Question 1

What is a third paycheck?

Accepted Answer

A third paycheck happens because employees paid every two weeks receive 26 paychecks in a year. In most months you get two paychecks, but in two months (sometimes three, if there are 27 total in that year) you’ll receive three paychecks.

Question 2

When will I get my third paycheck?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your pay schedule. Enter a recent paycheck date into the calculator above, and it will tell you which months of the year have three paychecks.

Question 3

How should I use my third paycheck?

Accepted Answer

Many people use their third paycheck to pay down debt, increase savings or retirement contributions, build an emergency fund, or make a planned purchase without borrowing.

Question 4

How to Make the Most of a 3 Paycheck Month

Accepted Answer

If you’re paid every two weeks, a couple of months each year will include three paychecks instead of two. Since your monthly bills are already covered by the first two, the third paycheck can be used for savings, debt repayment, or other goals.

Question 5

Why Biweekly Paychecks Give You 26 (Sometimes 27) Paydays a Year

Accepted Answer

There are 52 weeks in a year, which divided by two equals 26 pay periods. Occasionally, depending on the calendar, a year will include 27 paydays. This affects budgeting and payroll deductions.

Question 6

Biweekly vs. Semimonthly Pay: What’s the Difference?

Accepted Answer

Biweekly pay means every two weeks (26 checks per year), while semimonthly means twice a month (24 checks per year). Biweekly sometimes includes a third paycheck in a month, but semimonthly never does.

Question 7

Budgeting on a Biweekly Pay Schedule: Tips to Stay Ahead

Accepted Answer

With 26 paychecks a year, budgeting biweekly can feel uneven. Strategies like the half-paycheck method, building a buffer account, and planning for three-paycheck months can help smooth your cash flow.