Pay Day (move)

Pay Day
ネコにこばん Coin for a Cat
Pay Day IX.png
Pay Day IX 2.png
Type  Normal
Category  Physical
PP  20 (max. 32)
Power  40
Accuracy  100%
Priority  {{{priority}}}
Target
Foe Foe Foe
Self Ally Ally
May affect anyone adjacent to the user
Availability
Introduced  Generation I
Condition  Smart
Appeal  1
Jam  0  
The appeal works best the more the crowd is excited.
Condition  Smart
Appeal  1
Earn +3 if the Pokémon gets the lowest score.
Condition  Clever
Appeal  2 ♥♥
Jamming  0  
Excites the audience in any kind of contest.

Pay Day (Japanese: ネコにこばん Coin for a Cat) is a damage-dealing Normal-type move introduced in Generation I. It is TM16 in Generation I, TM57 in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, and TM02 in Pokémon Sword and Shield.

In Generations II and III, it was the signature move of Meowth and Persian, and from Generation IV to VI, it was the signature move of Meowth. In Generation IX, it is the signature move of Meowth, Persian, and Perrserker.

Effect

  This move effect may be in need of research.
Reason: What is the maximum amount of money available per battle from Pay Day in all generations?
You can discuss this on the talk page.

Pay Day deals damage and scatters coins on the ground. The amount of coins increases directly with the user's level. If the player wins the battle or ends a wild encounter with a move that forces the opponent to flee (such as Roar or Dragon Tail), they will pick up all the scattered coins and receive the money amount.

The amount of money from Pay Day is doubled if any of the player's Pokémon takes part in battle while holding an Amulet Coin or Luck Incense. (This effect can only be applied once, regardless of how many additional Pokémon hold these items.)

No money is obtained if

Generation I

Pay Day scatters coins with a value equal to twice the user's level (at the time the move was used), up to 200 coins if the user is level 100.

Pay Day will normally scatter coins when it hits a substitute, but fails to do so if it breaks the substitute.

In this generation, the maximum amount of Pay Day coins allowed per battle is $999,999. After this, the game still states that coins are scattered with every use of Pay Day, but the value of coins stored by the game will not increase any further.

At the end of the battle, the player picks up all coins scatter by both their own Pokémon and opposing Pokémon.

Generation II

  This move effect may be in need of research.
Reason: Is money received when a wild Pokémon escapes? (such as wild Magnemite, Grimer, Cubone, etc.)
You can discuss this on the talk page.

Pay Day now scatters coins even if the move breaks a substitute.

Generation III to V

  This move effect may be in need of research.
Reason: Does the Amulet Coin error occur in Pokémon Colosseum and XD?
You can discuss this on the talk page.

Pay Day now scatters coins equal to five times the user's level each time. The player can now only pick up coins that were scattered by their own Pokémon.

Pay Day hitting a substitute will no longer scatter coins (even if the substitute breaks).

Generation VI

If the user levels up during battle, the amount of money collected is now calculated based on the new level, not the level at which the move was used.

If Pay Day is used by a Pokémon with Parental Bond (e.g. by using Skill Swap), coins are only scattered on the first hit.

Happy Hour increases the amount of money picked up.

Generation VII

  This move effect may be in need of research.
Reason: Is money received when Nihilego escapes in Aether Paradise?
You can discuss this on the talk page.

Prize Money Power increases the amount of money picked up.

Glitches

  This move effect may be in need of research.
Reason: Check the behavior for Levels 101-255 and 0 in Generation IV and up
You can discuss this on the talk page.

Generations I and II

If the user has a level higher than 100 (which is not allowed in normal gameplay, but is possible via some methods such as the old man glitch), Pay Day still works as usual up to level 127, scattering up to $254 per use. This move would scatter $0 if the user is level 0, but no message is displayed. However, if the user's level is between 128 and 255, Pay Day scatters an amount of money equal to  . For instance, Pay Day scatters $0 at level 128, $100 at level 178, and $254 at level 255.

Pokémon over Level 100 cannot be traded from Generation I into Generation II due to a message that the Pokémon is abnormal, but it is possible to obtain one in Generation II with a means of arbitrary code execution such as the Coin Case glitch.

Generation III

Unlike Generation I and II, Pay Day gives the expected amount of money for Levels 101-255 (five times the level; so a maximum of $1275 per use). As before, this move would scatter $0 if the user is level 0, but no message is displayed.

Pokémon over Level 100 can be obtained using an arbitrary code execution method such as viewing a glitch Pokémon's animation or using a glitch move from Glitzer Popping.

Due to a minor glitch in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, the wrong amount of money will be displayed if the Amulet Coin is held (including for Levels 1-100). The correct amount is still gained after the battle. This error was fixed in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and all subsequent games.

Description

Games Description
Stad A move that also nets money at the end of battle. How much depends on the attack frequency and level.
Stad2 A move that nets money at the end of battle. How much depends on the attack frequency and level.
GSC Throws coins. Gets them back later.
RSE Throws coins at the foe. Money is recovered after.
Colo.XD Throws coins at target. Money is recovered after.
FRLG Numerous coins are hurled at the foe. Money is earned after battle.
DPPtHGSS Numerous coins are hurled at the foe to inflict damage. Money is earned after battle.
PBR Numerous coins are hurled at the foe to inflict damage.
BWB2W2
XYORAS
SMUSUMPE
SwShBDSPLA
Numerous coins are hurled at the target to inflict damage. Money is earned after the battle.
SV Coins are hurled at the target to inflict damage. Money is earned after the battle.


Learnset

By leveling up

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Level
0052     Field Field 17 20 20RSE
18FRLG
30 30 30 30 12 12 12 12
0052  
Meowth
Alolan Form
  Field Field 30 12 12 12
0052  
Meowth
Galarian Form
  Field Field 12 12
0053     Field Field 17 20 20RSE
18FRLG
12 12 12 12
0053  
Persian
Alolan Form
  Field Field 12 12 12
0863     Field Field 12 12
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.
A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method.
An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.


By TM

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Compatibility
0025     Field Fairy
0026     Field Fairy
0026  
Raichu
Alolan Form
 
 
Field Fairy
0031    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0034    
 
Monster Field
0052     Field Field
0052  
Meowth
Alolan Form
  Field Field
0052  
Meowth
Galarian Form
  Field Field
0053     Field Field
0053  
Persian
Alolan Form
  Field Field
0054     Water 1 Field
0055     Water 1 Field
0056     Field Field
0057     Field Field
0078     Field Field
0078  
Rapidash
Galarian Form
 
 
Field Field
0079    
 
Monster Water 1
0079  
Slowpoke
Galarian Form
  Monster Water 1
0080    
 
Monster Water 1
0080  
Slowbro
Galarian Form
 
 
Monster Water 1
0086     Water 1 Field
0087    
 
Water 1 Field
0112    
 
Monster Field
0133     Field Field
0134     Field Field
0135     Field Field
0136     Field Field
0143     Monster Monster
0150     No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered RGB
0151     No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0196     Field Field
0197     Field Field
0199    
 
Monster Water 1
0199  
Slowking
Galarian Form
 
 
Monster Water 1
0446     No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0464    
 
Monster Field
0470     Field Field
0471     Field Field
0509     Field Field
0510     Field Field
0677     Field Field
0678  
Meowstic
All forms
  Field Field
0700     Field Field
0725     Field Field
0726     Field Field
0727    
 
Field Field
0807     No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0863     Field Field
0876  
Indeedee
All forms
 
 
Fairy Fairy
0898  
Calyrex
All forms
 
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.
A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method.
An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.


By breeding

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Egg Move
0187    
 
Fairy Grass
0509     Field Field
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.
A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method.
An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.


Special move

Generation III

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
0300     Field Fairy Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire - Skitty Egg
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.
A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method.
An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.


By event

Generation I

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
0022    
 
Flying Flying Pokémon Stamp
0078     Field Field Pokémon Stamp
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.
A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method.
An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.


Generation II

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
0225    
 
Water 1 Field New York City Pokémon Center
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.
A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method.
An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.


In other games

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

Pay Day deals damage. If the target is knocked out with this move, it will drop Poké (on top of their held item, if any). This effect will not trigger if the target is recruited. The move's secondary effect will not occur in all dungeons (for example, not in mazes in Super Mystery Dungeon).

Game Base
Power
Max
Power
Base
PP
Max
PP
Base
Accuracy
Max
Accuracy
Range Target Cuts
corners
MDRB 8 - 22 - 90% - Front Enemy No
MDTDS 8 - 16 - 90% - Front Enemy No
BSL 8 - 16 - 90% - Front Enemy No
SMD 4 99 25 40 95% 98% Front Enemy Yes
With some exceptions, Pokémon learnsets match those from the core series games:

Super Smash Bros. series

When a Meowth appears from a Poké Ball in Super Smash Bros., Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, it uses Pay Day to hurl coins at opponents.

Pokémon Rumble Rush

  Pay Day
Attack power 33.84057
Charge time 0.74 seconds
Range type Projectile
Number of hits 1
Number of projectiles 1
Critical hit rate 1.5%
Additional effect None

Description

Games Description
MDRB Inflicts damage on the target. If the foe faints, it will drop money.
MDTDS Inflicts damage on the target. The enemy will drop money if it faints.
BSL てきポケモンに ダメージをあたえる このわざで たおれたポケモンは おかねを おとす
MDGtI  UNUSED
SMD If you defeat an enemy with this move, the enemy will drop  .
MDRTDX If you defeat an enemy with this move, the enemy will drop  money. However, enemies you defeat while you're in a maze won't drop any  money!


In the anime

 
Meowth


Numerous balls of energy are hurled at the target to inflict damage.
Pokémon Method
User First Used In Notes
  Meowth crosses its arms, then opens them quickly and multiple glowing white balls of energy come out of the charm on its head.
The Black Arachnid's Meowth Spinarak Attack Debut


In the manga

Pokémon Adventures


Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All


In other generations

Core series games

Side series games

Spin-off series games

Trivia

  • The Japanese name of the move is an idiom equivalent to "to cast pearls before swine." The coins depicted in the move's animation are koban, gold coins used in the Edo period of feudal Japan, the same type of coin as the one on Meowth's head.
  • In Generation I, Pay Day was one of only three methods (discounting glitches) to earn money once all Trainers were defeated, the other two being selling items (obtaining them with Coins after all other items are sold) and battling the Elite Four and Champion.
  • In Generation I, Pay Day can be used to obtain up to $999,999 per battle. However, this maximum amount would require using this move at least 5000 times in the same battle.
    • For instance, obtaining the maximum amount of money in a single battle is achievable in this generation by using a Mew with Pay Day, Rest, and Transform against a wild Ditto. Once Ditto transforms into Mew, they will both have the same moveset, including Pay Day, as well as Rest to restore their own HP. The opponent has infinite PP by default, while the player's Pokémon can indefinitely restore its own PP by repeatedly transforming into the opponent and obtaining its moves again.

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 聚寶功 Jeuihbóu-gūng *
擲兩添金 Jaahkléungtīmgām *
Mandarin 聚寶功 / 聚宝功 Jùbǎo-gōng
  Czech Výplata
  Danish Kasse I
  Dutch Afrekening
  Finnish Tilinteko
  French Jackpot
  German Zahltag
  Greek Φιλαργυρία Filargyría
  Italian GiornopagaIII+
Giorno-PagaIII
  Korean 고양이돈받기 Goyang-idonbatgi
  Polish Dzień Zapłaty
  Brazilian Portuguese Dia de Pagamento (TCG, manga, The Official Pokémon Handbook)
Dia do Pagamento (anime, The Official Pokémon Handbook)
  Russian Джекпот Dzhekpot
  Serbian Isplata
  Spanish Día de Pago
  Swedish Lönedags
Lönedagen
  Turkish Ödeme Zamanı
  Vietnamese Vung Tiền


Generation I TMs
01020304050607080910111213141516171819202122232425
26272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950
Generation I HMs
0102030405
Generation VII TMs
SMUSUM
0102030405060708091011121314151617181920
2122232425262728293031323334353637383940
4142434445464748495051525354555657585960
6162636465666768697071727374757677787980
81828384858687888990919293949596979899100
PE
0102030405060708091011121314151617181920
2122232425262728293031323334353637383940
4142434445464748495051525354555657585960
Generation VIII TMs
SwSh
0001020304050607080910111213141516171819
2021222324252627282930313233343536373839
4041424344454647484950515253545556575859
6061626364656667686970717273747576777879
8081828384858687888990919293949596979899
BDSP
0102030405060708091011121314151617181920
2122232425262728293031323334353637383940
4142434445464748495051525354555657585960
6162636465666768697071727374757677787980
81828384858687888990919293949596979899100
Generation VIII TRs (SwSh)
0001020304050607080910111213141516171819
2021222324252627282930313233343536373839
4041424344454647484950515253545556575859
6061626364656667686970717273747576777879
8081828384858687888990919293949596979899


  This article is part of Project Moves and Abilities, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on two related aspects of the Pokémon games.