October brings more than just the usual seasonal festivities, the start of fall, and extra pay for millions of workers. For millions of Americans, this month also brings bonus payments, thanks to a unique twist in the calendar. As reported by The US Sun, the unusual alignment of payday schedules means that some workers will receive three paychecks in October instead of the typical two.
This occurrence, while not exactly a windfall, offers workers an opportunity to manage their finances a bit differently. In this article, we’ll explain why this happens, how you can determine if you’re affected, and how best to make use of this unexpected financial benefit.
Why Are Some Workers Getting Three Paychecks in October?
The calendar is to blame for this quirky situation. For most salaried employees who are paid bi-weekly, payday usually falls every two weeks. However, because a standard year isn’t a perfect number of weeks, some months will have three paydays for bi-weekly workers.
This is the case for October 2025. The first payday for many falls on October 3, the second one is on October 17, and the third falls on October 31, giving certain workers an extra paycheck this month.
Not every bi-weekly paid worker will experience this, however. The determining factor is the timing of their last paycheck. If your most recent paycheck was on September 26, you won’t see a third paycheck until January 2026. But if you were paid on September 19, you’re in luck – you’ll get three paychecks this October.
This unique scheduling quirk also means that workers on weekly pay schedules will get five paydays in October instead of the usual four.
In fact, this scenario won’t happen again until January and July 2026, and it will also occur in October 2026. So, if you don’t see that third paycheck this time, don’t expect it again until those months.
How Can You Tell If You’ll Get A Third Check?
To figure out whether or not you’ll benefit from the third paycheck, look at your last pay date. If you received a paycheck on September 19, you’re one of the lucky ones who will receive three paychecks this month. The first check came on October 3, followed by the next one on October 17, and the final paycheck will land on October 31.
If your most recent paycheck was on September 26, however, your next paydays will fall on October 10, October 24, and November 7. This means the next time you will get a third paycheck in a month won’t occur until 2026, specifically in January and July. You can check your pay calendar or ask your HR department for confirmation on your pay dates to avoid confusion.
How Should You Use Your Bonus Paycheck?
While it’s tempting to think of this third paycheck as “extra money,” financial experts caution that it’s simply part of your regular salary. That said, it’s a great opportunity to use this unexpected income wisely. Here are three ways you can make the most out of this bonus paycheck:
- Build Your Emergency Fund: If you don’t already have an emergency fund, now’s the perfect time to start. Life is unpredictable, and having savings for unexpected expenses, like medical bills or car repairs, can provide you with peace of mind.
- Pay Down High-Interest Debt: With the average American credit card debt reaching $1.209 trillion, high-interest debt is a major financial burden. Using your extra paycheck to pay down credit card debt or other high-interest loans can free up money in the long run by reducing the interest you pay.
- Cover Essential Expenses: If you’re already financially stable, this extra paycheck can help lighten the load on everyday expenses. It could cover groceries, rent, utilities, or car payments. Having a little extra cash in your pocket can make life feel a little less stressful.
In addition to the three-paycheck phenomenon, some Americans are receiving even more financial relief in October. In certain states, residents are getting inflation-busting checks up to $400 this month to help offset rising living costs. Furthermore, some Social Security recipients will also receive double payments, with some getting as much as $1,450 this month, as part of another quirky calendar twist.
