	38%
Asking permission before buying	28%
Joint finances	24%
Prenuptial agreement	10%
What's a bigger turnoff:
Bad breath	59%
Irresponsible spending	41%
When using dating apps, would you like to see people’s Wallet Scores?
No	69%
Yes	31%
Would you ask your significant other to show you their Wallet Score?
No	63%
Yes	37%
Is a Valentine’s Day gift worth going into credit card debt for?
No	85%
Yes	15%

Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.

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