The next BMI royalty payment is scheduled for February 20, 2026. This distribution will cover performances that occurred during the 3rd Quarter of 2025 (July 1 – September 30, 2025).
If you are an independent artist or songwriter, cash flow is everything. Unlike a regular 9-to-5 paycheck, music royalties arrive on a strict quarterly schedule.
Knowing exactly when the money hits your account allows you to plan your tour, your next release, and your rent. Below is the confirmed BMI payment schedule for the remainder of 2025 and the full 2026 calendar.
The Official BMI Payment Calendar (2026)
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) typically sends payments on a Friday in the middle of the distribution month.
| Payment Date | Performance Period Covered | What This Means |
| Nov 21, 2025 | Q2 2025 (Apr – June) | Already Paid |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Q3 2025 (July – Sept) | Spring streams paid here |
| May 22, 2026 | Q4 2025 (Oct – Dec) | Holiday streams paid here |
| Aug 21, 2026 | Q1 2026 (Jan – Mar) | New Year releases paid here |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Q2 2026 (Apr – June) | Summer hits paid here |
Note: If you set up Direct Deposit, funds usually appear on the exact date listed above. If you still receive paper checks, allow an extra 3–5 business days for mail delivery.
Understanding the “Royalty Lag”
A common frustration for new artists is the “Lag.” “I released my song in December, and it got 100k streams! Why didn’t I get paid in February?”
The answer is the 6-Month Lag Rule. It takes roughly 5 to 6 months for BMI to process data from radio stations, venues, and streaming services.
- Example: You release a song in December 2025 (Q4).
- Processing: BMI collects data in January, February, March, and April.
- Payment: You receive the check in May 2026.
The Takeaway: The money you earn today won’t hit your bank account for half a year. Plan your budget accordingly!
Why Was My Check Lower Than Expected?
If you saw a spike in Spotify streams but your BMI check was small, you are likely missing the “Other Half” of your money.
BMI only collects Performance Royalties. They DO NOT collect Mechanical Royalties from streams.
- Performance (BMI): Pays you for the “public broadcast” of the song.
- Mechanical (The MLC): Pays you for the “reproduction” (the click) of the song.
If you do not have a separate Publishing Administrator (like Audiobulb), that Mechanical money is sitting in a separate bank account at The MLC, and BMI will never send it to you.
FAQ: BMI Payments
What is the minimum payout amount?
If you have Direct Deposit, BMI will pay you as soon as you earn $2.00. If you want a Paper Check, BMI will wait until your balance reaches $250.00 before mailing it. (This is why we strongly recommend Direct Deposit!).
Does BMI pay for Spotify streams?
Yes, but only the performance portion. This is a small fraction of the total payout. The mechanical portion is paid separately to publishers.
How do I switch to Direct Deposit?
Log in to your BMI Online Services account. Go to “Payment Profile” or “Direct Deposit” and enter your bank routing and account number. The change usually takes one full quarter to take effect.
Summary
Mark your calendar: February 20, 2026 is your next payday.
If that date comes and your check feels “light” despite high streaming numbers, it’s time to audit your publishing setup. You might be missing your mechanicals.
Your Next Step: While you wait for February, use this time to ensure you are set up to collect all your royalties, not just the ones from BMI. Check out our guide on the difference between BMI and a Publisher here.