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National Get Smart About Credit Day

Make sure you're financially secure and informed - celebrate National Get Smart About Credit Day by learning about the importance of credit!

Thursday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEThird Thursday in October

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYBusiness

SUBCATEGORYFinancial Literacy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to get smart about credit on National Get Smart About Credit Day, which takes place on the third Thursday of October each year! This is a day to recognize the importance of financial literacy and credit management. It was first started in 2002 by the American Bankers Association as a way to promote responsible borrowing, saving, and investing. So this year, take some time out of your day to learn more about credit and how it can affect your finances. Whether you're just starting out or have been managing money for years, there's something for everyone - from budgeting tips to advice on building good credit. Let’s make this National Get Smart About Credit Day an opportunity to get educated!

TIMELINE

National Get Smart About Credit Day Timeline

Inception of the Holiday

The American Bankers Association (ABA) started National Get Smart About Credit Day to promote financial literacy and responsible credit management.

Expanded Reach of the Event

ABA's Get Smart About Credit program expanded, with banks across the country participating and conducting financial literacy presentations in local communities.

Increased Awareness

Following the Global Financial Crisis, the importance of this holiday grew, as it tackled critical topics like credit card debt, student loans, and identity theft.

Online Educational Resources

The ABA launched a range of online resources to make credit management lessons more accessible for everyone and celebrate the day virtually, reinforcing its relevance in the digital age.

Impact of COVID-19

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Get Smart About Credit Day emphasized the importance of managing credit and finances during times of economic uncertainty.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Get Smart About Credit Day

Research credit scores

Spend some time researching your credit score and understanding what factors contribute to your score. That way, you can make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your credit health in great shape.

CREATE

Create a budget

Create a budget that works for your lifestyle and helps you save money. Budgeting is an important part of understanding how to manage your finances and limit your spending.

SETUP

Setup automatic payments

Set up your bills to be paid automatically each month. This will help to ensure that you never miss a payment and help improve your credit score.

CHECK

Check your credit report

Make sure to review your credit report periodically to look for any errors or discrepancies. This can help protect you from identity theft and make sure that all of the information on your report is accurate.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself about credit

Take the time to learn more about credit, such as how to read a credit report, what affects your score, and how to improve it. There are many websites and resources available to help educate you on the subject.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Get Smart About Credit Day is Important

Education is vital for managing money wisely

Learning about budgeting, saving, investing and debt management is an important part of taking control of your finances. Educating yourself on these topics will enable you to make smart decisions when it comes to managing your funds. National Get Smart About Credit Day helps spread awareness about these topics and encourages everyone to get educated!

Credit is important to build financial stability

Having good credit is essential to achieving financial stability. It can help you secure the loans, mortgages and other financing you need to make large purchases or invest in your future. Plus, it's a great way to build your credit history, which can lead to better interest rates on loans and other benefits in the future.

Credit can be easily damaged

Poor credit can have long-lasting consequences on your financial life. Late payments, high balances and unscrupulous lenders can all lead to damaging marks on your credit report. Being aware of how credit works, what affects it and how to maintain a healthy score is key to preventing these issues from occurring in the first place.

Related holidays

National Credit Education Month

An awareness observance in March promoting credit literacy and responsible financial practices, including understanding credit scores and managing debt.