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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “I Have 3 Dollars” is a rare card of the Memes World series 71, number 21197 of the collection, and the 125th best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “I Have 3 Dollars” meme mean?
This image captures comedic financial despair. It is used to gently mock luxury items or sympathize with someone who has no money left after impulsive spending. The main emotion is the helplessness of an empty wallet, often associated with an absurd or exaggerated situation where the character admits to having only a paltry sum.
Where does the “I Have 3 Dollars” meme come from?
The scene originates from the *SpongeBob SquarePants* episode "One Krabs’ Trash," aired on February 22, 2002. In this episode, Patrick haggles with Mr. Krabs and ends up spending too much money to buy a plunger. Although Patrick claims to have seven dollars in the dialogue, he visibly holds three bills, which inspired the meme's legend. The earliest known video clip was uploaded to YouTube by Aaron Pietsch on May 22, 2012. The meme format structured itself around an image generator titled "Patrick Star Three Dollars," reported on August 6, 2014. A post from September 15, 2014, already used the image to joke about the cost of an iPhone 6. The exact origin of the very first macro image remains unknown before this date.
- 2002Airing of the "One Krabs’ Trash" episode containing the original scene on Nickelodeon.
- 2012Upload of a video clip of the scene on YouTube by Aaron Pietsch.
- 2014Appearance of a dedicated image generator and confirmed usage of the meme to critique prices.
How to use the “I Have 3 Dollars” meme
- Use this image to comment on a post showing a product with what seems like a prohibitive price.
- Reply to a friend who just made excessive purchases by highlighting their own apparent destitution.
- Illustrate a message explaining that you cannot follow an expensive trend because you are broke.
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The “I Have 3 Dollars” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 21197 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rare |
| Collection | Memes World series 71 |
| Fame | 72/100 · #125 of 300 |
| Recycle value | 10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny) |
How to get the “I Have 3 Dollars” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; I Have 3 Dollars comes out of the Memes World series 71 as a rare card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 10 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “I Have 3 Dollars”
More cards of the Memes World series 71
Frequently asked questions
What does the I Have 3 Dollars meme mean?
This meme expresses poverty or disbelief at high prices. It shows Patrick Star holding three bills to illustrate a lack of money.
Where does the I Have 3 Dollars meme come from?
The scene comes from the "One Krabs’ Trash" episode of SpongeBob SquarePants, aired in 2002. Patrick buys a plunger in this scene.
Why does Patrick say he has 3 dollars?
In the original dialogue, Patrick mentions seven dollars, but he visibly holds three bills. The meme retains the visual number of three.
Who is Aaron Pietsch?
Aaron Pietsch is the user who uploaded the earliest known video of the original scene to YouTube on May 22, 2012.
How do I get the I Have 3 Dollars meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “I Have 3 Dollars” is a rare card of the Memes World series 71. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the I Have 3 Dollars card?
It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Patrick Star, You Are One Smart Shopper | I Have 3 Dollars · I Have 3 Dollars - Patrick Star · knowyourmeme.com › memes › patrick-starPatrick Star - Know Your Meme · checked on October 12, 2026.
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