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National Pay Back a Friend Day

Show your friends some love this National Pay Back a Friend Day - surprise them with a gift or act of kindness that they'll never forget!

Saturday

October 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEOctober 17

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYRelationships

SUBCATEGORYFriendship

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Pay Back a Friend Day on October 17 by showing your appreciation for the amazing people in your life! This day was created to recognize the importance of friendship, and it's a great opportunity to show those close to you just how much they mean. Whether it’s dinner out or simply expressing gratitude, this is an ideal time to show that special someone how much you appreciate them.

TIMELINE

National Pay Back a Friend Day Timeline

Origins of Lending Among Friends

Lending among friends became common during the Great Depression ostensibly as a response to economic hardship.

Rise of Friendship Studies

Studies into the importance and dynamics of friendship increase, shedding light on its impact on societal and individual wellbeing.

Digital Money Transfers

The initiation of PayPal's "Send Money" feature simplifies repaying friends, encouraging the repayment of small loans among peers.

Venmo Broadens Accessibility

Venmo goes public, making digital repayments widely accessible, which further enabled friends to easily settle their debts.

National Pay Back a Friend Day

The holiday "National Pay Back a Friend Day" is celebrated for the first time on October 17, underlining the value of acknowledging debts owed to friends.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Pay Back a Friend Day

Pay for a friend's meal

Take your friend out to lunch or dinner and pay for their meal as a way to show your appreciation.

SEND

Send a thoughtful gift

Send a gift card to your friend with a note attached expressing how much you appreciate them.

WRITE

Write a thank you note

A heartfelt thank you card can go a long way in showing your gratitude. Take the time to sit down and write out why you are thankful for your friend.

GIVE

Give a surprise visit

Surprise your friend with an unexpected visit! Have some snacks ready, catch up on life and make it a memorable day.

PLAN

Plan an outing

Plan an activity together such as going to the movies, taking a hike or going out for ice cream. It's simple but shows that you care.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Pay Back a Friend Day

It's good for the soul

It feels great to pay back a friend! Repaying a debt or doing something nice for someone else can give you a boost of happiness and make you feel more connected to the people around you. Plus, studies have shown that helping others can give us long lasting joy and satisfaction!

It's a great way to show appreciation

National Pay Back a Friend Day is the perfect opportunity to show your friends and loved ones how much you appreciate them. Whether it's returning a loan, treating someone to dinner, or just sending a heartfelt thank you note, taking the time to say "thank you" in some way will make them feel special and appreciated!

It can help strengthen relationships

Paying back a friend isn't just about money; it's also an act of kindness that can help strengthen your relationships. A simple gesture like paying for lunch or buying someone a treat can go a long way towards building trust and understanding between two people.